Comparing LCD vs Plasma TVs
How to Choose the Best Quality Flat Screen Television
There are pros and cons to both LCD and Plasma TVs. However, determining which is most appropriate for a buyer's needs is crucial before purchasing either.
Flat screen televisions make for a great gift for Christmas, birthdays or any occasion. Yet, selecting the most appropriate TV can be challenging if the consumer doesn’t know what he or she is looking for. Here are some tips to help determine whether an LCD or plasma flat screen is the best way to go.
Screen Size: Advantage, Plasma
Plasma TVs range from 32” to 63” wide. LCD’s top out at about 52” wide, though there is a 65” Sharp available. Moreover, larger screen plasmas are notably cheaper than similar sized LCDs.
Viewing Angle: Advantage, Push
LCDs are getting a lot better in this area. The older versions had more limited viewing angles than plasmas, because they were designed as single person computer monitors. New LCDs have viewing angles up to 175 degrees, while plasmas are at about 160 degrees.
Burn in Pixels: Advantage, LCD
Newer model plasmas don’t have this problem as much as the older models. However, by leaving a still-image on a plasma screen for too long, a user runs the risk of that image being permanently burned into the screen. Typically, in the newer models, the image fades soon after, but it is still something to take note of.
Newer plasma models try to combat this with new features, such as automatic screen saver. However, this gives LCDs an edge over Plasma TVs for video games or if the TV is used as both a computer monitor and a television, where still screens tend to be unavoidable.
Life Span: Advantage, Push
Plasmas are getting much better at this. While older models could only boast of a 20 hour half life, newer models last 30-60 hours. An LCDs’ half life is about 50-60 hours. Half life is the time it takes for the bulb to burn to half its original brightness.
Weight: Advantage, LCD
LCDs are much lighter than plasmas. For this reason, and because they tend to be less fragile, LCDs are easier and less expensive to ship.
Picture Performance: Advantage, Plasma
According to the article Plasma vs. LCD by David Carnoy, "...backlighting-based LCD TVs typically can't display black as well as plasmas; it ends up closer to dark grey. That shortcoming decreases the amount of detail you can see in the shadows and ultimately leaves the picture looking -- as videophiles would say -- less three-dimensional" For this reason, plasmas may be better for watching sports or action movies where there is more movement.
Electricity: Advantage, LCD
LCDs use less energy, which saves a bit in energy costs in the long run.
Blurred Images: Advantage, Plasma
Some of the larger LCD TVs blur fast-moving images, or cause pixilation. Some might claim this as a myth, but it does occur.
Glare: Advantage, LCD
If you’re setting your TV up across from a window, LCDs might be a better choice, as the sun will make it harder to view a plasma.
Cost: Advantage, Push
It's hard to determine which is cheaper pound for pound. Plasmas used to be much cheaper (for instance, a 42" top-rated Plasma cost as much if not less than a 37" LCD). However, LCD TVs have all but caught up in the price war.
For example, according to HDTV Solutions, the Panasonic TH-42PZ77UAmazon.com. Conversely, the top-rated 42" Plasma TV goes for about $1,348.00 at Sony Bravia KDL-40S3000, a top-rated 40" LCD TV according to LCD TV Buying Guide, is going for $1,299.99. In this case, the LCD might be slightly cheaper, but it's also slightly smaller (LCD TVs don't come 42" wide).
Picture Response: Advantage, Plasma
Plasmas generally have better picture response than LCDs (no delay or pixilation).
Neither television is better or worse, but one might be more appropriate for certain arrangements or circumstances. Before buying a Plasma or LCD TV, it’s important to consider these factors in order to buy the television that’s going to serve the best interests of its viewers.
Overall, according to the above categories, Plasmas and LCDs tie at four a piece, but determining which is "better" is most dependent on what the circumstances are for the buyer. Is the TV going in a room that has a window on the opposite side of the room? Is the TV going to have dual use (used as a computer monitor and television)? Is cost a determining factor?
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Sources consulted:
- "Plasma vs LCD: Which is right for you?" Accessed on 27 November, 2007.
- "LCD TVs versus Plasma TVs". Accessed on 27 November 2007.
- "LCD vs. Plasma TVs". Retrieved from http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/34579/94117.html on 27 November 2007.
- "Plasma vs. LCD: Six things you need to know", By David Carnoy. Retrieved from http://www.cnet.com.au/tvs/0,239035250,339273215,00.htm on 27 November 2007.
- "LCD TV Buying Guide". Retrieved from http://www.lcdtvbuyingguide.com/ on 27 November 2007.
- "Plasma TV Buying Guide". Retrieved from http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/ on 27 November 2007.
