| When it comes to LCD TVs, Samsung currently | | | | LCD TV models today have refresher rates of 5ms. |
| produce arguably the best and most popular LCD TV | | | | Burn In: Plasma TVs are not well suited for the display |
| models in the market. Panasonic on the other hand, | | | | of static images. After prolonged use of displaying |
| holds the reign when it comes to Plasma TVs. To put | | | | static videos, they are prone to burn-in effects, where |
| it simply, if you are torn between buying a LCD and | | | | it will leave behind permanent video 'residues' on the |
| Plasma HDTV, you will have to choose between and | | | | screen, very much like a permanent shadow on the |
| Samsung and Panasonic model. Here is a quick guide | | | | screen. Newer models today have significantly curbed |
| to help you make your decision. | | | | this problem. LCDs on the other hand, are prone to a |
| Viewing Angle: Both Samsung LCD and Panasonic | | | | similar problem called "retained pixel charge" where a |
| Plasma TVs have similar viewing angles. Plasma TV's | | | | pixel (or a groups of pixels) remains discolored. |
| viewing angle can be as wide as 178 degrees, while | | | | Fortunately, this problem is fixable. |
| LCD TV's are up to 175 degrees. Although both types | | | | Life Span: Most LCD models today last between thirty |
| of TVs have similar viewing angles, the images of | | | | thousand and sixty thousand hours. Plasma TVs take |
| Plasma TVs do not suffer from any degradation of | | | | around the same amount of time to reach 'half life' |
| quality even when viewed from odd angles. LCDs on | | | | (where the display fades to more than half of its |
| the other hand, are best viewed from the front for the | | | | brightness). Recently, Panasonic has announced that its |
| best visuals. | | | | Plasma TVs can last up to 100'000 hours. |
| Refresh Rates: Traditionally, Plasma TVs have lighting | | | | Durability: Plasma TVs are generally heavier and a little |
| speed refresher rates, similar to the rates of CRT | | | | thicker than LCD TVs. Due to its weight; it is best to |
| televisions. LCDs on the other hand have much slower | | | | leave the installation process to the experts, especially |
| refresher rates, but recent technological | | | | if you plan to mount your Plasma on the wall. Plasmas |
| advancements have greatly improved the refresher | | | | are also more fragile, so extra care should be taken |
| rates of LCD TVs. Some high-end (and expensive) | | | | when transporting them. |