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 makes transporting or even moving around the house more difficult. The plasma panels use phosphors to generate the images on the screen; phosphors emit heat, and as a result the plasma sets are hotter than the LCD sets.
LCD TELEVISIONS
The number of LCD sets being manufactured greatly exceeds the number of plasma televisions on the market. This has led to speculation that the plasma televisions will soon be obsolete. However, there are those consumers who still believe that plasma panels are superior to the LCD, and even though they are decreasing in numbers, the plasma television is far from becoming a thing of the past.
In the past, the technology for plasma screens had produced superior quality to that of the LCD, especially in the area of color spectrum. However, the advancement in the LCD technology is rapidly closing that gap. The LCD televisions function better at high altitudes than do the plasma sets, and the LCD sets are also lighter in weight. So if you are looking to purchase a flat panel to hang on the wall the LCD is the way to go. The LCD technology produces less panel glare giving it superior functionality in well lit rooms.
The LCD still has some catching-up to do in the areas of motion tracking in comparison to the plasma. The ability to rendered deep blacks and display quality contrast ratio are some features the LCD need improvement. The lighting source that produces the pictures in the LCD uses less electricity than the plasma sets, this results in less heat being emitted and a cooler television.
The issues of burn-in on the LCD panels and burnout on the plasma screens, for the most part, have been resolved by major manufacturers. This resolution has resulted in extended display lifetime of the televisions being sold today.
If you are looking for a true high definition (HD) set, the television display capability of at least 1280 X 720 pixels; any native pixel resolution lower than this will not provide an accurate HD display. If you are planning on downloading television shows to your computer you should check to see if the flat-screen has an onboard turner; if it does not you will have to purchase a separate external TV tuner. Audio/videos (A/V) input/output for the connections of videos devices like the DVDs or camcorders are now standard in both the LCD and plasma, but you should check that the location of the control ports, side or bottom, complements your entertainment setup.
The difference between the Plasma and LCD televisions is a matter of personal preference. For many households the television is a major purchase, for that reason you must get it right. Do not let the salesperson intimidate you into making a purchase before your have thoroughly considered all the options. If the television you choose does not satisfy your needs it will not be a good buy, no matter what the price.