I love television, as I’m sure many of you do as well. Right now I’m in the market for a new one, specifically a high definition television (HDTV). The days of simple TV shopping are in the past. Today, you need to do your research before you shell out your hard-earned cash. For those of us who are young adults with limited expendable cash, we want to get the most out of it. Get ready because class is in session.

First let’s break it down into the three technological types that you’ll be most likely to run into at Best Buy or Circuit City.

1. Flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD)
2. Plasma
3. Digital light processing (DLP)

Though all are types of HDTVs, they vary drastically in both science and performance. You’re probably not interested in the former so I’m not going to address it in this post. But if you want to learn more about the science of LCD, plasma, and DLP televisions check out Cnet’s “4 Styles of HDTV”

LCD Key Advantages:

• Brightest picture
• Longest lifespan
• Low in price
• Lightweight
• Thin and wall-mountable

Plasma Key Advantages:

• Highest contrast ratio
• Highest color accuracy and saturation
• Darkest blacks
• Low image blurring
• Thin and wall-mountable

DLP Key Advantages:

• Bright picture
• High contrast ratio
• Dark blacks
• “Smooth” picture
• Lowest price

As you can see, all of these technologies are far from perfect, but unless you plan to go TV-less, you’re going to have to make a tough choice.

For those looking for a mid-sized TV under $2,000, it is my personal opinion that LCD is the overall winner, followed by DLP and with plasma bringing up the rear.

Plasma, while it probably rates the highest in overall picture quality, suffers from picture degradation, some burn-in issues, shorter lifespan, and hefty price vs screen size. You can find yourself paying the same amount for a larger DLP or LCD.

DLP TVs puts up more of a fight, but ultimately lose out terms of maintenance costs and overall space it takes up. For those of you who don’t care about having a wall-mountable TV, this may be your best bet.

LCD technology is the oldest of the three, but it would prefer if we called it “mature” instead. It’s had more than enough time to develop and address its past weaknesses. The picture quality sits above average in most categories while the price sits below-average. Couple that with a sleek, slim design and you’ve got yourself a winning combination.

For more helpful information about buying a TV run over to Cnet’s “Ultimate TV Buying Guide”

Cnet’s “4 Styles of HDTV” and Cnet’s “Ultimate TV Buying Guide” from Cnet.com