Considering a flat-panel TV? The latest LCD and plasma HDTVs deliver outstanding picture quality, and both display technologies have improved dramatically over the past two years. Each type has a different set of strengths that make it more suitable for certain viewing situations.

In this article, we'll cover the pros and cons of each type, and explain some of the most common "tech-speak" in terms that will help you make apples-to-apples comparisons when you're shopping. You'll learn everything you need to know to figure out which flat-panel type is right for you. We'll also take a closer look on page 2 at what happens inside each panel type to help you understand why you may prefer one over the other.

LED-LCD TVs such as the Samsung UN46C6500, combine LCD display technology with LED backlighting to create colorful, high-contrast images.

On a side note, you may have heard some newer flat-panel HDTVs referred to as "LED TVs." This is not a new display technology. LED TVs are actually just LCD HDTVs that use an LED backlight instead of a conventional fluorescent one. While the display technology is the same, these "LED-LCD" TVs generally have better contrast and more accurate colors than fluorescent-backlit models. For more information, see our video on LCD backlighting.

LCD vs. plasma

If you poke around the Internet you'll find a ton of information (and some misinformation) about today's flat-panel TVs. The chart below provides a quick comparison of plasma and LCD. Because of the difference in performance between fluorescent-backlit LCD TVs and LED-backlit models, we've separated them into two different rows.

What type of TV do I need for 3D?

To watch 3D TV, you'll need a TV with a screen capable of displaying 3D video — it can be a plasma, LCD, or LED-backlit LCD. You'll also need special "active" 3D glasses and a source of 3D video. For more info, see our intro to 3D, watch our video about 3D TV, or check out our in-depth 3D TV FAQ.

Viewing angle

All flat-panel TVs have a great picture when you're sitting directly in front of the screen. But if your eyes aren't centered on the screen — you're viewing from off to one side, standing up, or lying on the floor — you may notice that the picture looks less bright and vivid, and you might see slight changes in color.

Viewing angle limitations are more of an issue for LCD TVs than for plasmas. LCDs use a backlight, and the LCD pixels act like shutters, opening and closing to let light through or block it. This shutter effect causes increasing variations in picture brightness as viewers move further off axis.

Picture contrast

Picture contrast is the difference between the brightest whites and the deepest blacks a TV can produce. It's an important performance spec — some experts consider it to be the most important. But because TV makers don't all measure contrast the same way, it can be difficult for shoppers to make meaningful comparisons between different TV brands. Contrast specs are most useful when comparing models from the same manufacturer.

The center example illustrates how good picture contrast combines deep black levels and natural shadow detail. The screen at left lacks deep blacks, while the right screen is too dark, obscuring details.

What you should know about picture contrast:

• "Native" vs. "dynamic" contrast ratio: Native contrast ratio (also called "static" or "on-screen" contrast) measures the difference between the brightest and darkest images a TV can produce simultaneously. Dynamic contrast ratio refers to the ultimate bright/dark range a TV can produce over time. A TV's dynamic contrast spec will always be higher, so TV makers prefer to list it. For more info, watch our video that explains picture contrast.
• LCD vs. plasma: Two ways to increase contrast ratio are to make whites look brighter, or blacks look blacker. LCD screens are typically brighter than plasmas, making them good choices for viewing in rooms with lots of light. Plasmas are known for producing deeper black levels, which makes them a smart choice if you do a lot of viewing with your room's lights dimmed or darkened. Some LED-LCD TVs can also achieve dramatic contrast levels. The most sophisticated type of LED backlighting employs clusters of LEDs which can be switched on and off independently. This "local dimming" approach represents the current state of the art for LCD picture contrast.

Smooth, clear on-screen motion

All 1080p HDTVs have the same screen resolution — 1920 x 1080 pixels — but they don't always deliver equal picture clarity. Most sets can display absolutely flawless still images. But moving objects on screen are more difficult to display cleanly. This can be especially apparent if you watch lots of things with fast action, like video games or sports.

Some TVs display onscreen motion clearly (left), while others may look blurry (right).

What you should know about motion handling:

• Motion handling has always been a strong point for plasma TVs. Because of the way plasma TVs create the picture, there's no lag or ghosting, and motion looks very natural and crisp. So if clear, true-to-life on-screen motion is a high priority for you, you should definitely consider a plasma.
• For LCD TVs, on the other hand, motion handling has traditionally been difficult because of the way they create the picture. But many of today's LCD TVs are better equipped to display fast motion without blur. If you want smoother motion with an LCD, look for a model with a 120Hz or 240Hz refresh rate. These sets include sophisticated processing that can virtually eliminate motion blur.

Which flat-panel TV type is right for you?

Plasmas generally offer slightly better contrast and black level performance than LCDs, along with noticeably wider viewing angles. People often describe plasma's picture quality as "filmlike," so it's a great choice for a home theater.

Plasmas can deliver a smooth, "filmlike" picture with impressive black levels. (Samsung PN58C8000 pictured)

A plasma TV might be for you if:

• You like rich, warm colors and deep black levels.
• You'll be sitting off-axis when you watch TV or movies.
• You want the smoothest, most natural motion with fast on-screen action, like sports or video games.

If you need a screen smaller than 42", LCD is your only flat-panel TV option. LCD displays are very bright (brighter even than plasmas), so they can be better choices for more brightly lit rooms, including kitchens.

Today's LCDs are often quite energy efficient. (LG 47LD520 pictured)

An LCD TV might be for you if:

• You want an ultra-thin TV — LCD TVs, especially LED-backlit models, tend to be thinner than plasmas.
• You do a lot of daytime viewing in a room with windows lacking blinds, curtains or drapes. An LCD's bright picture will be look better in bright light; some LCD screens also resist glare.
• Low power consumption is a priority — LCD TVs are usually more energy efficient than plasma models with the same screen size.

If you're interested in how plasma and LCD displays work, each is explained in detail on the next page.