From LCD to LED: which flat screen TV is right for me?
Anybody looking to upgrade their television to take advantage of the latest that digital TV has to offer are faced with a dilemma - with a number of different options on the market, it's often hard to know which type of TV to go for, never mind which individual model. So to make life easier, here are a few pros and cons to look out for when choosing whether to go with a plasma, LCD or LED television.
Viewing angle
An important point to consider when narrowing down your search is where people will be seated in relation to the TV once you've got it all set up. Obviously, if there's only going to be one or two people sitting directly in front of the TV then this isn't much of an issue, but if it's going in a family room then it's worth checking that those sitting off at an angle will be able to enjoy the same clarity as those who are front and centre. Plasma TVs really excel here, with a clean, crisp image at virtually any angle. LED TVs also perform well, although LCD sets fall behind slightly with a loss of detail at extreme angles.
Power consumption
While most people will look at the price tag on the TV set and see that as the only outlay, buyers can save themselves a lot of money over the long-term by looking for an energy efficient set. Each individual model will differ, of course, but in general LED TVs win out in this respect as their backlights tend to need less energy to light up. LCDs aren't too far behind, while Plasma sets do tend to consume more power than the other two options.
Price
Price is a big factor when choosing a new television, with many people on the hunt for a bargain. Being the newest of the three, LED TVs tend to be more expensive than their plasma or LCD counterparts - although there are certainly deals to be had. Plasma and LCD sets are broadly similar in price at this point, with real bargains out there for both types of television.
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If you're looking for a new television, read more about LED TVs before you buy.
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