they're similar, broadcast tv looks better on her plasma than it does on my lcd, though 1080i hdtv looks great on mine. her blacks are better, my colors look sorta washed out compared to her's. build quality is decent, we have viewsonic and toshiba lcds as well and vizio seems like it'll hold up. our uses are different though, i bought mine to use with my computer and game systems, she bought hers to use to watch tv and movies. costco and sam's club carry vizio, if you have the time, just buy the one one you like and use it and if you're not completely satisfied, return it and buy the other one.