Plasma and LCD TV panels may look very similar, but the flat screen and thin profile is where the similarities end. Plasma TV screens as the name suggests, uses a web of tiny gas plasma cells charged by exact electrical voltages to create a picture. LCD TV screens (liquid crystal display) are like liquid crystal pushed in the space between two close glass plates. Images are created by varying the amount of electrical charge applied to the crystals.
Apart from offering the best value for money, LCD has the edge over plasma in several other key areas. LCDs tend to have higher resolution than plasmas of similar size, which means more pixels on the screen. If you are a true high-definition referrer who is keen to see every pixel of a high-definition image reproduced pixel-by-pixel then LCDs are always the way to go. However, top-of-the line plasmas will also display good pixel quality and content, so the choice isn't now as easy as it once was. LCDs also use less power than plasma screens, generally saving around the 30% mark. LCDs are also generally lighter than similar sized plasmas, making them easier to move around or mount on the wall.
LCDs generally have a longer lifespan than plasma screens. This was true of earlier plasma models, that would lose half of their brightness after around 20,000 hours of viewing. Later plasma TVs have upped that up to anything between 30,000 and 60,000 hours. LCDs, on the other hand, are guaranteed for 60,000 hours from the start.
If you're in the market for a big screen television, the way to go would appear to be a plasma television. At the moment they are still the best for picture quality. Really though it depends on your budget and with LCD TV ?s being less expensive it's your preference, with these small differences to consider, choose one that suits your individual needs.
Ever since I saved nearly $2000 off the manufacturer's suggested retail price of my refurbished Sharp LCD HDTV, I've wondered why anybody would pay full price for a set that looks just the same as a brand new one. Is it because they think it's easier to get in their car and drive all over town comparing inventory and prices in different stores? I found mine, bought it and had it delivered, and never had to leave the house! I don't know about you, but for me it just doesn't get any easier than that.
Do they think they're somehow settling for lesser quality with a refurbished TV? It's not like buying a used set, where you really don't know what you're getting. Refurbished TVs go through even more rigorous testing than the new sets. After the initial test, the set is cleaned and they make sure all the accessories and manuals are there. Then another test is done, called a "burn test." The TV is left running for several days in a row to determine if there are any performance problems. If the set passes all the tests, it's packed in a new factory carton; a new seal is attached and only then is it sent off to be distributed to the public.
Maybe they think the selection is not as good for refurbished sets. They couldn't be more wrong. You can find refurbished TVs from almost every manufacturer. When you shop locally, you have to rely on the store buyer's decisions as to which models and manufacturers you can choose from.
So I'm thinking maybe the reason more people don't buy refurbished sets is one of two things. Either they're unaware of how much time and money can be saved, or they're actually buying them and not telling anyone. If I didn't tell people that my set was refurbished, I guarantee there's no way they would know just by looking at it.
If you've never bought a refurbished set before, I've got some great tips to help you. First of all, don't even consider buying from a company who doesn't offer a manufacturer's warranty. These may be called "factory certified" guarantees. This way you know you're buying a refurbished TV that the manufacturer has had properly tested, either in their own plant or one of their factory authorized refurbishing facilities.
Make sure it's being sold by a manufacturer's authorized dealer. Otherwise you could be getting a knock-off or look-alike without the quality assurance that a reputable dealer will give you.
I personally wouldn't do business with a refurb retailer that didn't offer a return policy. Even if you're absolutely sure of what you want, it's important to have a window of opportunity to return it if the situation warrants it.
Lastly, don't jump into anything without shopping around at least a little bit, but once you've made up your mind, don't wait too long. Inventory of refurbished electronics and appliances changes frequently and if you delay your purchase, the one you wanted may no longer be available.
All things considered, refurbished TV sets offer the same great name brand values as a new set for a fraction of the cost. Add the time you'll save if you shop online and I think you'll have to agree that buying a refurbished TV set is one of the smartest decisions you can make as an informed consumer.
Both Skg9 & Harry J. Andersohn are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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