We live in a world of choice. In each moment, we are presented with the opportunity to choose from an array of options. The truth is, though, that we do not always make our choices consciously. Sometimes, instead of choosing what is best for our personal requirements, we fall in the trap of commercial tricks and purchase a product we do not need. When we want to make a choice based on facts and objective reasoning exclusively, we need to methodically analyze and compare each product based on the criteria we value. In this essay, I will try to do that when choosing between the two most popular types of TVs: LCD and plasma. When entering the technical department of any supermarket or a high-tech store, many people ask themselves whether a LCD TV is better than a plasma TV, or vice versa. To answer this question, we need to compare the two products based on several relevant technical criteria.

      From a layman’s eye, LCD and plasma TVs may look alike; however, a keen eye will notice the difference between these sets. These differences permit customers to have a manifold of choices based on their particular requirements. A plasma display comprises of two glass panels packed in compartmentalized spaces, with many small plasma cell. Plasma cells are normally charged to a precise electrical voltage level (Kith, Plasma TV Components). On the other hand, an LCD display is comprised of aqueous crystals that are normally preset between two panels of glass (Reed, Architecture of the TV). Displays are further enhanced by utilizing electricity voltage on the LCD TV set panel.

       As a result of such technical differences, a conclusion can be drawn that plasma TV sets are better in comparison to LCD TV sets when it comes to lighting (Howard, TV Comparisons: Modern). Also, many users have noted that plasma screens give an enhanced black color display as compared to LCD screens. In addition, a plasma TV affords better viewing angles.

        Another crucial criterion to consider whenever we compare two products of everyday use is the pricing range. The price of any TV set depends on the display diameter and the stylistic configuration of the device. One may spend up to a million dollars on a TV set that was designed and custom made exclusively for their interior, and may even be inlaid with precious stones or a designer label. However, when we aim to compare two products based on their cost, we need to select two equally-sized, factory-made for mass consumption products of one or two popular brands, and compare their prices. An average plasma TV is cheaper than an LCD TV. This is largely due to the fact that a plasma TV costs less to assemble, thus translating into a lower price (Fields, Price Comparisons of Viewing). The price criterion once again speaks in favor of the plasma TV. At the same time, when taking the price factor into account, we have to understand its changeability. Since LCD TVs are a much more current technological invention than the plasma TV, there is a high possibility that the price of LCD products will decrease palpably in the near future, as technological progress offers us new alternatives.

          At the same time, it is logical to assume that the LCD TV will also have some considerable advantages that help it successfully compete with the plasma TV on store shelves and in consumers’ households. One such important advantage of the LCD TV would be its lifespan. LCD TVs have a longer lifespan as opposed to the plasma TV (Franz, TV Statistics). It also has superior screen resolution. This would be a decisive factor to choose LCD over plasma for those consumers who enjoy playing high-resolution video games on their TVs. However, this would not greatly matter to an average TV viewer, since a plasma TV perfectly copes with the other tasks of a regular TV set without any resolution imperfections for the viewer.

            Ultimately, technology matters less when it comes to obtaining such a popular domestic device as a TV set. After all, it is about the reliability and safety of the device that every member of your family will use practically every day. Having compared the two most popular types of TV sets, I came to the conclusion that there should be no controversy between LCD TVs and plasma TVs. It is not about which TV set is more worth its cost, or which is better-selling, but about the purpose for which the TV set is being used.Notwithstanding the similarities between plasma and LCD TV sets, their understated differences might be crucial when taking into consideration the TV’s use, the environment, and location.

Buying the largest, most costly TV set that will occupy no less than a whole wall in your living room might not be one of the smartest decisions for a household with children and pets, while it would perfectly suit a hi-tech apartment of a young business person. Consumers should remember a couple of basic tips when choosing one type of TV over the other. For instance, if you want to fit a TV set into a huge space, then a plasma TV will do better due to the wider viewing angle and the lower price of big sizes. The debate about which TV set is better is far from over. In the end, the question lies more in the hands of the consumer. Next time you buy a plasma or LCD TV set, do not be surprised if your neighbor criticizes your choice.

The progress of science is usually believed to have improved the quality of many processes, products, and services. However, in certain spheres of life, traditional methods are still being used medicine is a bright example of the co-existence of two antipodal approaches. Along with commonly recognized conventional medicine based on science and technology, there also exists alternative medicine, which sometimes includes practices developed thousands of years ago. The superiority of each of these kinds of medicine have a long-standing history, as each of them have proved its effectiveness; therefore, understanding their advantages and drawbacks is crucial for forming one’s own point of view.

        The first difference between these two systems is their approach to diagnosis. Conventional medicine focuses on the factors that cause diseases and remedying their symptoms; every abnormality is seen as an independent clause, separate from the personality of an individual and their environment. Unlike its counterpart, alternative medicine sees a body as an equilibrium of interrelations between a body and its environment  therefore, a disease is thought to be caused by an imbalance between them. In other words, alternative medicine focuses rather on cleansing the entire system than on curing its particular elements (Buzzle).

Alternative medicine assumes health is a life-long process; therefore, to sustain a healthy body condition, a person should continually maintain proper nutrition, their daily regimen, body care, mind exercises, and so on. Conventional medicine, while also taking these principles in consideration, relies mostly on drugs and surgery. This makes it more effective for managing critical situations (or for quick-fixes), but is less efficient in healing chronic diseases. In addition, it is extremely expensive. On the other hand, alternative medicine is more affordable, it guarantees stronger and more stable results, but is also time-intensive, requiring a commitment to a healing process, and thus may not seem like a reasonable option for quickly healing a patient (AHHA).

Unlike conventional medicine, which relies entirely on chemically synthesized drugs, alternative medicine uses natural components such as herbs as remedying substances.Alternative medicine also uses ancient methods of dealing with diseases, such as acupuncture, massage, yoga, breathing techniques, meditation, and so on. Conventional medicine, in its turn, puts more trust in scientifically-approved methods of diagnosing and treatment, though acupuncture and massage are also approved (AlternativeMedicine).

Alternative and conventional medicine have different approaches when it comes to understanding and curing diseases. Whereas conventional medicine often sees a disease as an independent clause, and focuses more on a quick-fix than on systematic approaches, alternative medicine sees a body and its environment as a holistic system; a disease occurs in case of an imbalance between all of the system’s elements. Conventional medicine is thus more effective for treating critical situations, but less suitable for managing chronic diseases. Alternative medicine yields gradual results, but they are usually more stable and long-lasting, as they often involve the change of an individual’s lifestyle. Alternative medicine relies mostly on natural components and ancient techniques, whereas conventional medicine prefers chemical drugs and scientifically-approved methods of diagnosis and treatment.