When shopping for a new TV it's important to determine which technology is best suited for your needs. In the world of flat panel televisions, you'll have to choose between a plasma television and an LCD. Obviously, the technologies behind these units are quite different. Plasma televisions use gases like xenon and argon to create their pictures. LCDs use a layer of electrically responsive crystals that can be altered to vary the spectrum of light shining through at various locations on the screen. How will you know which technology to choose? Here are some observations that may help you decide.

Both LCDs and newer plasma televisions have comparable life spans. The LCD is purported to last several years longer, but both units will last for decades. Also, the picture quality with both of these units is about the same. Some LCDs provide a more crisp resolution, but on the whole there is little difference. Finally, newer generations of plasma televisions have reduced power consumptions comparable to that of LCDs. This previous advantage was corrected from the power vacuum first-generation plasma units.

LCDs don't have to worry about phosphors and aren't at risk for burn-in. This difference is being corrected with each new generation of plasma television. LCDs are also lighter and thinner than comparably sized plasma televisions. This is very useful if space if a premium in your home, though the size difference is only a matter of an inch or two in depth. LCDs are also considered much less fragile than their plasma counterparts. These are apparent advantages in favor of an LCD television, but do these differences really affect you, the viewer? A thinner television doesn't always have a superior picture. In fact, plasma displays are usually brighter and more vibrant. Also, how often do you carry your plasma television around? Does its weight and durability really affect your decision? In the average home, a television remains in the same spot for years, if not forever.

The factors that should affect your purchase relate more to the picture. Plasma displays have a greater viewing angle and don't lose as much contrast as you move away. A plasma can be viewed clearly from almost any location in a room, thanks to their 160 degree viewing angle. Also, as you look at larger model televisions (over 40 inches, for example) you'll see that plasma screens are cheaper and maintain a thin profile. LCDs are still being refined in their larger models. There are functional considerations to be made as well. Will you be using your plasma screen as a primary display for your personal computer? If so, you'd profit from an LCD panel that would display a detailed computer images more crisply, and with no risk of burn-in.

LCDs have many uses where they are a superior display choice. Different functions and locations may lead you to purchase an LCD. However, if you're just looking for a television, then plasma is your best bet. Plasma televisions have a list of advantages over LCDs when it comes to true picture quality, brightness, and color. LCDs have their niche uses, but a plasma is a superior choice in television.