Plasma vs LCD. Looking to buy a new TV? Confused by technical jargon?

widescreen plasma televisions have been around since the '60s and until quite recently dominated the market in large flat panel displays. Up until the late '90s their expensive price tag meant that widescreen plasma televisions were confined to commercial uses.

The innards of a Plasma Television consists of two glass panels, between these panels are many thousands of tiny cells coated in phosphors. The cells are filled with a mixture of neon and xenon gas. When electricity is passed into the cells plasma is produced.

The plasma then causes the phosphors to emit light of various colours. The intensity of the light produced by each cell can be separately controlled; this control allows the presentation of the images we see.

Advantages of widescreen plasma televisions

Wider viewing angle than LCD

Colours are more consistent

Does not contain mercury

Disadvantages of widescreen plasma televisions

Shiny screens can cause lots of glare

Heavier than LCD

widescreen plasma televisions are less power efficient than LCD

Things to consider when buying widescreen plasma televisions

Screen size vs room space vs sitting distance from screen.

Audio options - great picture doesn't mean great sound.

Is it HD? Not all are. Also are HD transmissions available in your area?

Wall mount or stand? - Is a stand included? Will you need help to wall mount?