Going out to buy a new HDTV may eb fun and exciting. Until you are stumped by the basic question of , what shall it be? Plasma or LCD. Most sales persons who are supposed to guide you ; only focus on what the shop manager has told them - basically to get rid of stocks of whichever brand or type of TV that is blocking up display space. It doesnt help that by pushing on sales of such tellies onto the unsuspecting consumer (read as you) gets them a bigger commission.

In such a scenario it becomes extremely important that you know a few basics before you embark upon this living room changing journey. It used to be that Plasmas had a lot of troubles as compared to LCDs. However the life of Plasma screens is no longer a problem.

Technology has progressed sufficiently so as to allow Plasma displays to enjoy as long a life as a LCD. True LCDs are more expensive than their Plasma counterparts but its also true that they consume less energy and are lighter in weight. The energy argument is what should be the deal clincher.

Plasmas and LCds may look the same but there is one additional difference that makes LCDs the clear winners. Plasmas are much more glossier and often cause distracting reflections of lights and windows in the room. While sony has now stopped making Plasmas completely and focusses only on LCDs, Samsung and Panasonic still make both kinds.

There are still a few things where Plasma leads over LCDs such as displaying black color (which means a better picture quality) ; but these differences are quickly being eradicated by technological strides being made in LCDs.

I would also recommend as compulsary reading the following CNET link, which helps immensely in clearing up misconceptions and would help you to know exactly who leads where.

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