difference between plasma and lcd

I will be buying a T.V. on Black Friday but I am not technology smart. Can someone explain the difference between Plasma and LCD and the difference between 720 and 1080??? Also what are the best brands. I am looking to get between a 46-50 inch T.V. Answer: Got KIDS? LCD is not kid-proofed, you need to buy a piece of plexiglas to cover the LCD panel to protect it from ...