Each type of technology used in making flat screen TV's is different and carries its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Learning and recognizing those qualities will enable you to make the best choice possible when shopping for you new Plasma, LCD or DLP TV screen.

Plasma TV screens have an advantage of automatic pixel shift technology, which gives the plasma screen a resistance to being damaged by burn in. Of course, the best prevention for decreasing burn in onto your TV screen is not to allow an image to sit on the screen for any length of time.

Plasma TV's are able to create deeper blacks and even better contrast. Plasma also has the advantages of response time, in depth color and is available in larger screen sizes than any other current technology. In plasma TV screens, the size usually starts at 42 inches and upwards. However, a plasma TV does generate more heat and is more prone to display dysfunctional problems due to its change in temperature.

Since Plasma TV's are temperature sensitive, some of them suffer performance problems at high altitudes. Although some manufactures produce plasma TV's that are compatible with high altitudes, but they are more expensive that standard made plasma TV's.

The average screen size of plasma TV's vary from 32 inches to 63 inches, with a 160-degree angle of viewing. Plasma TV's are able to display rapid movement of a video and refresh as well as traditional TV's. Being heavier in weight a plasma TV may require the strong support of a weight-bearing wall while being mounted.

LCD has the advantage of not being inclined to respond negatively to high altitudes, although LCD technology has yet to produce a screen size of over 37 inches due to problems with bad transistors that distort a quality picture. It is possible to use LCD TV screens as computer monitors, as they normally do not suffer burn in, though a ghosting of images may appear on screen due to a pixel charge being retained on the viewing screen. However, LCD TV is also prone to have problems displaying programming from satellite and cable signals.

LCD TV's have a lower contrast ratio that does not produce deep blacks. When their individual pixels burn out, the screen will be marred with tiny missing areas of white and black. Individual pixels cannot be replaced; therefore, the whole screen will need to be replaced. LCD TV's are also less expensive and lightweight which makes for easier transport and installation. Many new LCD TV owners install their on sets easily thereby saving even more money relating to purchase of a new TV. LCD TV's are able to maintain their option levels in well-lit rooms, as they do not reflect much light. LCD TV's also run cooler than plasma TV's.

Most consumers are satisfied with the quality of brightness of both plasma and LCD TV's. As far as thickness of the screens, a plasma screen can be as thin as three inches and an LCD screen can be as thin as two inches. The estimated life span of plasma and LCD TV's seem to be a length of 15 years and up with normal viewing habits.

DLP TV's are usually less expensive than LCD or plasma TV's and they also have the advantage of creating the best quality of picture. DLP TV is also able to HDTV at its fullest resolution. Moreover, they usually do not require maintenance. However, there have been noticeable rainbow effects in the DLP components that employ certain color wheels, as well as DLP having a limit of angle view.