Plasma Vs. LCD: Which One Wins?
When plasma television was first introduced, it was the leader in flat screen cinematic style viewing. Early on, plasma really had no serious competition in this area, but that was to change with the emergence of LCD TV. After the advent of the LCD television, there has been a recurring, heated discussion over which television is best. There are those that staunchly stand behind one or the other. Lets us discuss the key distinctions in these different types of tvs.
Cost will be the first point we look at. At this time, plasma screen TVs are more cost effective than the LCDs. The bigger the screen size you buy, the larger the difference in cost. The next comparison is the quality of the picture. For a number of years, plasma held the advantage in picture quality. Plasma televisions tend to give a deeper, truer level of black but in recent years LCD TV has gained ground in picture quality to the extent that in many ways it can produce a better picture, with sharper whites and an overall brighter picture. In recent years the LCD picture has gotten even better with the introduction of LED technology. LCD tvs now have higher refresh rates and their plasma counterparts.
Another point of contention has to do with the longevity of the two products. Early on, plasma screens had a tendency to start going bad after about four or five years. Today, they have just as long of life as the LCD models, but like all reputations, they are sometimes hard to eliminate. Another concern of those buying tvs is burn-in; this is where images burn into the screen causing ghosting. Burn-in has always been an issue with plasma screens, LCD televisions do not suffer from this problem.
Viewing angle is another discussion point when comparing plasma and LCD. Some plasma lovers will state that you get a good picture regardless of what angle you happen to be sitting at. Just as fervently, LCD viewers will state the same. The only accurate judge on this matter is going to have to be the individual consumer.
Size and weight are an important concern because lots people want to put their televisions in some unorthodox locations in their home. Plasma televisions are by far the thicker and heavier of the two tvs. There can be a 20-40% difference in weight between the two styles of tvs. With the introduction of LED technology in LCD televisions, the disparity has become even larger.
In the final analysis, given today's advancements in television technology, both plasma and LCD TVs are good choices and for the most part it boils down to individual preference. Many movie buffs, who don't mind the burn-in issue, will probably get the most enjoyment out of plasma. By the way, plasma does much better in a very dark room. LCD's are better for lighter viewing situations. Which is one reason why some end up going for the LCD because it has more flexibility in that regard.
Cost will be the first point we look at. At this time, plasma screen TVs are more cost effective than the LCDs. The bigger the screen size you buy, the larger the difference in cost. The next comparison is the quality of the picture. For a number of years, plasma held the advantage in picture quality. Plasma televisions tend to give a deeper, truer level of black but in recent years LCD TV has gained ground in picture quality to the extent that in many ways it can produce a better picture, with sharper whites and an overall brighter picture. In recent years the LCD picture has gotten even better with the introduction of LED technology. LCD tvs now have higher refresh rates and their plasma counterparts.
Another point of contention has to do with the longevity of the two products. Early on, plasma screens had a tendency to start going bad after about four or five years. Today, they have just as long of life as the LCD models, but like all reputations, they are sometimes hard to eliminate. Another concern of those buying tvs is burn-in; this is where images burn into the screen causing ghosting. Burn-in has always been an issue with plasma screens, LCD televisions do not suffer from this problem.
Viewing angle is another discussion point when comparing plasma and LCD. Some plasma lovers will state that you get a good picture regardless of what angle you happen to be sitting at. Just as fervently, LCD viewers will state the same. The only accurate judge on this matter is going to have to be the individual consumer.
Size and weight are an important concern because lots people want to put their televisions in some unorthodox locations in their home. Plasma televisions are by far the thicker and heavier of the two tvs. There can be a 20-40% difference in weight between the two styles of tvs. With the introduction of LED technology in LCD televisions, the disparity has become even larger.
In the final analysis, given today's advancements in television technology, both plasma and LCD TVs are good choices and for the most part it boils down to individual preference. Many movie buffs, who don't mind the burn-in issue, will probably get the most enjoyment out of plasma. By the way, plasma does much better in a very dark room. LCD's are better for lighter viewing situations. Which is one reason why some end up going for the LCD because it has more flexibility in that regard.
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