Plasma TVs vs. LCD TVs. Who wins? An informative, easy-to-read report.

LCD vs Plasma TVs

Who Wins? No-Spin Report. The Good & the Bad.

Size: Both LCD TVs and plasma TVs are thin as you could hope for. In screen size plasmas usually run larger though don’t usually come in smaller sizes, which is sometimes needed. Viewing Angle: Plasma have a wider viewing angle. Life Span: Both have good lifespan. Issues: Plasma sometimes suffer from “burn in” effect. LCD TVs are sometimes susceptible to a delay that causes the outline of figures or objects to appear jagged. Color: LCD TVs are renowned for a sharp picture and vibrant color. Plasma TVs are known for a wide range of colors and accurate color reproduction. Brightness: LCD TVs are said to do slightly better in bright-light conditions. Black Levels: Plasma TVs generally produce very black blacks whereas an LCD TV will produce a very dark charcoal gray. Contrast Levels: Plasma TVs, technically, are said to have greater contrast levels. Cost: Prices for both types of TVs are decreasing rapidly.

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LCD vs. Plasma TVs Home - Tech Info & Size | Page 2 - Issues: Burn-in, Delay, Dead Pixel Problems | Page 3 - Life Span, Picture Quality | Page 4 - Differences, Prices

LCD vs. Plasma TVs: The Technology

Tech Stuff - Simplified

Plasma TVs

At the heart of the plasma TV are chemical compounds called phosphors. In a plasma TV, each pixel is made up of three phosphors – one red, one blue, and one green. These phosphors emit light when struck by beams of electrons. The intensity of the electron beam determines the amount of light emitted. It is the phosphors themselves that create the light your see on a plasma screen.

LCD TVs

LCD TVs use millions of crystals, which are suspended in a liquid that is sandwiched between transparent panels. Behind this liquid crystal sandwich is bright florescent light. The crystals are instructed to either let the light pass or not. Color filters are used to determine color.

LCD vs. Plasma TVs: Size and Viewing Angle

Does Size Matter?

LCD TV Size & Plasma TV Size - Viewing Area and Viewing Angle

In the LCD vs. plasma TV debate, both types of TVs have always been about as thin as you could expect or even hope for, and so that isn't even really a question to consider between the two. If you like to nitpick, you can discuss the difference between three-inches and five-inches on different models, but when you're talking about a giant TV, that's almost ridiculous.

One area that needs to considered, however, is viewing area. In terms of viewing area, plasmas have always been known for their larger sizes. To a degree, you can say that remains so. Or, at the very least, you will have a larger selection of plasma TVs to pick from. It may take a little time before the selection of big LCD models catches up to the amount of options you have with plasma TVs. LCDs, however, are improving in this area.

As for the size of your bank account, that matters as well, of course. Currently, "in general," a large plasma TV would probably be a little cheaper than a large LCD TV of the same size. LCD TVs are improving in price as well, however, and many predict the two will be comparable in the price department before long. All else being equal, plasmas tends to come out ahead on this one for now. But of course, all else isn't equal. The battle continues.

LCD and Plasma TV Viewing Angle

"Viewing angle" is how far off to the side you can sit and still see the picture completely and clearly. Viewing angle, of course, is also talked about with computers, but with a computer, this type of consideration isn’t usually so important. Computer users usually sit directly in front of their screens, and typically there's only one viewer at a time. For TVs, however, viewing angle can be extremely important. It would be very common to have viewers sitting in numerous places all around the room.

Historically, the LCD vs. Plasma battle has been won by plasma TVs in this category. LCD TVs have made tremendous strides in this area of late. Many people will tell you, however, that the 170° field of vision claimed by some LCD manufacturers simply isn’t realistic. You may be able to see what’s happening at that angle, but it isn’t the same as sitting more directly head on. Reports from some owners of newer, top-of-the-line LCD TVs, however, say that the 170° is accurate.

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On to >> Page 2 - Issues with Each

LCD vs. Plasma TVs - The Battle Continues

LCD vs. Plasma TVs Home - Tech Info & Size | Page 2 - Issues: Burn-in, Delay, Dead Pixel Problems | Page 3 - Life Span, Picture Quality | Page 4 - Differences, Prices

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