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When the New York Giants take on the New England Patriots Sunday in Super Bowl XLVI, the homes of many Americans will transform into mini theaters to view the most watched television event of the year.

As a matter of fact, last year’s Super Bowl between the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers broke the 27-year-old American viewership record (previously set during the series finale of M*A*S*H), when a new benchmark of 111 million viewers tuned in to watch the Packers hoist their first Lombardi Trophy since beating New England (35–21) in 1996.

Lucas Oil Stadium, the host venue for Super Bowl XLVI, is sure to reach its maximum capacity of 68,000, when NFL fans nationwide migrate to Indianapolis to watch a 46^th team earn a Super Bowl championship.

However, fans not lucky enough to make it to Indianapolis will surely enjoy the big game at home or a friend’s Super Bowl party, leaving only one question:

What’s the best type of television on which to watch the Super Bowl?

When attempting to find a TV with the perfect picture, there are three important specs to investigate:

• Contrast Ratio  (e.g., 100,000:1)
• Vertical Lines and Resolution (e.g., 1080p, 720p, 1080i, or 720i)
• Refresh Rate or Response Rate (e.g., 60Hz or 120Hz)

Excluding the standard tube TV that pales in comparison to today’s wide selection of flat panels, video projection units provide the most versatile capabilities.

By simply moving the video projector unit backward, you can maximize the high-definition picture quality to a gargantuan screen size of 110 inches.  With a screen this size, your Super Bowl party guests are sure to see every inch of the 6’ 6” Patriots tight end, Rob Gronkowski, as he attempts to continue his record-breaking NFL season.

What type of flat panel television is best for sports viewing?

The most common flat panel models can be divided into three different categories:

• LCD
• Plasma
• LED

As a salesman at Best Buy during my undergraduate years, I became both proficient in the technology used in these flat panel televisions and an owner of all three different types.

Through watching numerous sporting events on all three TVs, I consider myself more than qualified to provide couch potatoes and sporting enthusiasts nationwide with the following flat panel review:

LCDs

Liquid-crystal display TVs became popular when manufacturing costs fell in 2007, prompting LCD sales worldwide to surpass cathode ray tube (CRT) TV sales for the first time.

These thinner and lighter models are definitely an upgrade from a CRT tube set, but critics have complained that the image (produced by selectively blocking a backlight) distorts in obtuse viewing angles.  Nonetheless, the low competitive prices of LCDs remain a leading reason why they have taken over the majority of television sales in the electronics market.

When I initially purchased it, I loved my LCD for the extra space it saved.  However, after viewing the amazing depths of colors on my father’s plasma, I soon became unimpressed with my LCD unit.

Plasmas

The easiest way to identify a plasma television is the front screen.  If the flat panel has a glass viewing screen, it’s a plasma.

Plasma TVs use small cells containing electrically charged ionized gases that help create a bright, wide color gamut that translates to an excellent picture from all viewing angles.  The richness of the colors in a plasma television is a perfect match for watching movies or sporting events.  The color quality is so superb that you may forget that the plasma has more disadvantages than the other two flat panel models including:

• Screen burn-in
• High electricity use
• Screen door effect
• Glare (from sun or artificial light)

Despite the disadvantages, plasma TVs are totally awesome for watching sporting events!  If you find yourself in front of one on Super Bowl Sunday, prepare to view $3.5 million dollar commercials with colors that nearly jump off the screen!

LEDs

When you reach the pinnacle in sporting events, such as the Super Bowl, it’s best watch on the pinnacle of flat panel technology: the light-emitting diode,  or LED TV.

LEDs offer the latest technology for flat panel televisions.  By combining the perfect match of contrast ratio, resolution, and response rate, the LED (in my opinion) is head and shoulders above the competition.

Ever since I braved the elements and Black Friday crowds to purchase my 42-inch, 1080p, 100,000:1 contrast ratio, LED flat panel television, I have been hooked on the amazing picture quality and wide range of colors the LED provides.

If you want the best television for your money, I would strongly suggest an LED flat panel television.

Yet, with so much excitement surrounding Sunday’s 2007 Super Bowl rematch between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, you’re certain to enjoy yourself no matter what type of television you find yourself in front of come kickoff!

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