What are the Differences between a Plasma TV and a LCD TV?

Have a satellite system and now want a flat panel TV?

So you have gone out and purchased a Dish Network or Direct TV satellite system. When you got home, you realized that although you have a high definition receiver, your TV isn't compatible. You have eyed those flat panel TVs in the store but don't know which one to buy?
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Two of the greatest changes to the world of televisions are the plasma TV and the LCD TV. Both offer slim and sleek designs and enable unique placement, such as above a fireplace or mounting on a wall. Gone are the days of the bulky CRT (cathode ray tube) televisions or rear projection; long live the flat panel!
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So how does a plasma television work?

First introduced in 1964, improvements in processing and manufacturing have made the plasma television one of the best. Differing from other television technology, such as LCD and CRT, the image is created by combining all three colors within each pixel. The signal is sent by a charge through the electrodes sandwiched between two glass panels. This changes the state of the plasma gas inside and makes the red, green and blue phosphors glow, creating light on the picture screen.
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You can buy plasma televisions in either Extended Definition (ED) or High Definition (HD) resolutions. ED panels can input full HD content 1080i (interlaced) but output 500p (progressive) resolution. If you are planning to use the plasma with primarily high definition and/or with a computer, consider the HD model. If you are using it mostly with DVD, regular satellite, or cable, you will find the ED model looks great. A good ED model will outperform a poor HD plasma television, so choose a good manufacturer.
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So how does a LCD television work?

The LCD television creates a picture by using a system called Twisted Nematic (TM). It is a naturally twisted crystalline structure that reacts to electric currents in predictable manners. These electric currents cause the crystal to untwist to different degrees based on the voltage given. These TM crystals are stuck between panes of polarized glass and the untwisting allows varied amounts of light to pass through.
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If you are looking for a flat panel television, here are the guidelines. Below 32 inches, buy a LCD, above buy a plasma. LCD panels are available in larger sizes but the cost and quality of image will make a plasma more attractive.

Plasma televisions are better able to display fast movement without any trailing. As wel, plasma televisions have a much greater contrast ratio than LCD televisions. Panasonic lists their plasma televisions at 3000:1, while the best LCD tends to be only 1000:1 contrast ratio. The plasma television has a greater angle of view and better color saturation too.
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One area where the LCD television has an advantage over plasma is in screen integrity. You need to be careful with potential burn-in on plasma, but not on the LCD TV.

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LCD TV or Plasma TV? 5 Tips to Help You Get the Best Buy

TV technology is moving incredibly fast and the pace is hottest with LCD and Plasma TVs. Last year's models will be outperformed by the new season's products for sure.

Even better LCD and Plasma TVs are getting slimmer, more elegant and 'room friendly' all the time. The beauty of flat panel TVs is that they take relatively little space, look great and make for a great home theater system.
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Until recently, a Plasma was the only sensible large, flat panel TV choice, but LCD TVs are now available all the way up to 50 inch sizes. At that size they are more expensive than an equivalent size Plasma TVs, but the gap is closing fast. For smaller sizes up to 32 inches, an LCD TV is the most common flat screen TV choice.
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Buyers Tip No 1. Make sure you know the size you want and that it fits in your room. Measure up the space where your LCD and Plasma TVs will go - on top of a cabinet or hanging on a wall. The reason for this step? When you get to the mall and see the largest screen you're going to go "Wow I want that!"
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Buyers Tip No 2. Know your budget and stick to it. No doubt about it, LCD and Plasma TVs are sexy, especially when you see one showing one of your favorite movies. This means it's very easy to get carried away, spend too much and end up regretting your purchase as you pay it off, when you should be enjoying your new Plasma or LCD TV.
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Buyers Tip No 3. Be patient and shop around - time is on your side. Because the technology is evolving so quickly, prices drop noticeably every month and the products are getting better. Wait a little longer and the price for the Plasma or LCD TV you want will drop into your budget range.
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Buyers Tip No 4. Write down the features you want in a checklist. For example High Definition TV (HDTV) is now common, so you'll probably want that. Many Plasmas and almost all LCD TVs are now High Definition ready. List your key features in a table format and use it to compare and check off the features of each model on your shopping list.
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Buyers Tip No 5. At the end of the day, just trust your own eyes (and ears). After you've set your budget, worked out what size and features you want and compared the TVs in your price range, how do you make your choice? The answer is simple - buy the LCD or Plasma TV that you like the best. The best picture (and best sound) at the end of the day is the one you like best.

Good shopping.

Chris Galloway is a home video and audio enthusiast and contributing author for LCD TV Center and Plasma TV Reviews.