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Flat-Panel TVs Look to Brighten Holidays
(NAPSI)-If there were such a thing as No. 1 with a
bullet for holiday presents, this year it would probably be flat-panel
TVs.
That's
the prediction from trend watchers who say prices of plasma and LCD
(liquid crystal display) televisions are expected to plummet-possibly
by as much as 30 percent, according to analysts at TVPredictions.com.
The market research firm iSuppli says 40-inch LCD prices are falling
especially fast. Additional reports show that 32-inch sets are already
down to around $1,000, meaning a number of people may find some
good-sized TVs under the tree this year.
Flat-screen prices
have even attracted the attention of investors, with financial guru and
TV host Jim Cramer advising viewers to buy stock in flat-screen
suppliers.
Falling prices aside, though, gift givers still
need
to choose between plasma and LCD flat-screen sets. Techies say that,
generally speaking, plasma screens have three drawbacks compared to
LCDs. First, plasmas tend to not produce a good picture in real-life
light-meaning, if you want a plasma TV in a sun-drenched room, you may
have to shut the blinds to watch it. LCD TVs maintain picture quality
in all light, and can even be used outside.
Second, plasmas are
prone to something called "burn in." The phenomenon occurs when
prolonged images (such as the channel logo emblazoned on the bottom
corner of a screen during a sporting event) don't fade away after the
channel is changed. Instead, they remain on the screen as ghost images.
LCDs aren't vulnerable to burn in.
Third, while plasmas are
typically only available in larger sizes (37 inches and up)-less
convenient for smaller rooms-LCDs come in small and large sizes.
As
a final tip for those wishing to maximize their viewing experience,
look for LCD sets with a technology called Vikuiti, developed by 3M.
Featured in Sharp's very popular Aquos line, these Brightness
Enhancement Films (BEF and DBEF) increase the brightness of liquid
crystal displays and make TVs more energy efficient by recycling what
would otherwise be wasted light and focusing it on the viewer. The
result is a sharp picture that's twice as bright.
For more information on LCDs, visit vikuiti.com.
What's Hot? LCD TVs may be on the top of a number
of wish lists.
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