Plasma TV vs LCD TV

For those seeking to buy their first flat panel TVdisplay device, it is easy to be confused with conflicting and counter claims bydifferent interest parties. So what is the truth in the competition between LCDand Plasma TV? Here's are some pointers before you rush out and buy your flatpanel TV on impulse . Just consider and keep them in mind when choosing.

Actually, both types of technologies have their pros and cons.Let's start with various factors.


Picture Quality
Plasma TVs have better contrast ratios and show better blacksthan an LCD TV. That means in a dark scene, you are able to see images moreclearly defined. This is because in LCD technology, liquid crystals are unableto shut off all the light completely due to the presence of the backlightresulting in light leakage and therefore it is impossible to get absolute black.

I understand plasma TVs are able to produce better colorsaturation than LCD TVs. Generally, the native resolution of LCD TVs are higherthan that of plasma TVs so you may get greater details when watching your programs especially in high definition video sources.


Screen Size
If you looking for a really big screen, then you have to gofor plasma TVas they are available in sizes up to 60 inches. LCD TV on the hand come inmaximum sizes of up to 40 inches. If you compare prices on both technologies forthe same screen size, you will also realise LCD TVs are more expensive.


Life span

You may also want to factor how long your new display devicecan last. LCD TVs have a greater life span than plasma TV. They have a life spanof 60,000 hours compared to about 30,000 hours for plasma TVs.


Power consumption
Again LCDTV have this advantage over plasma TV. Power consumption for LCD TV is 30%less than plasma TV. With rising oil prices, maybe it is better to get an LCDTV. Further more, plasma TV generate more heat and if you live in anairconditioned home, the air con usage will definitely rise too.


Viewing Angle
If you are going to invite many guest to your homes, a plasmascreen will do better. It has a wider viewing angle than LCD TV. Guests caneasily view on either left or right side of the Plasma screen without fearof the loss of image which is inherent of LCD TVs.


Response Time
If you enjoy action movies or sport programmes, plasma TVoffer a better deal as it can handle fast moving images better than LCD TVs.Traditionally, Viewers see a blurry moving images for LCD TV . However, this mayno longer be the case as the response time for LCD TV has come down to as low as12 milliseconds.


Burn in effect
Plasma TV suffers from this particular effect called burn in.You get a permanent ghost like image stuck on your screen. This is the resultwhen you have static display over a long period of time.

The writer is the webmaster of Buy Home Theater which covers the various aspects about buying a home theater.