LCDs, Plasmas, HDTVs, 1080p, 720p…What does all this marketing non-sense even mean anyway? Buying a television used to be much simpler—as easy as going to an electronics store and looking for one that fits your budget—since all the televisions were basically the same, except for the size of course. Nowadays there’s such a diverse market of display technologies which only confuse the non-geek consumers. Just to name a few: Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), Plasma Display Panel (PDP), Digital Light Processing (DLP), and the emerging Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED).

In a way, yes, all the display technologies mentioned above are capable of reproducing vibrant, high resolution, color motion pictures at a dazzling clarity. But what sets them apart is the way the picture is produced in each of them; they all use a completely different kind of display technology. The consumer should be aware for several reasons, but mainly because High Definition Televisions (HDTV) aren’t cheap, therefore if you’re going to spend hard earned money on something, then you’d better know if you are buying what you want; the display technologies do have differences, and you need to determine which type is right for you.

Among all the display technologies, there are two which are more widely known and used, LCD and Plasmas. These two display technologies have been compared for years, mainly because of the fact that they are so similar in external appearance—most people wouldn’t be able to distinguish between a LCD and Plasma display in a side by side comparison. Both LCD and Plasmas are flat-panel, meaning they are thin enough to be mounted on the wall. Both can be manufactured in various sizes ranging from 36 inches to 60 inches or more. LCDs can be produced with a very small size, which make it ideal for laptops monitors and cell phones.

 The other display technologies—given their smaller market share—won’t be discussed much in this hub, but they are still worth looking into since all display technologies have their own advantages and disadvantages.

 What do I need to know when buying a HDTV?

When it comes time to buy, a consumer needs to know what technology is right for them, but more importantly they need to know about the differences in High Definition marketing. First, you must know the different marketing terms for the type of resolution of a certain display, since many different technologies can be sold with different types of High Definition resolution. You may want to visit this hub to learn about the differences between 720p and 1080p.

Plasmas produce an image by electrically turning a gas contained in cells into plasma which then excites phosphors to emit light. Plasma displays’ phosphor coating creates lifelike color with very high contrast, even more so than LCDs, although LCD technology has progressed greatly recently and some higher-end models offer even more contrast than some Plasmas. Plasmas have better and deeper black level performance than LCDs, and have wider viewing angles. Viewers usually describe plasma's picture quality as richer and more "cinematic," so it's a great choice for a home theater.

Plasma Displays are best for viewing movies in the dark, given their high contrast, and fast motion such as sports, since they have a higher response rate than LCDs. Also you never need to change any blubs with plasmas. However, they are susceptible to “burn-in” which happens when a static image stays on the screen for too long, also the screen tends to reflect room lights.

LCDs use a technology called TFT (thin film transistor) or “active matrix” to produce a sharp color image. It works by an electronically controlled optical mechanism that is formed into a thin panel which is composed up a number of color or monochrome pixels which are filled with liquid crystals and arranged directly in front of a source of light. Newer and more expensive models LCDs have an LED back-lit display.LCDs are better for gaming than plasmas since LCD’s aren’t susceptible to “burn-in”. LCDs perform extremely well with static images, such as when it is connected to a computer, so it would be perfect to be doubled as a computer monitor and gaming display.

LCDs are usually slightly lighter in weight than plasmas and typically use less energy.On the other hand, LCDs don’t have as much contrast as top plasmas, but LCDs are better at resisting glare from sunlight or room lights, and they're much brighter even than plasmas. The Image however, fades when viewed from extreme angles. Durability is about the same as plasma.  

If you're looking to buy a TV under 40", then LCD is your only choice among the two. LCD looks great in a kitchen or any other room with bright lighting. LCD is also one of the most rugged types of display: its not susceptible to "burn-in" like plasma. Therefore, if you leave your TV on for hours at a time tuned to a news or sports channel with a scrolling ticker, or play games for hours with an static HUD, the LCD would be a better choice for you. 

A Plasma TV is better for you if:

You want really rich, warm colors and deep blacks. You'll be sitting off-axis when you watch TV or movies. You don't watch a lot of TV shows or play lots of video games with static images on the screen for more than a few hours at a time. Your viewing room doesn't have a lot of ambient light, or you can easily reduce the light by closing the blinds.

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A LCD TV is a better choice for you if:  

You watch a lot of TV shows or play lots of video games with static images on the screen for long hours at a time, or play several times a days a week. The room where you plan to place the TV is relatively bright, or you do a lot of daytime viewing. LCD TVs are usually more energy efficient than plasma models of the same size, so if your worried about energy consumption, then LCD might be a better choice.