Visit any retailer and you”re assaulted with acronyms and descriptions –LCD, Plasma, LED, front-projection, rear-projection. And we”re not even talking about features yet; we”re just talking basic TV types.

We’ve come a long way in entertainment technology.

In this post we”ll compare plasma and LCD TV sets to help narrow your search for the perfect set (Click if you’d like to learn about projection TVs).

Plasma

• They”re available smaller and larger, but the most common plasmas are between 42-65 inches.
• You get a great view from anywhere in the room.
• Plasma sets are thin, from 1-3 inches deep.
• These TVs work best in dark rooms, so you want a dedicated media room or room darkening abilities.
• Plasma screens are fantastic for watching action and sports.
• They offer high-quality color contrast, making for very sharp pictures.
• Plasma TVs used to be considered energy hogs, but the newest sets are nearly as efficient as LCDs.

LCD

• These sets are typically 15-60 inches, but larger sizes are available.
• The viewing range isn”t as wide as plasma. It”s best if you”re almost directly in front of the screen.
• The average depth of an LCD is 2-3”, but new models are even thinner.
• LCDs used to be a pricey option, but costs are coming down and are now comparable to plasma sets.
• Burn-in of images isn”t the issue it used to be, but overall LCDs have a lower risk of burn-in than plasma sets. LCD sets provide a great picture in well lit rooms, making them a good option for the main areas of a home.
• LCDs are energy efficient.

There”s a new sub-set of LCDs worth mentioning here, as well: LED-backlit LCDs.

LED-backlit LCD

• This type of TV uses LED instead of cold cathode (CCFL) back lighting, like your standard LCD screen.
• It works well in all lighting.
• The color contrast and quality is comparable to plasma screens.
• LED-backlit sets are very thin.
• They are even more energy efficient that standard LED”s, and cooler (temp-wise, that is), too.

All three of these TVs are good choices & will provide you with excellent viewing. Still not sure which one is for you? First, consider your space and lighting, then decide what kind of TV watching you”ll be doing most often. Do you plan on having large viewing parties with people sitting in all areas of the room? Consider a plasma set or an LED-backlit set. Will you be watching in the family room? An LED might be for you.

Once you”ve decided these things, you”re just one purchase away from your next movie night. Enjoy!

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