We are replacing our ancient TVs in our office (conference rooms, break rooms) and trying to decide between getting LCD and plasma. Which would be better environmentally? I am concerned about disposal (lead and mercury) and energy efficiency.

 Thanks for any input you can provide!

LCD uses less electricity for the size, tend to have a better life span, and are not as subject to burn-in. They don't tend to have the "pop" of a plasma, but tend to be easier to watch for extended periods. That pop can get fatiguing after a while. Newer technology has overcome many of the drawbacks LCDs had in the past.

The setting should also be factored in--ambient light levels, reflections, etc. What works well in one area may not in another.

Do some research.  Check the stats on different brands of TVs and make sure they have the official Energy Star logo.

Yes... LCD TVs do contain mercury, but so do CFL bulbs.  You won't make contact with the mercury unless you totally disassemble the TV and break everything apart, so it's something I honestly wouldn't even worry about.

Check out this article.

-Justin

I know it's been a few months, but I recently learned of LED TVs.  They use far less energy than LCDs and have a tremendous picture quality.  The price is a bit higher, but they'll last hundreds of thousands of hours.  I'm trying to save up for one for my personal use. 

-Justin

Where did you find these LED tv's? I find it interesting. LED lights tend to last for an extremely long time and I can only imagine the life of an LED tv.

Best Buy!

My vote goes to Samsung.  They make an excellent LED TV.  The contrast ratio is somewhere in the range of 20,000,000:1, as opposed to 70,000:1 in a typical LCD TV.  Blacks are like a night sky and whites are of the highest purity.  They start at about $2,000 for a lower-end model.  I hope to buy a 55" in the not-so-distant future, although a 46" seems just as promising.

-Justin