Leon Drell asked:


A new television is high on everyone’s wish list. Who wouldn’t love a brand new fifty-inch flat screen TV hanging on their living room wall? The makers of televisions are taking advantage of ever-changing technology by creating scientific marvels that can produce clear pictures and lifelike colors in just a few inches of depth. But all of this technology means that buying a TV is harder than ever. These days, the battle between LCD and plasma is on, and choosing sides can be hard. Which one should you purchase?

Why buy a plasma TV?

Plasma TV’s have a wide viewing angle. This means that the person sitting to the side of the television can enjoy the same picture quality as the person sitting in front of the television. With an LCD, the picture quality diminishes if viewed from an angle. If you plan on mounting your TV high on a wall or above a fireplace, a plasma is your best bet, since the picture will remain clear when viewed from the ground. Plasma TV’s are known for having high contrast and deep black levels. This is most evident in nighttime scenes in movies and shows; the colors appear lifelike and every detail shows, even in dark scenes. Plasma TV’s are also less expensive than LCD’s. When the price per inch is compared, plasma TV’s are a budget’s best friend.

Why buy an LCD?

If you are looking to reduce your monthly electricity bills, you will want to purchase an LCD TV. The savings are minimal – often just a few dollars a month – but will add up over the lifetime of the television. And since an LCD TV uses less electricity, it is the greener option. You might also want to purchase an LCD if someone in your family is an avid video gamer. Video games often feature static images, like the score box or the countdown timer, that do not move. With a plasma TV, these static images can burn into the screen; this burn-in is not a problem with an LCD. You also need to consider the level of light in the room. LCD’s are well suited to bright rooms. The screen is less reflective than a plasma, and as such will not show the reflections of windows or lights. Also, LCD’s have a brighter picture; under the harsh glow of daylight or lamplight, viewers will still see a clear and bright picture on the screen.

In a battle between plasma and LCD, there is no clear winner. You should buy whichever television best suits your needs. But before purchasing a TV, you need to remember some key rules. First, match the size of the television to the size of the room; contrary to popular belief, the television should not be larger than the room itself. Second, shop around. Prices for both plasma and LCD TV’s are coming down by the day, so you might find a bargain if you do a little comparison shopping. And third, if you are technically challenged, hire someone to install the electrical components for you. This way, you can sit back and enjoy your favorite show with all of your fingers intact.

Bruce Lipski asked:


Are you ready to buy your very first LCD flat screen TV? LCD flat screen TVs are becoming more and more popular and they have recently had dramatic price drops. If you are in the market for a new flat screen TV, then you have many choices before you.

The plasma screen was one of the most exciting consumer electronics products to hit the market in the last 10 years. Now however, the LCD flat screen TV’s are catching on for many reasons. Plasma screens tend to use more electricity, and are heavier which makes wall mounting more difficult. Another drawback with plasma is that the screens are a bit ‘softer’ and are more easily scratched. When Plasma flat screen TV’s were first produced, their life expectancy was around 20,000 hours but now with the newer generations of plasma screens, their life span is closer to 50-60,000 hours.

Advantages of a LCD flat screen TV is that it is not susceptible to burn-in and usually is less expensive than plasma televisions. Because of the nature of LCD technology, there is no radiation emitted from the screen itself. It is also lighter weight than the plasma counterpart and thus easier to hang.

Plasma screens, in general, handle faster moving images better than LCD’s. Plasma and LCD screens may look similar, but that is really where their similarities end. Some LCD do not have the level of color accuracy as plasma displays. Historically plasma screens had better viewing angles than LCD. You would tend to see color variations with side viewing of the LCD’s, while the Plasma screen colors remained more solid.

Prices vary from company to company, so it is smart to shop around. There are many makes, models, sizes and prices associated with the LCD flat display. The prices of the TVs will vary, depending on the size, manufacturer, model and merchant. The name brands are going to be substantially more expensive than the non name brands.

