CNET Community Hot Topics weekly newsletter
December 20, 2005
Dear CNET members,
As the year pulls nearer to the end, let's finish 2005's hot topic discussion with one that probably has a lot of people either wondering or even confused: LCD vs. plasma TVs. With LCD flat-panel TVs growing in screen size and technology drastically improving over the years, they have given plasma TVs a good run for the competition. And when it comes to a buying decision, these types of TVs can be a headache to choose from--and we haven't even begun to touch upon technologies such as DLP (digital light processing), LCoS (liquid crystal on silicon), and others that we'll save for future discussions. The debates on LCD vs. plasma TVs are fierce, with claims ranging from plasma displays being susceptible to screen burn-in to LCD's poor contrast ratios or inability to produce deep blacks. Let's settle this discussion with your voices and your votes on who gives the best facts in our recent Screening Room discussion. The soapbox is available, so step up and let us know why you think one technology kicks the other one's butt! We're all listening.

Cheers!
Lee Koo
Manager, CNET community


Got suggestions? Send us an e-mail:
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This week's hot topic:
LCD vs. Plasma
It's one of those classic debates in step with Coke vs. Pepsi, the Red Sox vs. the Yankees, and paper vs. plastic. In a recent Screening Room discussion, we asked which is better: LCD or plasma televisions. Turns out there are plenty of supporters of both.

Plasma perseveres
When it comes to the flat-screen debate, CNET member and electronics buyer Mr Elusiv has no problem picking plasma, for a variety of reasons. On the top of the list is the technology's better contrast and uniform color treatment.
Read Mr Elusiv's post in The Screening Room

LCDs can't lose
CNET member david sherman opts for LCD for one reason: plasma televisions can deteriorate over time. He says that, with constant use, the inert gases in a plasma set can break down over a few years, requiring a new purchase, though not all of you agree.
Read david sherman's post in The
Screening Room


Pick what's perfect for you
CNET member titan97 brings up a more practical tactic: simply choose a flat-screen television that fits your needs, budget, and aesthetic. He's used LCD, plasma, and DLP and has been perfectly happy with all three.
Read titan97's full post in The Screening Room

Speak Up!
Which television technology do you think is better? Visit our "What's better: LCD or plasma?" discussion and let us know!
CNET television resources:
HDTV World
  From CNET.com

CNET's quick guide: TV
  power consumption

  From CNET Reviews

CNET editors' TV buying guide
  From CNET Reviews

Home audio & video forum
  From CNET forums

Quick Hits
Here are some interesting comments you've recently submitted on CNET. Read up and talk about it.

Point and Shout
Would you buy a refurbished camera
or camcorder?

As with all maturing markets, interest in and the availability of refurbished cameras and camcorders are growing quickly. Would you feel comfortable buying a refurbished product, or
do you think you'd only be getting someone else's problems?
Make it Compute
What's the most important piece of technology in your office?
From computers to copiers, faxes to telephones, the technology items in an office can be a mile high! So when it boils down to the most vital piece of technology in your office, what's the most important piece to you?
Robert Vamosi's Security Watch
The next Sober virus attack
Antivirus and security researchers are warning that the next wave of the Sober virus could strike beginning January 5, 2006. We know this because someone cracked the virus writer's codes. Who do you think is responsible for the Sober virus? Kids? Neo-Nazi loyalists? Organized crime?


 
Weigh in on this week's hot topic:
What TV technologies are you considering?
(Please click on button to vote)

 Direct-view TV (which one?)
 DLP TV (which one?)
 HD-ILA TV (which one?)
 LCD projection TV (which one?)
 LCD TV (which one?)
 LCoS TV (which one?)
 Plasma TV (which one?)
 Projection TV (which one?)
 Overhead projector (which one?)
 Other (what is it?)
Last week's poll results 
How much photography experience
do you have?
What's next?
Want to sound off on a future hot topic? Dive into some of our community hotspots. Or if you have a special topic in mind, e-mail us.
Give the gift of game
No more IE for Macs
Holiday shipping
  deadlines

Phones on a diet
Top digital cameras
Wireless resource
  center

Hot Products
Along with discussing plasma and LCD TVs, CNET members have had plenty of tech products to
talk about.

Sony KDS-R60XBR1
CNET member magic7nt says:
"This set is the best HDTV made right now. Period. You have not seen HD until you see a good HD feed on this set. It puts to shame all the 1080P DLP's..." (read more)
See all user opinions | Compare prices

Sony PSP
CNET member umft7d says:
"I've had this device for over 6 months now and I am still extremely pleased with it. I use it for gaming, email, and light web browsing..."
(read more)
See all user opinions | Compare prices

CNET Deal Exchange
Check out these special deals from our CNET certified merchants.

TiVo Series2 DVR (40 hours)
The best interface on the planet and cool network options make TiVo Series2 the stand-alone DVR of choice. $44 after a $150 rebate at eCost. Read More

Onkyo HT-S780 home theater
in a box

The Onkyo HT-S780's winning combination of extraordinary value, features, build quality, and sound quality will attract the attention of performance-oriented buyers. $399 after $100 instant cart savings at Circuit City. Read More

HP L1506 - flat panel display -
TFT - 15"

The HP L1506 is a stylish 15-inch flat-panel monitor that delivers essential performance features at a competitive price. $169 after a $50 rebate at CDW. Read More

Canon Digital Rebel XT
(body only - silver)

The Canon Digital Rebel XT is the clear winner in its class when it comes to resolution and dynamic range. $664 after $75 rebate at Beach Camera. Read More

Epson Stylus Photo 1280 (Silver)
Whether you're a professional photographer or a talented amateur, you'll love the fast and friendly inkjet printer that brings you true, lightfast, and water-resistant photo-quality printing. Print thousands of colors using a six-color ink tank, including borderless prints, enlargements, and panoramas. $299 after $100 rebate at Buydig.com. Read More


This week on CNET 
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