Technology can be a bit confusing when you are dealing with terminology. Take for example LCD and plasma TVs and how most people do not realize that there is a distinct difference. Sure both are flat screen televisions, but the technology behind that glorious clear picture is vastly different. To further complicate matters, you have to also realize that not every flat screen television or flat screen monitor is actually a plasma or LCD.

The main difference in LCD and plasma TVs is in how the picture is made. Plasma and LCD televisions both have exceptional quality. In the plasma, two sheets of glass are placed together and gas is pumped between the two. The particles are charged and give off green, red and blue phosphors. The phosphors make pixels which make up the picture. An LCD is two sheets of glass, but has liquid crystal instead. Rather than charging the particles, the crystal cells filter the colors.

So, which of the two are better? That is a matter of opinion but plasma flat screen televisions do suffer from excessive heat if left on too long and can have what is called a "screen burn." A screen burn occurs when a static image is left on the screen for a long time and remains even when you change the channel. This can also easily happen with computer monitors.

Yes, the information can be a little bit intimidating and you may not even care about the inner workings of the LCD and plasma TVs. But at least you will have the knowledge and be able to tell the difference. Whatever technology you decide you like better, you can now say you made an informed decision based on the information available. If you have any other questions or still remain unclear on the difference, then you can always seek out a sales associate for more information. As well, you can go online to a plasma forum and find out what others have to say.