Once you get that LCD flat screen TV up on your wall, you will surely have no buyer’s remorse. They are totally cool and in no time your entire family will be enjoying movies and games in crisp, vivid, full HD splendor on your LCD flat screen TV and have forgotten they ever had another kind.

Ike Ridley asked:


So you just bought a flat screen TV and no one told you anything about care and cleaning?

“What do you mean, care and cleaning?” some will say. “I grew up with a TV in the house, didn’t I? Everybody knows how to take care of a TV . . . right? You just dust it off every couple of months and don’t let the kids chew on the power cord. . . right?”

Well-l-l-l, there’s a little more to it than that when you own a Plasma, DLP or LCD flat screen TV. Some of it is common sense, but a lot what you need to know is unique to caring for the new television technology.

Special care must be taken when handling a flat screen TV, especially when touching or cleaning the display screen. Thin sheets of glass hold the Plasma cells on a flat screen TV, if they crack, the screen is ruined and cannot be repaired!

(If you’re not familiar with the differences between Plasma, LCD or DLP TVs, you should Google the "123 Guide To Plasma TV.com")

Bottom line: you need to know what you’re doing if you want to protect your expensive new TV from damage. You’re in luck . . . I’m about to tell you!

1) Avoid Touching The Screen!

Handle the TV only by the sides and bottom. Do your best not to touch the screen; don’t rub, scrub, tap, hit or touch it, since this could scratch, mar or permanently damage the screen. I actually want to encourage you not to touch the screen with your bare hands. (Good luck keeping the kids away from it!)

2) Keep Your Plasma TV Upright!

Whether you’re moving it, installing it, storing or displaying it, you should never lay your Plasma flat on it’s face, even if the directions tell you to. The plasma elements that make up the picture are sandwiched between two thin layers of glass. If these glass panels crack, your TV screen will be ruined. Large LCD and DLP display screens can be just as delicate.

3) Clean Your Flat Screen TV Correctly!

Even routine cleaning can present special challenges. You shouldn’t use dust cloths, chemical cleansers, soaps, sprays, alcohol or aerosols. Please don’t rub the screen, just dust it gently with absorbent cotton or chamois only. Clean the frame with a slightly moist sponge or cloth, don’t use chemicals or soaps. It’s best to unplug the TV before you begin cleaning.

4) Buy A Good Surge Protector!

Spring for a quality surge protector with a reset button and power switch. A phone line or ethernet surge protector for your modem and a coax surge protector for cable TV are great features to look for. If you can’t find these features on a power surge protector you can order them separately. A basic surge protector costs less than $10, and a really good one costs $30 – $50. There’s no excuse for not connecting every major appliance in your house to one. One lightning strike, one power surge and your $2,500 flat screen TV could be fried!

5) Don’t Let Your Big Screen TV Tip Over!

Most table stands are well designed, but be aware! When your teenager tries to imitate Kobe’s fantastic slam dunk or your toddler jumps up to slap Sponge Bob on the head, you don’t want a 150-pound big screen TV toppling over on them. Make sure your TV stand is sturdy, that it’s large enough to hold your TV (6-inches wider than the base) and is positioned against a wall, away from doorways and foot traffic.

6) Make Sure Your Wall Mount Is Properly Installed!

A correctly installed wall mount has little chance of allowing your TV to tip over; just one more reason to get a professional installation. If Harry Handyman from next door installs your Plasma and the mount comes off the wall, you could be facing substantial damage or injury. If you don’t know how to run wiring inside your wall, get a pro to do it.

7) Avoid Screen Burn-In!

Plasma displays have improved recently, but screen burn-in is still possible. Static images that don’t move or change, like video game scores, TV station logos, stock ticker displays and computer programs can burn images permanently into a Plasma screen. It may take weeks, months or years for the damage to become permanent, but it certainly can. LCD and DLP TVs cannot suffer burn-in.

With proper care, your big screen TV will give your family decades of brilliant service and lasting memories. Just tune in to Entourage and enjoy!

