THE CONVERSION

The exact date that analog television broadcasting will cease is somewhat ambiguous, even to the authorities making the decision. However, one thing is certain, the switch from traditional analog transmission to all-digital broadcasting will happen in 2009 in North American, and sometime within the next three years in other countries around the world. What this means, for you the consumer, is if you are currently using an analog television you will have to purchase a digital-to-analog converter box in order to receive the digital signal, or buy a flat-screen television. Before you set out to purchase that new flat panel set do your homework. Read about the different types of televisions on the market; ask family, friends, and co-workers who own flat-panel televisions about the performances of their sets.

Both the plasma display panel (PDP or plasma) and the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) televisions have advantages and disadvantages. Like any consumer product, the different customers' requirements will determine the specifications sought. The plasma and LCD utilizes different technologies, but the results they deliver are basically the same. The technology is rapidly advancing with most gismos and gadgets on the market; likewise, the gap in the capabilities of the plasma and LCD televisions is narrowing as the technologies in the manufacturing of them are improving. In fact, the changes in television technology are so proliferate, articles written on the subject as little as a year ago contain information that is no longer relevant at the time of the writing of this article.

It is incorrect to assume that one 42-inch television is a better bargain when compared to another more costly 42-inch television. Different manufacturers produce different quality products, so even if a televisions cost less that does not mean it is the better deal, it may be that it is of a lower grade.

PLASMA TELEVISIONS

One of the most sought after features offered in the plasma televisions is the precision motions tracking. This is one of the primary reasons for choosing plasma over LCD for people who are interested in fast action shows such as sports and drama. The plasma televisions also offer more accuracy in color, especially in the rendering of deep black. The contrast ratio is superior in the plasma panels in comparison to the LCD of equivalent size.

On the down side, the plasma televisions are heavier and more delicate, than the LCD televisions. This

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