If size doesn't matter, what does?
By Kevin C. Tofel 
posted Oct 20th 2005 9:02AM
posted Oct 20th 2005 9:02AM
When you think of a flat-panel HDTV under 40-inches or so, which do
you think of first: LCD or PDP? How about in the super-size range of
50-inches or more? Typically LCDs have focused on the 42- and under
size range, while plasmas have expanded beyond. Sure, there are
exceptions on both sides of the size range, but this is generally true.So what else is a differentiator other than size? Seriously, how much bigger can screens get and still fit through your front door? We can't expect much more innovation or expansion in size, so how will LCDs and PDPs tout themselves as "better than the other guy?"
Computerworld took a peek into the not-so-distant future and sees a few aspects that the flat-panel manufacturers will start to focus on. Backlighting, color gamut, and response time top the list as the next HDTV attributes that will sway consumers to one side or the other. Aside from screen size, what properties do you consider the most important to you in a flat-panel HDTV?
I don't think we should forget about price. If one format finds itself much cheaper than the other at the same size of screen, it's going to win a lot of supporters - regardless of quality.
Burn-in resiliance (plasma), Resolution (both), pixel refresh rate (LCD), color depth (mostly LCD), viewing angle (LCD), power consumption (both), selection/abundance of connectors (both), maintaining same image quality through life of product (plasma), extending life of product (plasma).
Mike & Cecil both make very good points - price is the underlying factor for a lot of decisions and will be even more of a factor this holiday season.
That being said, outside of price I look for the basics for each technology. LCD: viewing angle, bulb life, referesh rates (especially important for gamers), contrast ratios.
Plasma: nits (brightness), power consumption (some of the 50" are still pretty high!), newer burn in prevention, altitude issues (if I end up moving to Colorado Springs)
I also like to see good menu systems that allow for a lot of system changes and the more connectors the better! I guess that's the basics...