It’s as easy as 1 2 3!

Tim Weems asked:


You want a flat screen TV that’s HD ready and you have heard about Lcd and Plasma TV.

But which is better, LCD or Plasma?

What is the difference?

Your requirements will actually help you make the decision.

What Screen Size do you require? Where are you going to put your TV?

LCD (liquid crystal display) – LCD TVs are becoming the most popular technology. They have many advantages such as low power consumption, ability to display the highest resolutions (1080p), LCDs are flat, many are wall mountable. The disadvantage of an LCD is that their ability to show contrast is less than some other technologies like plasma. LCDs in the past were also slower to refresh (not so with the current models). These disadvantages are quickly disappearing. Today’s LCD HDTVs have greatly improved on contrast and refresh speed. The latest LCD technology is 120hz. Most LCDs are silent with no moving parts or fans. LCD’s are brighter than Plasma HDTVs and so are better suited in well lit rooms during the day than plasmas.

Plasma displays are very popular as well. They have higher contrast than LCDs (although that gap is closing), and can display HDTV with stunning clarity. Plasma sets also display fast action (sports, action movies) better. The disadvantages of plasma are that they take more electricity than LCDs, and can generate more heat. Many have built in fans. Plasma screens are susceptible to screen burn-in (new models compensate with various screen-saving methods). Heavier than LCDs.

Some HDTV’s displays have a more limited viewing angle than others. They lose contrast and become hard to read at some viewing angles and they have more contrast and are easier to read at others. Generally the higher the viewing angle, the better. This is especially important when a group of people are watching an HDTV at the same time. Modern High Definition TVs have much better viewing angles, and it is not as big an issue as it was in the past.

You could count on at least 20 years for an LCD TV screen life, and a Good 10 years for the Plasma screen life.

When purchasing an HDTV you will see familiar top level brands such as Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, Toshiba, Pioneer, etc. Then you will see 2nd tier brands that sell at substantial discounts to the top brands. We recommend only top tier brands for several reasons. One is that many of these 2nd tier brands offer poor servicing should something go wrong. Some charge you the freight to either ship the TV to them or back after repair. One brand we saw offers no parts after the one year warranty is up, so in effect it is a throwaway TV. Higher end TVs have better video processors for upconverting and reducing digital noise. For these reasons we believe that top tier brands are the best way to go even though there is a higher initial cost.

I also know where the LG 42″ LCD TV is sold, for $1029.00 and here is the description…

LG Electronics is one of the world’s largest electronics manufacturers, producing a large range of consumer electronics and IT products. LG has created reputation for progressive technology and innovation with the latest technological developments in consumer electronics, home appliances and IT products.PRODUCT FEATURES:1366 x 768p Resolution;ATSC/NTSC/QAM Clear Tuner;XD Engine;178? True Wide Viewing Angle;Super IPS Technology;SRS TruSurround XT;LG SimpLink;2 HDMI with HDCP.

Prices, inventory, and product information are provided by the merchants and may include any promotional discounts that are not available to all customers. We assume no responsibility for accuracy of price information provided by merchants, but please alert us to any pricing discrepancies so we can notify the merchant. Additionally, sales taxes and shipping costs are not included in listed prices, so please check with the merchant for total costs.

Product specifications and information are obtained from third parties, and while we make every effort to assure the accuracy of product information, we do not assume any liability for inaccuracies. Product reviews are written and submitted by online shoppers to assist you as you shop. They do not reflect our opinions. We take no responsibility for the content of ratings and reviews submitted by users.

Good Luck to all that you do or try in this life, and Thanks for your attention.

All rights reserved. Article may be reprinted as long as content remains intact and unchanged and the links remain active.

