|
A Summary of LCD
vs. Plasma TVs Size
Both LCD TVs and plasma TVs are as thin as you could hope
for. In viewable screen size, though LCD TVs are getting
bigger everyday, plasmas generally run larger. Once you get
into the larger sizes, you will also find a bigger selection
among the plasma TVs. Plasma TVs, however, don’t generally
come in smaller sizes, and sometimes you need a smaller
size.
Viewing Angle
Plasma TVs generally have a larger viewing angle than LCD
TVs, however high-end LCD TVs do live up to their claimed
170° viewing angle.
Life Span
Both LCD TVs and plasma TVs have good lifespan, but LCD TVs
can technically last longer because their light source can
be replaced. The low end for both LCD TVs and plasma TVs
these days is 30,000 hours, with many going up to 60,000 hours
before noticeable picture depreciation takes place.
Issues with Each Type of TV
Burn-in: Plasma TVs have a reputation of occasionally
suffering from “burn in” effect. This is not such a problem for your average
user, unless you leave your TV tuned to a channel with a continuous news ticker. A function called “white flash” can erase the
burn in effect, but it takes some life off the TV's lifespan.
Watching Motion: LCD TVs can be susceptible to a delay that
causes the outline of figures or objects to appear jagged or
blocky when in motion. High definition TV greatly reduces
this effect.
Pixel Problems: Both LCD TVs and plasma TVs can be affected
by pixel problems. This is not generally a problem with name
brand versions, and if it occurs severely, your warranty
will cover it.
Color, Brightness, Black Levels, & Contrast
Color: LCD TVs are known for their sharp pictures and lively
color. An LCD TV’s colors are vibrant and can wow you when
you walk into a room. Plasma TVs are known for their wide
range of colors and their accurate color reproduction. A
plasma TV’s colors are warm and deep.
Brightness: Brightness numbers from manufacturers will mean
little because they aren’t measured under real-life
conditions. Your own viewing area will play into this
considerably. LCD TVs have the reputation of doing 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.
The very dark gray that LCD TVs produce is sufficiently dark
for most people. Many would take it for black if not told
otherwise.
Contrast Levels: Plasma TVs, technically, are known to have
greater contrast levels than LCD TVs, however many see LCD
TVs as being more vibrant, which seems connected to contrast,
at least in the mind of most viewers.
Cost
LCD TVs are generally a little more expensive than
plasma TVs when talking about the larger sizes. Prices for
both, however, are coming down rapidly.
The 12 Most Important Differences: 1. Plasmas TVs
are made of chemical compounds called phosphors. LCD TVs use
millions of crystals suspended in a liquid crystal sandwich.
2. You have a wider selection of larger-size TVs with
plasmas (though LCDs are catching up). 3. Plasma don't
come in smaller sizes, which you will need for places like
the kitchen. 4. Plasmas tend to have a wider viewing angle
(though, again, LCDs are catching up). 5. Plasmas can
suffer from burn-in effect; LCD don't. 6. LCDs can produce
a jagged figure when in motion. Plasmas tends to do better.
HDTV improves this problem dramatically for both. 7. You
can replace the light source with an LCD, thereby bringing
your original picture back. With plasmas you can't. 8.
LCDs produce sharp, lively colors. Plasmas produce warmer
and more accurate colors. 9. LCDs tend to do better in
bright-light conditions. 10. Plasmas tend to produce
blacker blacks. 11. Plasmas, "technically," produce a
higher contrast range. 12. At the moment, plasmas tend to
run a little cheaper, but this is changing rapidly as LCDs
flood into the market. |