- 1). Compare the two types of flat-screen televisions: LCD and plasma. Flat-screen televisions come in a variety of sizes. According to MSN's Techs & Gadgets, plasma TVs generally range in size between 42 inches and 63 inches, and LCD TVs range between 15 inches and 65 inches. LCD TVs have a longer viewing life than plasma TVs; consider that LCD TVs have a viewing life of around 60,000 hours, while plasma TVs have a viewing life of between 30,000 and 60,000 hours. Moreover, LCDs can be used for television viewing and as a computer monitor. Plasma TVs are known for having problems with images remaining on the screen after a period of time, a phenomenon known as burn-in, but they are easier to view when sitting at an angle.
- 2). Consider the contrast ratios. According to Shop.com, contrast ratios are numbers that "represent the brightest and darkest bits of picture a television can display at the same time." Contrast ratios contribute to picture sharpness. For instance, LCD TV contrast ratios normally start at 600:1, while plasma TVs normally start at 1000:1. Thus, plasma TVs tend to have a better contrast ratio then LCD TVs.
- 3). Consider the resolutions. Resolution is a number that measures pixels and helps to determine how clear the picture on your flat-screen television will look. According to Crutchfield, generally, the more pixels that a flat-screen television has, the higher its resolution. For example, a resolution of 1280 x 720 is higher than a resolution of 640 x 480.
- 4). Compare the available video inputs. Does your flat-screen television come with composite video, S-Video or HDMI? If you intend to use Blu Ray, DVD or VCR players with your flat-screen television, you should consider which video inputs are available with your television.
How to Buy a Flat Screen Television
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