There are two main competing technologies for TV screens: LCD and plasma. While there are still a number of factors to consider when selecting a TV, what used to be the three primary ones--size, price and resolution--are no longer an issue.
When they first hit the market, LCD screens were limited to about 45 inches, measured diagonally, while plasma screens could reach 60 inches or more. Both have increased substantially in size since then, and today LCD TVs can be as big as plasmas.
Sharp demonstrated a 108-inch LCD at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2007. Both Samsung and Panasonic have displayed 103-inch plasma versions. Of course, these are a bit large for typical consumers, but affordable 40- to 60-inch LCD and plasma screens are readily available. In terms of price, comparable TVs using either technology cost around the same. Finally, the screens display 720p resolution, and many offer 1080p, in high definition.
According to a presentation by the Consumer Electronics Association at CES, LCD TV sales grew 160 percent in 2006 over the year before, representing the fastest consumer product growth. In comparison, plasma TV sales grew by 58 percent, the eighth-highest growth rate. The association also said prices of TVs with 50-inch-plus screens have dropped 32 percent over the past year, making them the fifth-fastest decreasing-price category.
