| Invariably in your search for a flat panel TV you will be | | | | sure to read the specifications if in doubt. |
| faced with the decision of LCD or plasma. There's a | | | | 7. Lighter - LCD televisions are lighter- this may be |
| lot of good information on the web, however the | | | | important depending upon where you are considering |
| technology is dynamic. Manufacturers scramble | | | | mounting the television, and of less importance, shipping. |
| toclose disadvantages and win market space. Your | | | | 8. Smaller sizes available under 32” - LCDs are |
| final decision on your new TV should be based upon | | | | getting bigger, and plasmas are getting smaller, but right |
| your own eyes- go to the store and look at the LCD | | | | now if you're looking for a good HD TV under 32', it will |
| widescreen, and then look at the plasma TV next to it | | | | be a LCD. |
| andchoose what you like best. There are advantages | | | | 9. Performance at higher altitudes - Due to a pressure |
| to each type of TV- here are the top ten for LCDs. | | | | differential in the plasma gases inside a plasma display |
| 1. No burn in - Static images can leave permanent | | | | and outside it, plasma TVs have to use a bit more |
| ghost images in a plasma tv. Plasma manufacturers | | | | power to display a picture at altitudes above |
| have developed some anti-burn in technology, be sure | | | | 6,000 feet or so. This differential results in a buzzing |
| to check it's there before you pick a plasma over LCD. | | | | sound due to higher power required to render the |
| 2. Brighter - LCD TVs perform better in bright | | | | picture, and sometimes the TV's fan will kick on. If you |
| environments than their plasma cousins. If you have a | | | | live at a higher altitude be sure toconsider a LCD |
| well lit room, add a point for LCD. | | | | television, or make sure that your plasma has been |
| 3. Less glare - Hand in hand with a brighter picture, less | | | | specially built to handle the altitude. |
| glare means a better picture in the living room with | | | | 10. Price - Prices are dynamic, but as LCDs get bigger |
| picture windows. | | | | and make inroads on the plasma market, there are |
| 4. Runs cooler - If you have two televisions of equal | | | | some bargains to be had where competition is at its |
| size- say a 42 LCD and 42' plasma TV, the LCD will | | | | highest (say around 42'); and you can find LCDsthat |
| run cooler. There's some debate, but generally | | | | are less expensive than plasma. |
| speaking cooler is better for electronic components. | | | | You should also consider how your new TV will be |
| 5. Less power- Watt for watt you will use less | | | | used- there are certain disadvantages to LCD when it |
| electricity with a LCD TV. It will probably only be a | | | | comes to blurring fast motion (read the specifications |
| couple of dollars per month, but if you're ecology | | | | -- manufacturers are improving), viewing angle |
| minded it's a point to remember. | | | | (also improving- but if you have a group that regularly |
| 6. Long display life - 60,000 hours - LCDs will typically | | | | watches TV be sure to form a semi circle around the |
| at least a decade- possibly quite more depending upon | | | | TV in the store and check it). A LCD TV makes a |
| your use. Plasmas have made some strides, but be | | | | great alternative to plasma. |