With the reduction in plasma TV prices (some as low as $600), these units are coming within the reach of the average consumer. But when you consider the fact that you can purchase a large 42-inch LCD TV for just a couple of hundred dollars more - then you can expect the plasma TV designers to focus on other factors, in order to remain competitive. Alternatively, LED TVs can offer the same visual appeal with additional benefits, such as ultra-thin design - but at an increased cost.

As always, though, you should do your research before you make such a big purchase. Understanding the technology and reading consumer reviews is the best place to start. Remember - picture quality is not always directly related to price. While most plasma TVs can deliver CRT-quality blacks, excellent viewing angles and vibrant colors, LEDs and LCDs can also have higher resolutions, as well.

Plasma burn-in problems:

Burn-in occurs when an image is permanently imprinted on the display (such as a network logo). This was a common problem with early video games (such as "Pong") that were played on televisions, back in the mid 1970s. This problem may be over exaggerated, since many plasma units have built-in features that will prevent this from happening. Also, the greatest risk will occur during the first 100 hours of operation. Keeping contrast levels low during this time period and avoiding non-movable imagery will help eliminate this threat.

What is the lifespan of a plasma TV?

The majority of current plasma TV manufacturers indicate that their units will have a lifespan of 100,000 hours prior to the display fading to half its original brightness. This translates into roughly 17 years before this dimming effect reaches the half-brightness mark.

Technical differences between plasma and LED TVs:

Flat screen LEDs and LCDs have greatly increased in popularity due to the huge selection of units available in display sizes that are less than 47 inches. However, with larger models (up to 70 inches), the cost of an LCD TV may exceed its plasma TV counterpart. But in the most popular sizes (40 - 42 inches), LCD prices have recently dropped by a large margin. LED TVs are still the most expensive option, but their technical advantages can make them quite desirable.

Those technical LED display advantages will include local dimming features, which can illuminate different clusters of pixels independently. This feature will be found in backlit LED TVs, while edge lit-LEDs can be designed to be extremely thin and can hang, conveniently, on a wall. As prices come down in the LED TV market, more consumers may gravitate to the slim design and high image quality that is afforded by LED TV technology. Also to be considered - LED TVs consume much less power than a plasma TV and enjoy a greater lifespan.