In the LCD vs. plasma competition, LCD has sold more sets overall, while plasma has dominated in some larger screen sizes. But plasma has given up that advantageous position in the latest numbers from Quixel Research, which show LCD selling more in the 40 inches and up categories for the first time.

The "USA Large Area Display Report" covers the final quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009. LCD shipments grew 137 percent quarter-over-quarter and almost 500 percent year-over-year in the 55-inch-plus category, while plasma was flat, allowing LCD to overtake plasma.

"We are about to see the LCDTV category further commandeer large screen turf from both PDP and MDRPTV," said analyst Tamaryn Platt. LCD revenue grew 200 percent Y/Y and 55 percent Q/Q, while plasma was down 20 and 12 percent, and RPTV was down 25 and nine percent. Plasma did show one area of strength, with sales of 58-inch models increasing 15 percent.

See press release (PDF).