Archive notice: This article was originally published on October 16, 2007. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
This is because LCD TVs offer the better compromise of size, picture quality and price compared with plasma televisions. “In no model group do you currently have a more comprehensive selection – and in the widest variety of sizes,” explains Riedel. “LCDs also currently look best when it comes to price.” This is mainly because plasma televisions, which are predominantly available with larger screen diagonals from 42 inches, are significantly more expensive than comparably large LCD TVs – with equally good results in picture quality. The burning-in of image elements in the plasma TV is no longer a problem today, according to Riedel. They would offer an excellent picture especially for the demands of home-cinema enthusiasts.
A common shortcoming of both systems: Both do not always display the normal PAL television picture via cable, satellite or DVB-T satisfactorily – unlike videos from DVD and high-resolution digital material. “Anyone who relies only on analogue TV signals is therefore still best served with a tube television,” says Riedel. “This gives you the best picture quality at a relatively low price.” A good 32-inch set (81 cm) can be had for between 300 and 400 euros; for that, you just get an LCD TV with a diagonal of around 20 inches.
