| Have a satellite system and now want a flat panel | | | | with a computer, consider the HD model. If you are |
| TV? | | | | using it mostly with DVD, regular satellite, or cable, you |
| So you have gone out and purchased a Dish Network | | | | will find the ED model looks great. A good ED model |
| or Direct TV satellite system. When you got home, | | | | will outperform a poor HD plasma television, so choose |
| you realized that although you have a high definition | | | | a good manufacturer. |
| receiver, your TV isn't compatible. You have eyed | | | | So how does a LCD television work? |
| those flat panel TVs in the store but don't know which | | | | The LCD television creates a picture by using a |
| one to buy? | | | | system called Twisted Nematic (TM). It is a naturally |
| Two of the greatest changes to the world of | | | | twisted crystalline structure that reacts to electric |
| televisions are the plasma TV and the LCD TV. Both | | | | currents in predictable manners. These electric |
| offer slim and sleek designs and enable unique | | | | currents cause the crystal to untwist to different |
| placement, such as above a fireplace or mounting on a | | | | degrees based on the voltage given. These TM |
| wall. Gone are the days of the bulky CRT (cathode | | | | crystals are stuck between panes of polarized glass |
| ray tube) televisions or rear projection; long live the flat | | | | and the untwisting allows varied amounts of light to |
| panel! | | | | pass through. |
| So how does a plasma television work? | | | | If you are looking for a flat panel television, here are |
| First introduced in 1964, improvements in processing | | | | the guidelines. Below 32 inches, buy a LCD, above buy |
| and manufacturing have made the plasma television | | | | a plasma. LCD panels are available in larger sizes but |
| one of the best. Differing from other television | | | | the cost and quality of image will make a plasma more |
| technology, such as LCD and CRT, the image is | | | | attractive. |
| created by combining all three colors within each pixel. | | | | Plasma televisions are better able to display fast |
| The signal is sent by a charge through the electrodes | | | | movement without any trailing. As well, plasma |
| sandwiched between two glass panels. This changes | | | | televisions have a much greater contrast ratio than |
| the state of the plasma gas inside and makes the red, | | | | LCD televisions. Panasonic lists their plasma televisions |
| green and blue phosphors glow, creating light on the | | | | at 3000:1, while the best LCD tends to be only 1000:1 |
| picture screen. | | | | contrast ratio. The plasma television has a greater |
| You can buy plasma televisions in either Extended | | | | angle of view and better color saturation too. |
| Definition (ED) or High Definition (HD) resolutions. ED | | | | One area where the LCD television has an advantage |
| panels can input full HD content 1080i (interlaced) but | | | | over plasma is in screen integrity. You need to be |
| output 500p (progressive) resolution. If you are planning | | | | careful with potential burn-in on plasma, but not on the |
| to use the plasma with primarily high definition and/or | | | | LCD TV. |