High-Definition Television FAQ
What is the difference between LCD and plasma screen televisions?
LCD and plasma screen televisions use two different technologies to achieve a similar result. Plasma uses charged gas sealed in, you guessed it, plasma to create a picture. Plasma screens have a larger size availability and have better color and contrast than LCDs and have little or no motion blur.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) televisions use florescent bulbs through charged liquid crystals. They require less power and produce less heat than plasma screen or traditional sets. LCD screens are typically brighter than plasma and aren't succeptible to the "burn-in" effect.
If you're top priorities are size (50" or above) and picure quality, go with plasma. Otherwise, choose LCD. Feel free to visit one of our locations to compare them side-by-side!
What is the difference between 720p, 1080p and 1080i?
High definition (HD) televisions come in both 720 and 1080 varieties, both of which describe the television's resolution. Televisions with a resolution of 1080 display twice as much information as their 720p counterparts. The "p" stands for progressive scan and typically yields a better picture than interlaced sets, especially with motion programming likes sports or action movies.
What is 120hz when referring to LCD televisions?
A 120Hz LCD TV is capable of refreshing motion picture images at twice the speed of "standard" 60Hz models. The increased rate reduces motion blur with fast-motion content. Some manufacturers like Sony are use a video processing feature in addition to an increased rate to elimnate or reduce judder in film-based content. Sony calls it Motion Flow, Samsung's is called Movie Plus, Sharp's is TrueD, and Toshiba's is Film Stabilization.