Just like those on flat computer screens, images on flat panel televisions are brighter, crisper and more defined than the pictures on standard TVs. No matter which flat screen technology you choose, plasma or liquid crystal display (LCD), both offer flicker-free viewing with less glare or room-light reflection.

Flat panel TVs are also fragile. The glass covering screens of both plasma and LCD sets is just a fraction of the thickness on box TV screens. So, if family-room football is a favorite pastime at your house, you may want to stick with the sturdy standard TV or think about putting your flat panel in a safer, calmer environment.

2 PICS | 1 CHART; 1,2. Hung on a wall, Sony's plasma WEGA flat panel TV looks like a work of art. Philips' flat panel TV with integrated sound system (below) can be mounted on its own sleek stand. 3. What's the difference?; Credit: 1. SONY 2. PHILIPS 3. [Bobbi Ignelzi]