Flat Panel TV

When buying a rear projection HDTV, it is a wise decision to know about some fundamental facts about the TV. This can help you buy better.

If I decide to buy a flat panel TV, what's the difference between LCD Flat-Panel and Plasma Flat-Panel?

Practically speaking there are no big differences between the two. Technically though LCD and Plasma HDTVs use completely different approaches to produce the same result - create images that are colorful, clear and sharp. Both are types of flat panel TVs which are thin and light enough to be positioned anywhere. The only one difference is the size of the screen. Most of the HDTV LCD have 30" screen or smaller. On the other hand, plasma HDTV are 32" and larger.

In a rear projection TV, what's the difference between a Flat Screen TV and a Flat-Panel TV?

Flat screen TVs have screens which are leveled. Viewing angle is wider than curved screens. This means that you can sit anywhere in the room and still see the full picture.

Flat panel TVs have got the name from being 'flat' and thin. So thin that they can be hung on the wall like a picture or a painting.

What is "Burn In" and is it a problem with Flat-Panel TVs?

This is a phenomenon that happens when you leave an image on the screen for too long. For instance , when you pause the DVD for too long. This can be a major problem. If there is a 'burn in' on your HDTV, a ghostly line or image is continuously present as a part of the background, no matter what you might be viewing. This occurs if you have been playing video games for too long, where images remain static for a long time. To avoid this, view television using full screen format more often. Also, you could take frequent breaks between the video game and give the screen some respite.

Of course 'burn in' is not a new phenomenon and has remained since the time that television was first invented. A flat panel TV is as much prone to 'burn ins' as any other type of TV. LCD flat panel TVs are sturdier when it comes to 'burn ins'.

If your flat panel TV is a plasma, be careful not to over-watch any particular image for too long. And if your flat TV is LCD, you could go ahead and enjoy a 24-hour marathon with your favorite video game.