LCD and Plasma TVs
Here is the technology that creates the super-crisp images of modern TVs, particularly on a big scale. There is a subtle difference between the two. Which should you choose?
Flat-panel TVs
Liquid crystal display (LCD) TVs and plasma TVs are both made in the 'flat-panel' format - i.e. they are only a few centimetres thick, and therefore far, far thinner than traditional cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs. Note that flat panel TVs are often loosely referred to as 'flat-screen' TVs, but strictly 'flat-screen' is a term for CRT TVs built without the same curvature as traditional CRT screens.
Liquid crystal display (LCD) TVs
Many people reckon that Liquid crystal display (LCD) TVs are the best on the market. They work in the same way as flat-panel monitors for computers: liquid crystal, sandwiched between glass layers, is activated by an electric current. The picture-quality is good in all screen-sizes, up to about 46".
Plasma TVs
In plasma screens, images are created by thousands of tiny gas cells lined with phosphor. The picture quality is almost as good as that of LCD screens, but plasma TVs go up to larger formats than LCD TVs generally do. So if you want a very large flat-panel TV (44" to 70" and more), plasma may be your answer.
High Definition TV
Most plasma TVs and larger-format LCD TVs are now manufactured as HD-ready. LCD amd plasma TVs with screen-sizes of 26" or more will show the real benefits of High Definition TV (see the separate article on High Definition).
Wall-mounted
The flat-panel format of LCD and plasma TVs makes them suitable candidates for wall-mounting. This gives you the advantages of space-saving, and also a greater choice of where you put your TV, plus the opportunity to alter the traditional way that furniture is oriented towards the TV. Note, however, wall-mounting for the larger TVs requires good brackets, or a specially manufactured mount that can cost up to £150 extra.
Viewing angle
The non-reflective surface of the screen gives LCD TVs a wide viewing angle (over 150°), so people sitting to one side can still get a good view. Plasma TVs can also be viewed from wide angles, but they have a slightly reflective surface - so, for instance, light from windows can be intrusive.
