How to Compare HDTV Flat Panel Monitors

Flat panel monitors are considered the new-age replacement for the heavy tubes. What makes it attractive is the fact that its frame allows it to be fixed anywhere, be it a wall or the ceiling. In the following steps, we will help you compare HDTV flat panel monitors.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Understand the types of flat panel monitors available (plasma and LCD).

2. Understand plasma monitors. These monitors are extremely thin and provide great image quality. With an average plasma TV offering up to 60,000 hours of clear viewing, longevity is not an issue. But a major drawback is the burn-in problem. If you have a still image or a ticker staying on the screen for too long, it gets stuck permanently. But this can be avoided by keeping the contrast lower than 50 percent during the first 100 hours of viewing, a time when your monitor is most susceptible to burn-in problems. Some new models even have in-built features to avoid burn-ins.

3. Understand LCD monitors. LCDs offer great variety in screen sizes, ranging up to 65 inches in diagonal size. Though the picture quality is inferior to Plasma, newer advances have improved it to a great extent. Also, when viewed from the sides, the picture quality suffers. The prices of both plasma TV and LCD have come down in recent times making them affordable, without a reduction in the quality.

Tips & Warnings

• For high-def feeds, both LCD and plasma are equally good. Check for features specific to each model before making a buy.