Plasma TV Or LCD TV? A Comparison

Both Plasma and LCD technologies attempt to deliver the same (similar, in any case) results; both are used in televisions that are flat and thin. Here you can read side-by-side list of what each has to offer that the other one does not.

Plasma Television Overview

1. Plasma displays are made up of cells that contain glass panels. There's a narrow gap between the panels that's filled with neon-xenon gas in plasma form. This gas is charged when the Plasma TV is in used electrically. This charged gas strikes phosphors (red, green and blue) producing a TV image. Each red, green and blue phosphor is a picture element, better known as pixel.

2. So Plasma TVs burns phosphors to generate images. Which means, it has some of the negative quality of traditional TVs, specifically: you get heat and screen-burn of static images.

3. The screen does emit radiation.

LCD Television Overview

1. LCD displays are made of layers (2) of transparent material that are polarized and 'glued' together. One of the layers is coated with a substance (polymer) that contains individual liquid crystals. When electric current is passed through the individual crystals, they allow light to pass through or block it. So once you have the panels properly set, you put a light source (florescent bulb) net to it and the image the LCD creates becomes visible.

2. The liquid crystals produce less heat than the phosphors of Plasma or CRT televisions. The light source that makes the images visible uses less power.

3. The screen does not emit any radiation.

Here is a list of the advantages and disadvantages of Plasma and lcd tv technologies in relation to each other.

Plasma - better contrast ratio
LCD - worse contrast ratio

Plasma - deep darks
LCD - less deep darks

Plasma - better saturation
LCD - worse saturation

Plasma - better accuracy
LCD - worse accuracy

Plasma - burn-in of static images
LCD - no burn-in of static images

Plasma - individual pixels do not burn out (causing black or white spots that cannot be fixed as individual pixels cannot be fixed)
LCD -yes individual pixels do burn out (causing black or white spots that cannot be fixed as individual pixels cannot be fixed)

Plasma - generates more heat
LCD - generates less heat

Plasma -uses more energy
LCD -uses less energy

Plasma - has issues at higher altitudes
LCD - does not have issues at higher altitudes

Plasma - weighs more (if screen size is the same)
LCD - weighs less (if screen size is the same)

Advantages That Have Disappeared Or Are About To

Plasma used to have better motion tracking (less or no lag in fast moving images).
LCD Used to have more lag in fast moving images. However, these days, lcd tvS that have 120 Hz screen refresh rates and 240Hz processing match Plasma in motion tracking quality.

Plasma Used to last significantly less. However, new technology has changed that so that now Plasma TVs have over 60,000 hours life expectancy.
LCD used to last longer, over 60,000 hours life expectancy.

Plasma - used to be the only ones available in larger sizes.
LCD - did not use to be available in larger sizes.

Plasma - Are still typically cheaper than same size lcd tvs, especially EDTV Plasma TVs vs. HDTV LCD TVs. However the gap is narrowing. The 1080p resolution Plasma TV sets between 37 and 42 inches tend to be more expensive than same size, 1080p resolution LCD TV sets.

LCD - Are typically more expensive than same size Plasma TVS, especially HDTV LCD TVs vs. EDTV Plasma. However, the gap is narrowing. The 1080p resolution LCD TV sets between 37 and 42 inches tend to be cheaper than same size, 1080p Plasma TV sets.

Finally, a non-issue. Some (Plasma TV makers) point out that LCD TV sets contain mercury. It's true, but the amount is small and does not come in contact with the users. LED LCD TV sets do not have mercury at all.

So which one do you buy? Well, it's up to you. But now you are in a good position to decide. All you're left with is deciding which company's TV you want, what screen size, and a few other pesky features (which I cover in another article). And, of course, how much to pay. But you are one step closer to have that TV set in your home.

Plasma Vs LCD - TV Technology Comparison Made Easy

With the various models available in the market, you will truly find a hard time deciding which LCD is the best. We have the Samsung 57 1080P Flat Panel LCD HDTV, Sharp Plasma TV, Panasonic Television, and the Sony KDL 40-Brx6 among the wide variety of models available today. But do not worry, help is always around. Read on and think about the following information.

First, let's decide first which product you intend to buy. Would you like to have a new set of the standard TV, or impressive Plasma, or an immensely huge LCD? It seems like a Samsung-Sony TV or LCD-Plasma commercial is needed. Still cannot decide? Let us take a look at the requirements to help you differentiate the three and decide which home-theater monitor is for you.

1. Screen size. Which size would you prefer? Which size fits your home and the location where you want to put the TV unit? Would you like to have it mounted on a wall or placed in a TV cabinet?

Standard televisions are way bulkier than Plasma TVs; but Plasma seems to be a bit bulkier than the sleek LCDs. However, Plasma appears to be more affordable than the sophisticated Liquid Crystal Display technology.

2. Image Clarity. You will buy a TV for the purpose of viewing right? So better find a unit with the best of the best picture quality. An impressive and outstanding image resolution and picture quality will be useful in other TV functionalities such as replacement for your computer monitor or for movie watching and video game playing. Find a product where you can get the best value for your money.

Look for possible defects and future complaints. A plasma television sometimes has a burn area. This is when the image sets on the screen for a long time; it tends to burn the image in the specific area. Their LCD counterparts do not have this.

On the other hand, Plasma TVs have great contrast and visibility. Although LCDs at present are already developed and have a slight and almost unnoticeable difference with the Plasma, LCDs still have some graying effect on the picture which damages the clarity of the image.

3. Angle of vision. There is a 160-175 maximum degrees of viewing angle for LCDs but note that the quality of the image decreases as the angle increases. Plasma, however, can maintain a good picture quality even at a 160 degree angle.

4. Life span. Consider the screen life to ensure that you will enjoy your money's worth for a considerable length of time. LCDs are proud of its 40 year screen life compared to the 20 year of Plasma.

5. Energy Saving. You may think that you will get Plasma because of its extremely affordable price but think again. It may come to you as cheap at first, but reviews have shown that Plasma's power consumption will drain your wallets and bank accounts. There is a tendency that you will actually pay more for the energy consumption of your Plasma as compared to buying the lcd tv itself.

So what can we conclude now? Review your needs. Then base your decision on those needs. Consider the following factors and organize your thoughts. Would you settle for a temporary form of entertainment or go with something that will last for years and years to come?