This is a dilemma many people face when looking for a new TV or HDTV these days and one I have encountered on a couple of occasions now. After extensive research into both formats, studying the pros and cons of each and comparing prices, spec and deals on offer the conclusion I came to is…..

CHOOSE WHATEVER ONE TAKES YOUR FANCY….AS LONG AS IT IS A NEWER MODEL AND PRODUCED BY A REPUTABLE MANUFACTURER!

The technology is so far advanced now that the days of worrying about burn in on your LCD or Plasma is a thing of the past and has been for a few years. The difference in picture quality is negligable between the two formats and the fear of your TV dropping dead after five years or so is an urban myth based on the original models introduced in these markets. Make sure when researching that any you have in your shortlist are not old stock (2 years or more) trying to be shifted.

LCD and Plasma have, and are, advancing all the time. The expected lifespan of sets available today is between 15 and 20 years, but whether the design concious in you will let a prehistoric set hang on your wall in 2020 is another question. The quality of picture is improving all the time. When you eventually decide to buy shop around and stick to the top boys in this technology field and DON’T buy anything that’s been on the market for over two years.

Samsung & Panasonic are the undoubted leaders, stick with them and you will NOT go wrong. The cheaper makes are less expensive for a reason. Samsung and Panasonic lead the way with flat screen technology and the rest follow..that’s not to say that great deals cannot be found by shopping around, again, one of the keys to getting yourself the best possible set within the budget you have.

I’ve got a Samsung LCD and a Panasonic Plasma. Both are over 40″ and both cost under the $2000 mark. I spent hours reading reviews, spec and noting the pros and cons of each. It is undoubtedly the way to do things these days and I’d advise anyone out there to forget the question of ‘Oh, LCD or Plasma?” and concentrate on swotting up on your spec, reviews and bargain hunting

If I’m not still sitting back with my feet up in 15 years time in my retirement home I’ll eat my hat!

GOOD LUCK!