Marc Crohn asked:


When you are thinking about which Television to buy, you need to carefully consider size and location, especially if your options are a Plasma TV, LCD flat screen TV or a rear projection TV. Flat screen TV technologies are limited by screen size. You can get LCD TVs in a variety of sizes ranging right from tiny to the very large. Plasma TVs are best viewed starting from 37 inches. The HDTV screens tend to be a lot wider than their height, appearing rectangular. Because of this, the space requirement varies from TV to TV. The specialty of flat screen TVs is that they can also be wall mounted or placed on stands, making them a space saving unit.

Room Size
A 30 to 40 inch HDTV might be suitable for a small room particularly if you plan to place it in an entertainment unit or against a narrow wall. But for a big room where you have sufficient wall area, a rear projection TV of a larger size will look good. For those who plan to go in for the home theater system, front projections TVs are a good choice. After you’ve decided where you will place your TV, you need to consider how far you will sit from your TV screen when you watch it. If there is enough distance, a large screen TV is fine. But if viewing distance is very limited, and you opt for HDTV, bigger need not mean greater picture clarity. You cannot view a small screen from too far off or a huge screen from very near.

Viewing Distance, Angle And Lighting
The best way to figure out the ideal distance to maintain between you and your screen is to divide the screen size by 5. Seat yourself so that you are looking directly at the middle of the screen. While considering performance of TVs, the angle at which you view them matters a lot. With plasma TVs, which have a 160-degree wide viewing angle, you can put them anywhere in your room. The viewing angle for LCD TVs is lesser at 120 degrees; while rear projection TVs are at 90-100 degrees. So if you are not sitting directly opposite the TV the lesser the viewing angle, the less satisfying the picture quality. Bright lights are suitable for plasma and LCD TVs but for projection TVs you must have little or no light.

Picture Quality
A perception of picture quality can vary from person to person, and TV to TV. It depends on how the TV is constructed and the internal processing method. The TV must have good black levels since these produce better details. CRT TVs are capable of better black levels. Digital TVs like plasma, LCD and DLP produce black that looks more like dark gray. When the picture shows good contrast, the impact is much more. Incidentally, there’s something called “burn in” that happens in Plasma TVs that ends up showing ghostly images on the screen, especially when you are watching a favorite sports channel or happen to be enjoying video games.

Thus, viewing criteria and location are important considerations when you shop for your flat TV.

David Tanguay asked:


Each type of technology used in making flat screen TV’s is different and carries its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Learning and recognizing those qualities will enable you to make the best choice possible when shopping for you new Plasma, LCD or DLP TV screen.

Plasma TV screens have an advantage of automatic pixel shift technology, which gives the plasma screen a resistance to being damaged by burn in. Of course, the best prevention for decreasing burn in onto your TV screen is not to allow an image to sit on the screen for any length of time.

Plasma TV’s are able to create deeper blacks and even better contrast. Plasma also has the advantages of response time, in depth color and is available in larger screen sizes than any other current technology. In plasma TV screens, the size usually starts at 42 inches and upwards. However, a plasma TV does generate more heat and is more prone to display dysfunctional problems due to its change in temperature.

Since Plasma TV’s are temperature sensitive, some of them suffer performance problems at high altitudes. Although some manufactures produce plasma TV’s that are compatible with high altitudes, but they are more expensive that standard made plasma TV’s.

The average screen size of plasma TV’s vary from 32 inches to 63 inches, with a 160-degree angle of viewing. Plasma TV’s are able to display rapid movement of a video and refresh as well as traditional TV’s. Being heavier in weight a plasma TV may require the strong support of a weight-bearing wall while being mounted.

LCD has the advantage of not being inclined to respond negatively to high altitudes, although LCD technology has yet to produce a screen size of over 37 inches due to problems with bad transistors that distort a quality picture. It is possible to use LCD TV screens as computer monitors, as they normally do not suffer burn in, though a ghosting of images may appear on screen due to a pixel charge being retained on the viewing screen. However, LCD TV is also prone to have problems displaying programming from satellite and cable signals.

