TV Technology for a New Age: Plasma vs. LCD TVs
You're ready! You've been working hard and saving a ton of
money. Now you're ready to buy a brand new Flat Screen TV.
Hopping in the car, you head off to the local electronics
store and just take it all in. There must be a million sets
for you to choose from, but ?come rain or snow or dark of
night' you're leaving with a flat screen TV.
You feel good as the sales rep approaches you.
No pressure.
You tell her that you want a flat screen and would like to
see what they have available. The first question she asks
you is, "Are you looking for an LCD or a Plasma?" Uh?you've
just been defeated. You have no idea what the differences
are or even what questions to ask.
Relax, there is a lot to know, but you don't have to work in
the industry to make an informed decision.
First, let's start on the same page. Both Plasmas and LCDs
are called Flat Screen TVs. Yes, there are larger, thicker
rear projection TVs using LCD technology, but that's NOT
what we're talking about here. We are referring entirely to
the thin TVs that you might be inclined to hang on your
wall.
I won't go into the technology behind the two types, but I
will say that they are so thin because neither uses the old
tubes that you associated with TVs twenty years ago.
Let's take a brief look at the characteristics of both
Plasmas and LCDs. Then we'll compare and contrast. Finally,
I'll try to boil down what situations might need one type or
the other.
Plasma
- Come anywhere from 32"-63" with the 40-44" range being the most popular.
- Measure 4-6" thick regardless of size screen.
- Cost anywhere from $2,000-$20,000 or more.
- Can display high definition (HD), DVD, and standard TV pictures with lots of Brightness and Contrast.
- Weigh as much as 125 pounds and can be difficult to mount on a wall.
- Tend to have problems in high altitudes.
- Use a lot of power and generate a lot of heat.
- Good for viewing in bright rooms.
- Can suffer "burn-in" if the TV image is static for a long time.
- Don't have a track record for repairs or overall hours of use.
- Measure from 14-46" in screen size.
- Thin and light and may be wall mounted.
- Can double as a computer monitor.
- Tends to have a narrow viewing angle. If you're off to the side, the picture may look washed out.
- Last for around 50,000 viewing hours.
- Picture has poor contrast level, so black colors and fast motions are not well shown.
- Can cost $400 for a 13"; $800 for a 17"; $1,200 for a 20"; and $1,600 for a 23"
- Inch for inch, LCDs cost more than Plasmas.
- LCDs don't come in large sizes. Plasmas don't come in small sizes.
- Plasmas can suffer burn-in. LCDs can't.
- LCDs tend to have a poor viewing angle while Plasmas have a wider viewing range.
- Plasmas do better with brightness and contrast.
- LCDs are lighter than Plasmas, inch for inch.
- LCDs can be used as computer monitors. Plasma TVs can't.
- Plasmas are able to support the lower tier digital definition (Enhanced Definition, or ED) better than LCDs. As a result, it may be worth saving money by buying an ED Plasma.
- Plasmas may have problems in high altitudes.
LCDs don't.
- If you need a 14-32" screen, go for an LCD. If you need a 47-63" TV go with a Plasma.
- If cost is your only concern, buy a plasma.
- If a lot of people will be watching the TV at one time, the Plasma's wider viewing angle may be the best bet.
- If you play a lot of video games or do anything that could leave a constant image on your screen for a long time, LCDs are your choice. They don't suffer burn in.
- If you want your TV to double as a computer monitor, go with an LCD. Make sure though, that it has the right computer connections.
Not all LCDs can do double duty.
- If picture quality is your only consideration, go with a Plasma.
- If you watch a lot of sports or action movies, a Plasma may have a better picture for you.
- If you live in a high altitude, the LCD may be better for you.
- If weight is a concern for you, go with the LCD.
- If power consumption is a concern, the LCD is a better purchase.
Regardless, we urge you to take a look at the displays in your local electronics store.
Even if you don't intend to buy the TVs there, you still want to know what to expect when you get the TV home. If you'd like a little more detail and a few specific examples, please feel free to visit: http://www.home-movie-theater-guide.com/big-screen-tvs.html In the mean time here's wishing you success, fun, and happiness in doing that which you love.Copyright 2005 Flamworks, Inc.Scott Foreman Home-Movie-Theater-Guide.commailto:scott@home-movie-theater-guide.comThis article may be reprinted for use in newsletters and websites provided that the information box is kept intact. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required: articles@home-movie-theater-guide.com.
