People in the market for a new TV need to do some research into the different varieties which are out there, according to an expert.

Heather Healy, blogging for Very.co.uk, said that consumers need to think about what they require, whether it be a LCD, LED or plasma model.

She stated that LCD televisions are best for viewing still images, which means that if users are planning on deploying it as a second monitor for a PC, then it would make the ideal choice.

“LCDs also use less power than plasma televisions because the neon gas in plasma takes more energy to light it up. So if you’re an eco-warrior this could be the route for you. LCDs generally use around half the energy of a plasma TV,” she added.

Ms Healy also said that plasma box sets are quite fragile, which is something which should be considered if people are planning on hanging them on a wall, making sure that it is well supported when mounted.

Earlier this week, Panasonic officially launched its 3D-enabled VT20 range of plasma televisions and BDT300 Blu-ray player.

LCD TVs are becoming more popular, with new research showing that shipments grew worldwide by 37 per cent last year.

DisplaySearch, a visual market research firm, said that last year shipments of ordinary TVs grew by two per cent, with the LCD units far outstripping this number.

Because of the recession, many products have been discounted to stimulate buying, with flat panel technologies such as LCD enjoying better growth in 2009 than they did in 2008.

The final quarter of 2009 showed even stronger year-over-year unit shipment growth, with LCD TVs climbing by 50 per cent on the previous year.

Paul Gagnon, director of DisplaySearch, said: “The better-than-expected 2009 results clearly demonstrate that consumers still have a strong desire to purchase flat panel TVs, but at the same time are willing to shift their buying behaviour to match their budget in a recession-plagued year.”

In other LCD TV news, LG has announced that it is set to expand its operations in the flat panel industry.

Taking up photography gives people the opportunity to capture special and unique moments, according to an expert.

Amber Flowers, digital artist and author, told BG Daily News that she has been getting out and seeing more of the world because of photography, spending less time in front of a computer and more time doing her hobby.

"If you’ve seen an amazing photo online, in a paper or magazine and wished that you had been the photographer, then wish no more and get out there and practice. Join one of the many local photography clubs or even an online club or photography website," she said.

She added that by using a digital camera, people are not wasting any money by experimenting different techniques as they can just delete images which do not work out.

In other photography news, Sotherby’s said that it is to auction off items from the Polaroid company’s photography collection following a six-day-long display.

Taking up photography as a hobby can help people to fulfil promised resolutions, according to an expert.

Amber Flowers, a digital artist and writer, told The Amplifier that many people made resolutions to lose weight, make money and find success in the new year, stating that learning photography can help them achieve all of these goals.

“Photography can inspire you to get you and your family outside searching for beautiful locations to take pictures. This ‘exercise’ will help people with weight loss resolutions and your family will grow closer by doing something you can all do together,” she told the source.

She added that photography can help people make money and find success, as they will be able to sell unique images as stock, prints and other products.

Ms Flowers said that people can even set up an online gallery, join local photography clubs and other online communities where they will meet like-minded people.

Raj Shukla, writing for SiliconIndia, recently advised photography beginners that they should invest in effective and trusted image recovery software in case of accidental deletion or file corruption.

The new 2View camera from Samsung gives people the chance to take photos of themselves having fun, thanks to an additional screen on the front of the snapper.

Offering dual screen LCD technology, the device lets people capture precious memories with family and friends from both behind and in front of the camera.

Steve Mitchell, general manager of marketing for Samsung Digital Imaging, said that the introduction of the 2View last year was one of the most successful camera launches in the firm’s history.

"The ST550 and the ST500 broke new ground and surpassed industry expectations thanks to a combination of technologies that directly addressed how families and consumers take pictures today," he added.

Speaking about the new PL150 and PL100 models, Mr Mitchell said that both feature a 1.5 inch colour LCD screen to frame video, as well as digital stills.

A review on TechieGardgets.com recently said that the camera is the "first of its kind", with the device’s screen resolution also impressing the experts.

Around 170 million LCD TVs could be sold around the world this year, according to new figures from DisplaySearch.

Worldwide LED-backlit LCD TV shipments are expected to reach 32 million units as firms such as Samsung, LG, Sony, Sharp and Vizio continue to actively promote them.

According to the source, global 3D TV shipments will touch one million units this year, with Sony expecting that there will be between 30 and 40 million of the devices in circulation by 2013.

Earlier this week, Reuters reported that a slight LCD TV slump is now starting to rebound, with a number of sporting events coming up in 2010 helping the sales figures.

The Winter Olympics, Super Bowl and World Cup will mean that millions will be in search of the best possible viewing experience.

A number of networks have also revealed that they will be offering 3D channels in the near future, while improvements in LED technology also expected to boost LCD TV sales.

The world’s biggest TV brand by revenue has said that it aims to sell around 35 million LCD units in 2010.

Samsung also announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that it hopes to sell ten million products featuring its LED backlighting.

The predictions build on last year’s figures which said that it hoped to sell 22 million LCD TVs in 2009.

Yoon Boo-Keun, president of Samsung Electronics Visual Display division, said that the company is also expecting market rivalry for 3D TVs to intensify in 2010, while also promising that it is ready to compete with its global peers.

“3D will especially draw much interest this year. We are completely preparing for 3D in all sectors, including content, glasses and TVs,” he added.

Recently, Samsung, LG Panasonic and Sony all revealed plans to support Sky TV’s forthcoming 3D channel launch in the UK and Ireland with the release of a new range of 3D-ready sets.

Sales of LCD TVs are helping to boost retailers’ profits in the run-up to Christmas, according to one industry expert.

Britt Beemer, chief executive and founder of America’s Research Group, said that worldwide sales of products such as the Sony Bravia 32” LCD TV are ensuring that companies turn a profit over the busy festive period, despite the recession.

The specialist claimed that consumers are increasingly seeing the benefit of adopting the latest electronics, such as the LOGIK L22LID648 22″ HD Ready digital LCD TV, particularly with the widespread adoption of high definition boxes.

“Electronics sales, especially flat-panel TV sets, are flying out the door this Christmas season. When flat-panel TV sets hit the magic price point, sales go up like a rocket. Twenty years ago, the same thing happened with VCRs,” Mr Beemer explained.

Meanwhile, Don Lindich, writing in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, recently said that people who possess game consoles such as a PS3 or Xbox 360 will find that investing in an LCD TV enhances their experience considerably.