Flat-panel television sales in the US and Europe are surging as consumers ditch their standard-definition cathode ray tube sets in favour of high-definition digital systems. LCD televisions, alongside plasma panels, are leading the charge.

Traditionally, LCD technology has been the preferred option for small (under 27in) flat-panel television sets, while plasma is replacing rear-projection technologies for big (and really big) displays. The relative expense of producing big LCD panels meant that, until recently, the technology was mainly confined to smaller television sets.