Surround Sounds, Stereos, Sofas, and Screens. A Home Movie Theater takes us to another world. Thrill with the Ultimate in Home Entertainment. Lose Yourself in Movies without ever leaving Home at Scott Foreman's http://www.home-movie-theater-guide.com scott@home-movie-theater-guide.comNetFree Direct, LLC Uses Giveaways To Drive Web Traffic to NetFreeCity, a Free Rewards Site
(ContentDesk) June 20, 2006 -- It was announced today that NetFree Direct, LLC has received thousands of consumer visits during the companys first two weeks of operation for its new rewards site NetFreeCity.com. The site allows consumers to obtain popular gift cards, PlayStation and other game consoles, digital cameras, flat screen TVs, desk top PCs, laptops and mobile phones such as the RAZR and other electronics free of charge by opting into the companys Web site.In 1999, as many of the dot-coms crashed, a new form of consumer marketing was taking hold on the Internet. Web marketers, hungry to drive sales on e-commerce sites, launched affiliate networks that represented leading advertisers such as BMG, Blockbuster, NetFlix, Discover Card and hundreds of others in what is known as "affiliate marketing."As affiliate networks grew, they provided savvy marketers with the opportunity to earn big commissions by generating sales for advertisers through the marketing of free gift sites...
NetFree Direct, LLC Uses Giveaways To Drive Web Traffic to NetFreeCity, a Free Rewards Site
Tvs > NetFree Direct, LLC Uses Giveaways To Drive Web Traffic to NetFreeCity, a Free Rewards Site
CTL Corporation Introduces Reseller Friendly 42" Plasma ED Television
CTL Corporation announced the introduction of its Nexus? Ex4200 Enhanced Definition 42" Plasma Display Television at the 2005 INTERFACE Conference in Portland, Oregon. With a suggested retail price of under $1989, CTL developed the product as part of it's "Channel First" Program, which is designed to allow independent and specialty CTL resellers the opportunity to compete against multi-national discount chain stores with high quality, feature-rich yet profitable products."We saw an opportunity in the 42" ED Plasma space to offer our resellers a product which they can use to differentiate themselves from the discount chains," said Mike Mahanay, CTL's Director of Marketing. "With the Ex4200, our resellers win by selling a better quality product to their customers at a lower price than the discount chains ? all while maintaining a healthy margin." The Nexus? Ex4200 features a 42" Enhanced Definition 16x9 Plasma screen, a 2000:1 contrast ratio and a super bright 1000cd/m2 brightness rating....
CTL Corporation Introduces Reseller Friendly 42" Plasma ED Television
Tvs > CTL Corporation Introduces Reseller Friendly 42" Plasma ED Television
“Pimp My Living Room” Becomes a Reality for Many Americans: Booming Demand For LCD TVs.
(ContentDesk) January 3, 2006 -- 2005 will go down in history as the year of the big screen LCD TV. Large screen
LCD TVs have recently come down in price to be very competitive with large (40 +) plasma TVs.
People who have been searching for the perfect flat panel TV screen can finally get it at a price they want. One thing is for certain: home entertainment will never be the same again: it will be bigger and better.
We've seen the price drop below $1000 for some LCD TVs, Said Michael Crow in a recent interview.
However, some of the really high end LCD TV prices still run in the thousands.
The home theater trend has swept...
“Pimp My Living Room” Becomes a Reality for Many Americans: Booming Demand For LCD TVs.
Tvs > “Pimp My Living Room” Becomes a Reality for Many Americans: Booming Demand For LCD TVs.
Nitespots: Purgatory
The only thing about downtown Dallas' newest multilevel club that might be considered hellish is the fact that you will inevitably get lost. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing -- with fully stocked bars around every corner and dance floors on almost every level, there's always something fabulous happening, no matter where you end up. If Hell (the real one) is as glitzy and glamorous as Purgatory (the club), sign me up for an eternity.The night I visited, the place wasn't entirely finished. The lowest levels were still under construction, but enough had been accomplished that I could see where the design was headed. The top floors were nearly complete, with just a few random fixes needed here and there.Details Purgatory2208 Main St.214-651-8850The nightclub has multiple levels: Hell, Purgatory, Heaven and Upper Heaven.
And just like in theology, the higher up you try to go, the more restricted the access.The bottom level, Hell, is a tiered basement dance club with a balcony overlooking...
Nitespots: Purgatory
Tvs > Nitespots: Purgatory
Is Walking The Best Exercise?
Copyright 2006 Donovan Baldwin
One thing up front.
I personally believe, based on experience and study, that walking has to be one of the finest exercises around.
Whether you are interested in health, fitness, weight loss, or aging, there's not too many things that have such a beneficial effect as walking.
In fact, before we try to humble and belittle walking as an exercise, let's be noble and try to point out some of its good points.
As a general, all-purpose exercise, walking IS one of the best. After all, it can...
>Help improve general health through a multitude of beneficial results
>Improve heart and lung strength, efficiency, and capacity
>Improve the efficiency of the body's immune system
>Reduce stress
>Improve the overall emotional condition
>Increase energy
>Delay some effects of the aging process
>Help maintain muscle...
Tvs > Is Walking The Best Exercise?