Do I Want An LCD Or A Plasma TV?

Several years ago I took the plunge and bought a big screen TV, a 48” Mitsubishi widescreen rear projection unit. Little did I know that those models were much like the dinosaurs on the brink of extinction, however, instead of being replaced by curious little creatures with fur, the downfall of the rear projection unit came in the form of newer technology, allowing TVs to hang on walls like art, with picture resolution and other capabilities which made all previous models look like something from THE FLINTSTONES.

The first on the scene was the Plasma TV, which utilizes technology based on the fluorescent light bulb, with a display consisting of cells. Within each cell, two glass panels are separated by a narrow gap into which neon-xenon gas is injected and sealed in plasma form. The gas is electrically charged at specific intervals when the set is in use, combining the usual shades of red, blue, and green to create the television image. The most obvious plus factor is the elimination of the need for bulky cabinets and picture tubes, however, some of the more traditional problems, such as heat generation and “burn in” of static images.

LCD TVs, which came on the scene a few years later, made use of a technology involving two layers of transparent material which are polarized, then glued together. One layer is coated with a polymer which holds the individual liquid crystals; when current is passed through the crystals, they pass or block light in order to create images. LCD TVs require less power for operation, and produce far less heat than their plasma or traditional counterparts.

When shopping for a new TV, it can become confusing and overwhelming once you’ve looked at two or three or twelve models. There are pros and cons to each type, so check out the following and determine which type of new TV is right for you.

Plasma TV Advantages:

Plasma TVs are usually available in more and larger screen sizes, a better contrast ratio, and the ability to deliver deeper blacks.

They offer better color accuracy and saturation, with little or no motion lag in fast moving images.

Plasma TV Disadvantages:

Plasma TVs are still susceptible to burn in of static images, or any image that remains in the same place on the screen for too long. (I have the Fox News logo permanently etched into my rear projection TV). Newer models seem to have corrected much of this problem.

Plasmas generate more heat and may have a potentially shorter display life span. Early plasmas offered 30,000 hours of viewing (8 hours a day for 9 years), however newer models offer between 60,000 and 100,000 hours depending on technology improvements. You’ll need to research the specific model you’re interested when determining how many years you can get out of it.

LCD TV Advantages:

They do not suffer from burn in of static images, and they typically run at a much cooler temperature than their plasma counterparts.

They offer increased image brightness, which can make them preferable for viewing in brightly lit rooms.

They are lighter in weight and offer comparable life spans to plasma.

LCD TV Disadvantages:

The contrast ratio is lower, the end result being less effective rendering of blacks. Similarly, tracking motion is less effective than Plasma, however some higher end sets have solved this problem.

Not as common in larger screen sizes (above 42”) as Plasma. There are some larger sizes offered, and the offerings may be equaled out within a year or so, but for now, Plasma still has the edge on screen size availability.

LCD TVs do not suffer from image burn in, however, individual pixels may burn out. Once a significant number have done so, it may result in an annoying viewing experience. Since individual pixels cannot be replaced, the entire screen would have to be.

LCDs are usually more expensive than Plasma, although prices are beginning to show signs of equaling out.

So obviously, there are pros and cons to both models. I currently have a Plasma, but in researching this article, I am convinced my next purchase will be an LCD. I hope it helps you in your search for a new viewing experience. Happy Shopping!

Billy is the Driector Of Content for LeadsByFone LLC, a lead generation company servicing the water clean up and restoration industry.  He is based in Atlanta, GA