Flat Panel TVs have been around for quite a while, but consumers can still be baffled by the choices offered by the various different types of technologies. They may all look pretty similar, but they're very different ways of providing the image. Knowing how they work can help you make the right choice of TV to suit you and your household.

LCD

LCD TVs use Liquid Crystal Display technology. This is a type of crystal like glass which is composed of two layers to transmit or block light, creating images. LCD screens, unlike other types, don't light up, requiring backlighting for their images to be visible. They also do not emit radiation for that reason. LCD TVs run cooler than other types, and use less power.

LED

The confusingly named LED/LCD TVs are in fact a form of LCD TV, using LED lights for backlighting rather than fluorescent lighting. These TVs are to all intents LCD TVs.

Plasma

Plasma TVs operate very much like a fluorescent lights. To produce images they use a gas mixture (usually xenon/neon) which is electrically charged to produce color pixels. Each pixel has three possible colors, red green or blue. Plasma TVs were the first flat screen TVs on the market, replacing the old cathode ray TVs and eliminating the need for the picture tube.

Pros's and Con's of Each Technology:

Plasma's pros are :

Bigger possible screen sizes,
Better colour accuracy,
Better contrast
Better able to render blacks
Plasma's cons:

Can be significantly more expensive than other types of TV.
Heavier relative to size.
Shorter product life.
More delicate when shipping
Generates more heat than LCDs.
LCD's Pros

Generate less heat,
Lighter weight relative to screen size
Increased image brightness compared to plasma
Can be much cheaper
Easier to ship
Easier to service in some cases compared to plasma
LCD's Cons

Less contrast relative to plasma,
Less efficient at tracking motion
Fewer large screen sizes.
LED's Pros

Better power consumption (due to LED backlighting)
Better colour saturation,
Better black color levels (than other lcds)
Thinner screens
LED's Cons

More expensive than either Plasma or LCD television
Less range of products, being newer on the market
There's also a basic truth of the market to consider: Not all TVs are equal, and performance is a primary consideration.

These are some tips to make sure you get a TV with minimum fuss:

Name brands are usually much easier to service and have better warranties.
Local servicing and support is definitely a plus.
Exotic brands of TV are usually not a good idea, particularly with proprietary technology which can't be replaced easily.
Price is not a guide to TV performance.
Make comparisons between models before committing to buying a TV.