If you're looking for a new TV, you're sure to have come across plasma and LCD TVs in your browsing of flat screen TV ratings and new television reviews. But what are the differences, is there a difference in a cheap phillips plasma tv versus a more expensive Sony LCD. (continued below)
42" Philips LCD 1080p

42" Philips LCD 1080p

Price: $775.00
Buy It Now: $900.00
19" Philips LCD with stand

19" Philips LCD with stand

Price: $225.00
Buy It Now: $275.00
 

   The concept is the same. Photos are converted to thousands of little dots known as pixels, which are then flashed many times per second, creating the motion effect. Plasma TVs and LCD TVs primarily differ in the method they use to create their images.

 
   In plasma TVs the pictures are created with little bits of gas superheated with electricity. These plasma pixels actively throw off light and so can be brighter than LCDs, making them better for daytime viewing. And because the pixels can be shut off completely, the blacks are much more black, which makes the contrast of the pictures that much greater.
 
   There are differences between plasma and LCD TVs. In LCD screens, light passes through pixels made up of red, green and blue crystals. As electricity flows through the pixels, they can become opaque. Because light shines through the pixels and they don't light up themselves, they are less likely to burn in, which may happen in plasma screens when the exact same picture is shown on the screen for extended periods of time. However, in modern plasma screens this will takes weeks to months of the same image on the screen for the picture to be burned in.
 
   The resolution is not any different between plasma TVs and LCD TVs. So this means that both can offer the same level of detail. Additionally, they both offer high definition resolutions as well. Typically, the prices for these TVs are comparable. However for either very large screens or very small ones, an LCD tends to be the less expensive choice.
 
   Choosing one over the other is a matter of compromise. If you plan on using the TV partly as a computer screen, it's better to go with an LCD. If you want the brightest picture available for use in a well-lit area, you need a plasma TV. For the biggest screen possible, get the LCD as they can be used to create rear projection TVs with huge screens. For professional video work, either can do the job well.

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