Plasma TV vs. LCD TV - Which is Better?
Posted: Monday, August 14, 2006
by Brian Stevens
http://thesatellitetvguide.com
Plasma TV vs. LCD TV
You know you want to buy a flat-screen TV but you don't know if a plasma TV or an LCD TV would be your best choice.
This article explains the differences between plasma versus LCD TVs, then shows you how to get the best price for a plasma or LCD TV.
Plasma TV
Plasma TV screens have a much higher resolution than tube TV screens. In fact, the picture is so clear it's almost like watching a scene through a window.
Screen sizes range from 42" to 65" wide and are 3" to 4" thick.
LCD TV
LCD (light crystal display) TV screens are made up of a thin layer of liquid crystals sandwiched between two glass plates. When an electricity is sent through the crystals an array of tiny multi-colored pixels light up to create a picture.
LCD TV screens are thinner and lighter than plasma screens. They are the most screens for computers, and are quickly gaining popularity as TV screens.
LCD TV screens are anywhere from 1/4" to 4" thick and 2" to 65" wide.
Plasma vs. LCD Features
Picture Quality
When it comes to which type of TV screen is sharper and shows more detail, plasma TVs have a slight edge over LCD TVs, though LCD TVs are catching up.
Plasma TVs are also slightly better when it comes to viewing angle - how far you can sit to one side of a TV screen before picture quality is affected.
Screen Life
Screen life is the number of hours a TV provides before the picture begins to fade. Plasma TVs have a screen life of about 30,000 to 60,00 hours, depending on the make and model, while LCD TV's have a screen life of 60,000 hours or more.
Plasma TVs are also subject to "burn in." This occurs when a TV displays a still image long enough for a ghost of that image to be burned into the screen. LCD TVs do not have this problem.
HD TV
Both plasma and LCD TVs display HD (high definition) signals for a sharper, more three dimensional picture. LCD TVs, however, have a slightly higher resolution (more screen pixels) then plasma TVs.
Video Games
Plasma and LCD TVs are both great for video gaming, however because of plasma TV's tendency toward screen burn in, an LCD TV is the better choice if you play a lot of video games.
Portability
LCD TVs are thinner and lighter than plasma TVs, making them easier to move and easier to mount on a wall.
Plasma vs LCD TV prices
When it comes to which type of TV gives you the most bang for the buck, it depends on what you're looking for.
If you're looking for a large-screen TV - 42" or larger - plasma TVs are currently cheaper than than similar-sized LCD TVs. When I recently compared prices on 42" TVs, the cheapest plasma TV was $999, while the cheapest LCD TV was $1,367.
When it comes to mid-size TVs, I couldn't find plasma TVs smaller than 42." The cheapest 32" LCD TV I found was $619, while the cheapest 27" LCD TV was $550.
Visit the http://TheSatelliteTVGuide.com to get more information, to compare prices, and to get consumer ratings for plasma TVs and LCD TVs.
This Article has been viewed 3,462 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (7 total)ya.its very much helpful to me.its nicely described about lcd's and plasma tv's.i got a lot of information from this article.thanks.
useless information very vague
very useful article, lucidly explained. Thank you.
yes it was i found the answer i was looking for but i also heard from radio shack that plasma tv had to be recharged about every 6 years.Do you know if this is true.
THIS MORNING, MY WIFE AND I WERE JUST DISCUSSING WHAT THE DIFFERENCE WAS BET. PLASAM AND LCD TV'S. THIS INFORMATION "SET US STRAIGHT"....GREAT INFORMATION....WE ARE NOW "CRYSTAL CLEAR"!!
Yes it was what I wanted to know , the only thing is, I heard that one is harder to see in the sun light in a room but which if at all it the better one for this. Thankyou.
Yes very helpful, my husband knew the difference, but i really didnt, love the plasma, you were right the picture is like looking outside thanks, Brenda
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