ccfl vs hcfl

[JTsyo]

I was comparing TVs at SonyStyle and noticed that the Bravia 5100 is very similar to the VE5. The difference being that the VE5 has a hcfl backlight instead of ccfl. This gives it a much lower power consumption but I hear ccfl lasts longer and are smaller. I couldn't find numbers on the difference in lifetimes. Any input on which is the better choice?

 

[Modelworks]

HCFL or arc lamps have a shorter lifespan because they operate completely differently from CCFL, HCFL is closer to incandescent bulbs in how they operate. Once the material inside a HCFL burns off the electrode the HCFL is dead. HCFL is a brighter light but is harder to dim because of the way it works. Lifespan can be as low as half that of CCFL. I would stick with CCFL until LED becomes cheaper.