Choosing a Flat-Panel TV

Posted by Jason Knott on Jan 3, 2006

Incorporating plasma or LCD TVs into a construction plan can affect ceiling height, room size, wiring configurations and soundproofing needs.

These are just some of the key questions (and quick answers) as flat-panels become more prevalent. And they are. Market data shows the dollar value for flat televisions skyrocketing in the past couple of years.

Analyzing Plasma vs. LCD

When shopping for flat-panel displays (FPDs), it is primarily a choice between two technologies: plasma or LCD. Which is better? There is no simple answer, but instead there is a slew of characteristics to consider.

Among the traits to consider is the amount of dimming that takes place. All display technologies lose brightness over time. Many manufacturers offer plasma displays with a "half-life" up to 60,000 hours, which is equivalent to almost 20-plus years at eight hours-a-day use until the unit reaches half its original brightness. LCDs do not dim as quickly as plasmas.

Image retention is also a concern among plasmas, however residential applications are not as susceptible as commercial applications, where a unit might be set on a specific channel all day. Any phosphor-based device is susceptible to permanent image retention. Among the precautions that can be taken are use of a screen saver built into the DVD player or gaming console if available. Another trick is to select plasmas that adjust aspect ratios from the set-top box or DVD player to make sure the screen is filled. Some units also come with phosphor protection built into the display.

If you are a green consumer, power consumption might be an issue. Plasmas definitely use more power than other display technologies, but not much. Plasma displays use as few as 260 watts in a 42-inch footprint. Based on 10-cents per kilowatt at eight hours per day for 365 days per year, a 42-inch plasma will cost a homeowner between $78 and $87 per year in electricity, compared to between $68 and $81 per year for a 40-inch LCD.

Plasmas weigh more than LCDs. On average, about 10 percent more. However, the profiles are nearly the same.

For residents in Colorado or other states with high elevations, there are now plasma displays that work at higher altitudes, including those from NEC, LG and Sony. Some plasma manufacturers have displays that operate up to 9,200 feet above sea level. In the past, the units were inoperable at high altitudes.

Lighting and viewing angle should also be considered. Plasmas are best suited for low-light conditions where the room can be darkened for optimum viewing. So a combination media room/great room with large windows or skylights that does not darken sufficiently may not be the best choice for a plasma, unless that room is equipped with automatic blinds also.

Plasmas definitely offer sharper image clarity and deeper colors than other flat panels. They also have better viewing angles, which can be a problem with LCDs. You know the experience...like when the screen on your laptop is not open all the way and the screen appears dark. So an LCD may not be the most suitable flat panel technology for an oddly shaped room in which it is likely that viewers will not be sitting directly in front of the television.

Finally, cost is a consideration. Obviously it pays to shop around: something that is easy to do in the Internet age, with sites like ElectronicHouse.com and the various electronics retail sites.

If you're considering buying a FPD, it pays to do a little homework beforehand. And if you plan to have the screen installed for you, ask the installer plenty of questions before striking a deal and make sure you're on the same page.

Happy New Year and happy viewing!