What Is Better – LCD Or Plasma TV?
There always seems to be an ongoing debate about which is better: LCD or Plasma TV. There’s alot of opinions out there, so I’ll just list a few facts to help you decide.
LCD TV disadvantages :
- Artifacting: LCD screens have an inherent delay problem. When a fast moving object moves across a LCD screen the delay of LCD technology causes trails because the screen can’t keep up. This phenomenon is called “artifacting”. This is less of a problem with the newer name-brand models, but becomes more noticable as the screen size gets bigger.
- Contrast: LCD displays have less contrast as they use a backlight which shines through the lcd panels. The panels allow or block light depending on what is required to produce an image or a color. The black levels can’t go totally “black” and look various shades of glowing grey.
- Field Of Vision: Even the best LCD tv has field of vision problems as your viewing angle moves from the center off to either side.
- Cost: very expensive when you get to the larger size screens (over 35 inches).
- You have to be careful to avoid the plethora of no name junk units on market. Stick to name brands with proper warranties. Pixel failure can be a real problem with no name LCD screens, not to mention the poor picture and video quality.
LCD TV Advantages:
- Quality units have good brightness levels
- Energy efficient gives lo operating cost.
- Good life expectancy. Expect 30 to 50,000 hours bulb life according to Sharp
Plasma TV Screen Disadvantages:
- Image retention: Plasma screens can suffer from burn in if a still image is left on the display for too long. If your primary use of the plasma screen is for TV viewing and dvd, image retention will not be a factor. And it really is not much of a factor at all anymore with the newer models.
- No tuners: Alot of plasma screens don’t have tuners. This is really a non-factor as you will be using satellite, digital cable or external HD boxes anyways.
Plasma TV Screen Advantages:
- Long life: the average name brand plasma tv will last 30 to 50,000 hours. This is around 20 years at 6 hours per day.
- Field of vision: A plasma screen tv has a field of vision of almost 180 degrees without loss of picture quality. From any angle you will have a great picture
- Brightness: Plasma screens are very bright. 4 to 5 times brighter then an average tv.
- Great contrast: very good black levels. The blacks are “black”.
- Lower cost when you go into the larger screens
- Good picture response: There is virtually no delay in any name brand plasma and therefore no artifacting that is experienced on LCD screens.
- Natural looking picture: plasma tv colors tend to be natural looking and more accurate. Less of the “digital” look common in LCD tv.
- Upgradeability: Many plasma screens have upgradeable video cards that “future proof ” your plasma tv.
I may be biased, but my personal choice is plasma tv. I really like the better viewing angles and sharp contrast. I did alot of research before purchasing and decided that the only choice for me in the “LCD or plasma tv” debate was to go for plasma. I’m happy I did.
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