| Why go flat screen? Flat screen TVs are not just the | | | | both, since the aspect ratio of today's units are at 16:9 |
| trend, they also give you more in terms of viewing | | | | - meaning, images will appear more rectangular. |
| space. Although a 20" flat screen TV may have the | | | | To choose from either type of flat screen TV, |
| same measurements as the more traditional 'curved' | | | | consider the following: |
| screen TV usually found on CRTs, the flat screen | | | | Size. Plasmas tend to come in monster sizes although |
| gives the illusion of extended width and height. If this is | | | | LCDs aren't too bad either. If you prefer size, go for |
| your dream gadget for this year, here are a few tips | | | | plasma. |
| you can use when choosing and buying a flat screen | | | | Resolution and image display. Plasmas show excellent |
| TV: | | | | details and sharpness, especially along the edges of |
| Sometimes, flat screen is just that - flat screen. | | | | the onscreen image. LCDs, on the other hand, allow |
| High-end television units such as plasma TVs, HDTVs | | | | you to view images unchanged even in bright |
| and LCD TVs all feature a flat screen. However, there | | | | conditions. |
| are also lower-priced CRT (cathode ray tube) TVs | | | | Budget. Prices are currently nearly head-to-head, so it's |
| that feature a flat screen but do not have the same | | | | really up to how much your bank account will allow |
| features and capabilities as its more expensive | | | | you to buy. |
| cousins. Don't just think that because it's a flat screen, | | | | Go for picture quality. |
| it's automatically a plasma or an LCD. | | | | Ultimately, a TV is made for viewing. You can't really |
| Thin is a good thing. | | | | appreciate a TV if it doesn't count for much in the |
| They might be banning super-thin models on the | | | | image display department. Regardless of the |
| catwalk but people definitely welcome thin, flat-panel | | | | technology behind it, a flat screen TV isn't worth your |
| TVs with open arms. When buying a flat screen TV, | | | | time, effort and money if it can't deliver a decent |
| look for a unit that is slimmer than the older CRTs. | | | | picture. |
| There are brands such as Philips, for example, that sell | | | | Spend some time with your intended purchase and |
| flat screen TVs that are thinner than usual. They may | | | | examine its performance. Look for differences in |
| not be as thin as sleek plasmas and LCDs but they will | | | | picture delivery, particularly in the areas where blacks |
| do well in your living room or anywhere you intend to | | | | contrast with white or bright colors or when a |
| put them in your home. | | | | high-speed scene is being shown. How well you can |
| Thin flat screen TVs are also easier to move and they | | | | tolerate a flat screen TV's performance in these |
| don't occupy a lot of space. You'll thank yourself later | | | | areas will of course depend on your preference, |
| when it's time to re-locate the unit to a better viewing | | | | patience and budget. |
| area or in case you move to a smaller apartment. | | | | However, it pays to consider the kind of money you'll |
| Plasma or LCD? | | | | be shelling out for the type of viewing pleasure the TV |
| Either one of these flat screen TVs would be a good | | | | will give you. If you're the type who looks forward to |
| choice, depending of course on what you want and | | | | spending hours and hours on end in front of the TV, |
| what you expect. Budget, too, is a factor. Both are thin | | | | then make sure the flat screen TV you choose won't |
| and offer a smooth face, although LCDs tend to be | | | | disappoint. |
| lighter. The cinematic experience is also enhanced with | | | | |