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will larger LCD displays displace PLASMA?
The latest, largest LCD flat screens are sexy, alluring and expensive - just as gas plasma displays used to be. How else do these two display technologies compare?
Move over plasma, the new kid in town is just as svelte and sex, and inching up in size almost daily. Large 30- and 40-inch LCD displays are popping up all over, offering up gorgeous images without the pesky burn-in issue that has plagued plasmas over the years.
But don't turn your back on plasma just yet. Now older and wiser - and less expensive - plasma offers great video, larger screens and custom interfaces, and still delivers a respectable dose of screen envy. LCD displays are catching up, however, and estimates are that large-format LCDs and plasmas will reach relative price parity in just a few years.
The introduction of large LCD panels and the continuing evolution of the gas plasma display are making this a good year for display technology - at least from the standpoint of technical advancement. For those looking to buy, it's now more important than ever to understand the differences between LCD and plasma -- especially since the cash outlay is significant.
The big LCD
Like gas plasma, LCD (liquid crystal display) is not a new technology. In fact, it's a relalively mature technology that's worked its way into a number of niche markets. Wristwatches, notebook screens, kiosk screens, PDAs, multimedia projectors and many other devices rely on an LCD panel as a main display interface. The biggest change in the past two years has been its diversification within the desktop-computer monitor market. On the low end, consumers can now get a lovely 15- or 17-inch LCD monitor for less than $600. In fact, LCD monitors are quickly becoming the monitor of choice. According to the research firm iSuppli/ Stanford Resources, total worldwide LCD monitor sales from the year 2002 were estimated to come in around $29 million, and sales of the standard CRT monitor are estimated to be $20.4 million. By 2004, CRT sales are expected to climb slightly to $22.3 million, while LCD sales are expected to push ahead to $37.7 million.
In addition to average-size LCD monitors becoming less expensive...