LCD vs. Plasma: Which HDTV Is Right for You?

LCD TVs may be sexy, but our lab tests show that plasma screens still have an edge--and you can get a surprisingly pleasing picture without splurging.
Looking to buy a flat-panel HDTV? Most people want big, of course--the bigger the better. But a 50-inch set could set you back a pretty penny. While a 40- or 42-inch display won't give you the 50-inch home movie theater sensation, it will provide a good-size screen at a considerably lower price. About as high as standard-shape 34-inch sets, but considerably wider, TVs in this category don't feel like much of a compromise.