LCD TV’s have a lower contrast ratio that does not produce deep blacks. When their individual pixels burn out, the screen will be marred with tiny missing areas of white and black. Individual pixels cannot be replaced; therefore, the whole screen will need to be replaced. LCD TV’s are also less expensive and lightweight which makes for easier transport and installation. Many new LCD TV owners install their on sets easily thereby saving even more money relating to purchase of a new TV. LCD TV’s are able to maintain their option levels in well-lit rooms, as they do not reflect much light. LCD TV’s also run cooler than plasma TV’s.

Most consumers are satisfied with the quality of brightness of both plasma and LCD TV’s. As far as thickness of the screens, a plasma screen can be as thin as three inches and an LCD screen can be as thin as two inches. The estimated life span of plasma and LCD TV’s seem to be a length of 15 years and up with normal viewing habits.

DLP TV’s are usually less expensive than LCD or plasma TV’s and they also have the advantage of creating the best quality of picture. DLP TV is also able to HDTV at its fullest resolution. Moreover, they usually do not require maintenance. However, there have been noticeable rainbow effects in the DLP components that employ certain color wheels, as well as DLP having a limit of angle view.

ryan@thesatellitetvguide.com asked:


Plasma TV vs. LCD TV
You know you want to buy a flat-screen TV but you don’t know if a plasma TV or an LCD TV would be your best choice.
This article explains the differences between plasma versus LCD TVs, then shows you how to get the best price for a plasma or LCD TV.
Plasma TV
A plasma TV screen consists of millions of multi-colored gas-filled cells. When electricity passes through the cells they light up and produce a picture.
Plasma TV screens have a much higher resolution than tube TV screens. In fact, the picture is so clear it’s almost like watching a scene through a window.
Screen sizes range from 42″ to 65″ wide and are 3″ to 4″ thick.
LCD TV
LCD (light crystal display) TV screens are made up of a thin layer of liquid crystals sandwiched between two glass plates. When an electricity is sent through the crystals an array of tiny multi-colored pixels light up to create a picture.
LCD TV screens are thinner and lighter than plasma screens. They are the most screens for computers, and are quickly gaining popularity as TV screens.
LCD TV screens are anywhere from 1/4″ to 4″ thick and 2″ to 65″ wide.
Plasma vs. LCD Features
Picture Quality
When it comes to which type of TV screen is sharper and shows more detail, plasma TVs have a slight edge over LCD TVs, though LCD TVs are catching up.
Plasma TVs are also slightly better when it comes to viewing angle – how far you can sit to one side of a TV screen before picture quality is affected.
Screen Life
Screen life is the number of hours a TV provides before the picture begins to fade. Plasma TVs have a screen life of about 30,000 to 60,00 hours, depending on the make and model, while LCD TV’s have a screen life of 60,000 hours or more.
Plasma TVs are also subject to “burn in.” This occurs when a TV displays a still image long enough for a ghost of that image to be burned into the screen. LCD TVs do not have this problem.
HD TV
Both plasma and LCD TVs display HD (high definition) signals for a sharper, more three dimensional picture. LCD TVs, however, have a slightly higher resolution (more screen pixels) then plasma TVs.
Video Games
Plasma and LCD TVs are both great for video gaming, however because of plasma TV’s tendency toward screen burn in, an LCD TV is the better choice if you play a lot of video games.
Portability
LCD TVs are thinner and lighter than plasma TVs, making them easier to move and easier to mount on a wall.
Plasma vs LCD TV prices
When it comes to which type of TV gives you the most bang for the buck, it depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for a large-screen TV – 42″ or larger – plasma TVs are currently cheaper than than similar-sized LCD TVs. When I recently compared prices on 42″ TVs, the cheapest plasma TV was $999, while the cheapest LCD TV was $1,367.
When it comes to mid-size TVs, I couldn’t find plasma TVs smaller than 42.” The cheapest 32″ LCD TV I found was $619, while the cheapest 27″ LCD TV was $550.
Visit the http://TheSatelliteTVGuide.com to get more information, to compare prices, and to get consumer ratings for plasma TVs and LCD Tvs.