Dr Deane Hutton on TV Sets

TELEVISION SETS

Everyone wants a new wide-screen television set. Should you buy a plasma, LCD, or LED? I'm glad you asked! Actually, it is "horses for courses". It all depends on how you plan to use your TV, where you intend to place it, and how much money you plan to spend.

PLASMA TV

Plasma television is an older technology, but very reliable. Many claim that a plasma display is better for fast-moving objects. Also, colours are very life-like, and black areas are extremely black. A plasma TV is cheaper than an LCD or LED set of the same size, but plasmas are also heavier and use up more energy.

LCD TV

LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. An LCD screen has millions of microscopic liquid crystal shutters which open and close to allow light through. A picture on an LCD screen is extremely bright, even in a well-lit room. Also, LCD sets are lighter and more energy-efficient than a plasma set of the same size.

LED TV

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, and an LED TV screen has thousands of these tiny electronic devices within it. A current LED television set works in a similar manner to an LCD set, but with an even brighter picture. And the screen is thinner. Future LED television displays may be flexible screens which can be rolled up and tucked under your arm.

SO WHICH ONE?

Plasma, LCD, and LED television displays are all very effective and extremely reliable. You can be reasonably certain that one you buy today will still be working well in ten years time. If you are setting up a theatrette in your home and watch many sports programs, plasma may be the way to go. However, if you are setting up a television set in a family room or lounge room with large windows and strong ambient lighting, LCD or LED may be your best option.