Buyers Guide Plus: Flat-Panel Displays

Before you buy, answer the four big questions about how you watch TV. Then read our extensive guide to manufacturers and models. By Scott Wilkinson & The Perfect Vision editors

Introduction

Not long ago, flat-panel displays were a Jetsons-inspired dream. Now, they are a ubiquitous reality. However, the obvious allure of these displays is belied by how difficult it is for them to produce a really good picture. For example, the best flat-panel black levels are no match for the best RPTVs and front projectors. And the picture on most LCD panels suffers greatly at anything more than a moderate off-axis angle.

Of course, the alternatives have their own limitations. Front projectors aren't much good in any ambient light, and rear-pros occupy a larger footprint than flat panels, albeit much smaller than the old CRT behemoths. Many RPTVs also suffer from off-axis image degradation, depending on the type of screen.

Because of their generally high brightness, flat panels are ideal for non-critical viewing in rooms with unavoidable ambient light and little space for a rear-pro. Plasmas generally have lower black levels than LCDs, which is one of the key factors affecting image quality in my book. They also have wider effective viewing angles -- that is, viewing angles at which you'd actually want to watch the picture.

On the other hand, plasmas are far more susceptible to "burn in," which leaves a ghost of any static image that has remained on the screen for hours or longer. LCDs can also suffer a bit of burn-in, but it isn't as drastic as plasmas can be. Also, in the size range covered in this survey, LCDs generally have a higher pixel resolution than plasmas (typically, 1366x768 for LCD vs. 1024x768 or 1024x1024 for plasma).

On the third hand, LCDs are more prone to a phenomenon called "motion lag," in which fast-moving objects seem to leave a ghostly trail behind them. LCD cells take a certain amount of time to change from one state to another; if this response time is long enough, motion lag inevitably ensues. This is generally not a problem if the panel's response time is 8 milliseconds or less.

Anyone in the market for a flat panel is likely to be confused by the plethora of choices available today. Should I get a plasma or LCD? What size? How much will I have to spend? Where do I put it when I get home? If these questions have occurred to you, take heart: this Buyer's Guide Plus is intended to help you answer these questions for yourself.

Because the flat-panel market is so huge, we've limited this survey to screens measuring 32 to 42 inches diagonally. That translates to an ideal viewing distance of 4 to 7 feet and a maximum viewing distance of 12 to 16 feet. Panels in this size-range are best suited as secondary TVs in the bedroom, family room, or den. They won't provide a cinematic experience to a large group, but the best can take a few on a journey once reserved for the Jetsons.

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