LCD Trumps Plasma In Flat Panel Battle?

Answer 1

Many people are making the jump to the flat-panel HDTV. This is a big move, considering these HDTVs are quite the investment. However, there is a choice everyone has to make when selecting their first flat-panel TV, LCD or Plasma.

The plasma screens were all the rage when the flat panel was first introduced. Everyone wanted to have the largest plasma screen they could, and for good reason. Plasma screens traditionally provide a very high quality picture that can be seen from every angle, unlike traditional big screen TVs.

Recently, though, the LCD screen has really started to take off. While some argue that the plasma screen still carries a better picture due to the ‘black levels’ it shows, many people disagree, claiming that the LCD screens produce just as good, if not better images than plasmas.

The biggest argument made for the LCD screen, however, is that it is better against what’s come to be known as ‘burn in.’ Burn in can occur on a plasma screen for those that play a lot of video games or watch a lot of sports with a score banner in the same place. What happens sometimes is that score banner or maps or other visual features for certain games can get burnt into the screen, and can be seen while trying to watch TV.

Plasmas have come a long way, though, and have largely corrected this issue. So, most people in the electronics industry would argue that a plasma TV will be better for your money. Don’t count out the LCD screen, though, because it’s really growing in popularity, and rightfully so. With LED backlighting, LCD screens have noticeably better contrast, making them just as solid as their plasma counterparts.

Either way, purchasing a flat-panel TV is going to cost a little bit of money, so make sure you’re prepared to spend when you head to the store. While you can find smaller-models for as little as $500, most of the flat- panel TVs are going to run you $1,000 or more.