LCD is better over plasma
LG, SONY and SAMSUNG are some of the more popular screens... but you must do your homework... Look for more things than just the resolution size... look for smaller things like HDMI, DVI inputs an other such stuff listed below
Aspect ratios: Until widescreen high-definition TV becomes the norm a lot of television will still be broadcast in a 4:3 aspect ratio. The majority of LCD sets are designed to operate in the 16:9 range (though 4:3 is still common) and when confronted with a 4:3 picture will adjust the picture to fill the screen, usually by stretching or zooming the image. The idea is to preserve the integrity of the picture, sometimes however the image can look distorted. The same is true of traditional
CRT widescreen televisions.
Screen size: Smaller LCDs have been the norm - adding pixels means more transistors (three per pixel) and colours can appear slightly faded in larger models. There is a large range of smaller sets between 14" and 19". As the technology improves more models over 30" are starting to appear. Currently models over 40" are few and far between, mainly because of the current difficulties of ensuring production quality with the ever increasing number of transistors and pixels.
Depth: Where LCDs really score over CRT models is in the physical depth of the television set. Most are less than 3" deep and can be hung on a wall or from a ceiling. This is a boon for those with smaller rooms or who want a release from the space-eating demands of a CRT.
Passive matrix: Cheaper LCD sets may come with a passive matrix system. This has a grid of conductors with pixels located at each intersection in the grid. A current is sent across two conductors on the grid to control the light for any pixel. While this set-up will save you money you may notice the effects of the slow response time and less precise voltage control inherent in this arrangement. On screen you might see some ghosting and images which are fuzzy and lack contrast.
Active matrix: Active matrix sets, also known as thin film transistor (TFT) sets, target electrical charges at particular pixels by using a transistor at each pixel intersection. This allows the current to be switched on and off more frequently and improves the screen refresh time to effects like ghosting and fuzziness.
Frequency: There are many more choices than the 50Hz or 100Hz of CRT models. Higher refresh rates will reduce the chances of pixels giving a ghosting effect which can occur when changing quickly from light to dark states.
Multi-functional displays: LCD TVs are particularly suited to act as a computer screen. Text and graphics will be made to look exceptionally sharp by their high-resolution. LCD TVs typically include connections for composite, S-video, component video and one or more RGB SCART inputs.
Light source: The source of the light which shines through the liquid crystals is important in any LCD set. A damaged bulb can mean poor colour balance and the end for your set. Look either for sets with bulbs which can be replaced or for brands with proven long-life and reliability. While extended warranties for electrical goods are generally poor value ? a replacement bulb warranty is definitely worth considering with these higher value items. Some sets have a manufacturers warranty, promising a television operating life express in hours.
Installation: Wall or ceiling mounted LCD installations are increasingly common as owners take advantage of the shallowness of the sets. However, with several hundred pounds of equipment hanging some distance from the floor it is well worth getting your set installed professionally. Many people use LCD televisions as the central piece in a home cinema system, and install surround sound speakers to complement their television.
Dead pixels: One of the drawbacks of LCD screens is that as they get bigger the number of transistors and pixels required to make a picture increases. Ensuring that all of them meet the right levels of quality control has been problematic for manufacturers. Occasionally specific pixels on the screen will cease to work, the "dead pixels" can interfere with viewing pleasure and are irreparable.
Integrated tuners: Despite the slim line look, most LCD sets come with integrated tuners and speakers so there?s no need to spoil the space-saving effect by cluttering up the room with additional boxes.
Power consumption: This is one area to watch with larger screen televisions. All consume considerably more power than smaller sets. However LCD screens consume considerably less power than their plasma rivals, up to 30% less in some cases.
Resolution information: You might think that the higher the resolution the better the picture, but this isn't necessarily so. VGA quality is what you will find on most standard TVs. But LCD TVs may also have XGA (1024x768 pixels) or, with widescreen versions W-XGA (1280x768 pixels). Do not be fooled by the acronyms or the numbers - check by looking at the picture itself. Good indicators of picture quality are how realistic flesh tones appear, the colour contrast in particularly dark scenes and that high motion action scenes do not corrupt the picture.
