| When shopping for a new TV it's important to | | | | of an LCD television, but do these differences really |
| determine which technology is best suited for your | | | | affect you, the viewer? A thinner television doesn't |
| needs. In the world of flat panel televisions, you'll have | | | | always have a superior picture. In fact, plasma displays |
| to choose between a plasma television and an LCD. | | | | are usually brighter and more vibrant. Also, how often |
| Obviously, the technologies behind these units are quite | | | | do you carry your plasma television around? Does its |
| different. Plasma televisions use gases like xenon and | | | | weight and durability really affect your decision? In the |
| argon to create their pictures. LCDs use a layer of | | | | average home, a television remains in the same spot |
| electrically responsive crystals that can be altered to | | | | for years, if not forever. |
| vary the spectrum of light shining through at various | | | | The factors that should affect your purchase relate |
| locations on the screen. How will you know which | | | | more to the picture. Plasma displays have a greater |
| technology to choose? Here are some observations | | | | viewing angle and don't lose as much contrast as you |
| that may help you decide. | | | | move away. A plasma can be viewed clearly from |
| Both LCDs and newer plasma televisions have | | | | almost any location in a room, thanks to their 160 |
| comparable life spans. The LCD is purported to last | | | | degree viewing angle. Also, as you look at larger |
| several years longer, but both units will last for | | | | model televisions (over 40 inches, for example) you'll |
| decades. Also, the picture quality with both of these | | | | see that plasma screens are cheaper and maintain a |
| units is about the same. Some LCDs provide a more | | | | thin profile. LCDs are still being refined in their larger |
| crisp resolution, but on the whole there is little | | | | models. There are functional considerations to be |
| difference. Finally, newer generations of plasma | | | | made as well. Will you be using your plasma screen as |
| televisions have reduced power consumptions | | | | a primary display for your personal computer? If so, |
| comparable to that of LCDs. This previous advantage | | | | you'd profit from an LCD panel that would display a |
| was corrected from the power vacuum | | | | detailed computer images more crisply, and with no |
| first-generation plasma units. | | | | risk of burn-in. |
| LCDs don't have to worry about phosphors and aren't | | | | LCDs have many uses where they are a superior |
| at risk for burn-in. This difference is being corrected | | | | display choice. Different functions and locations may |
| with each new generation of plasma television. LCDs | | | | lead you to purchase an LCD. However, if you're just |
| are also lighter and thinner than comparably sized | | | | looking for a television, then plasma is your best bet. |
| plasma televisions. This is very useful if space if a | | | | Plasma televisions have a list of advantages over |
| premium in your home, though the size difference is | | | | LCDs when it comes to true picture quality, brightness, |
| only a matter of an inch or two in depth. LCDs are | | | | and color. LCDs have their niche uses, but a plasma is |
| also considered much less fragile than their plasma | | | | a superior choice in television. |
| counterparts. These are apparent advantages in favor | | | | |