While buying a flat panel television we are often bombarded with information. This is information that we get from our friends, family, the dealer and the internet. In most cases we often tend to get even more confused. Whether a Plasma TV would fit the bill or would the LCD TV be a better bet?

Both are similar only to a level that they are flat screens. Underlying technologies and manufacturing process is as different as chalk and cheese. Here is a simple 5 step process to help you decide what to buy without getting too much unwanted knowledge.

1. Step 1: Determine the price- Its a golden rule for any purchase to know how much you are willing to spend on the purchase before you go out for shopping. Set one figure that is your maximum limit for the purchase. Plasma televisions are slightly cheaper as compared to LCD television. Although the prices of LCD televisions have started to come down but still plasma televisions win the price battle.
    
2. Step 2: Determine the size-Consider the size of television you are willing to buy not based on the amount of money you want to spend but based on the viewing distance and your requirements. Too big or too small would be a misfit. LCD televisions are available in sizes starting from 19-inches to 63-inches, while plasma televisions due to their manufacturing process are made from 40-inches upwards till 120-inches. In some rare cases you will also find one or 2 odd manufacturers making 32-inch plasma as well.
    
3. Step 3: Determine the Picture Quality-For picture quality plasma televisions are a clear winner. You will find better contrast ratios and faster refresh rates than LCD TVs. Though, with the new 100hz technology LCD televisions are also offering great visuals. Unlike LCDs, plasmas are not back lit and thus have limited illumination, so you will have to find a dimly lit room to fit a plasma television while LCD televisions can be used anywhere. Also plasmas have a shiny glass surface so its not a very good idea to purchase one for a room with bright lights or bigger windows. Another problem with plasma televisions is the screen burn. So if a single image stays on the screen for longer then that image will be burned on to the screen. So plasmas cannot be used with PC connections, presentations or even games as some users have reported similar problems.
    
4. Step 4: Determine the viewing angle-Would you be sitting bang opposite the television or will it be in the corner of the room? Well it might just seem inappropriate but it is very important as LCD televisions have a lesser viewing angle as compared to plasma televisions. But times are changing and we have seen LCD televisions with 178 degree viewing angle too. So it is always a good idea to check out a television in person from various angles and especially keeping in mind the setup location of the television.
    
5. Step 5: Determine the Weight-Well yes this is the truth, most of us might not consider this while purchasing a television, but think of a time when you need to move your things from one state to another.

LCD screens are made up of plastic and are thus lighter, while on the other hand plasma screens are made with plasma gasses sandwiched between layers of glass thus plasmas are heavier. So LCD is a better option if the wall of your room is no strong enough for a plasma. Another thing related with plasmas is that while transporting they need to be kept in an upright position they cannot be transported lying flat due to their fragile nature.