Posted to Televisions Articles 2009-05-03
What is the difference between plasma and LCD television?
Plasma and LCD are both technologies used in flat-screen televisions. The type of television depends upon how they produce their image. In a plasma television, the image is produced by running different voltages through a plasma gas. In LCD, images are created by changing the voltages through a matrix of liquid crystals. They both have advantages and disadvantages but, in general, they both produce excellent images. Though they are more expensive than their bulky CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) cousins, some sources maintain that neither of their images is quite as good as CRT.
LCD Screens
LCD screens enjoy a higher resolution capability for less money than do plasma models, though plasma models are dropping in price. Their picture quality is excellent and many maintain that they are, generally, clearer than plasma screens. There are some characteristic disadvantages, however, that have been improved upon, and which continue to be improved upon, as technology advances. If your room is bright, a LCD should be the best option.
• Blacks: LCD screens have a characteristically less dense black than do plasmas. This stems from light leaking between the crystals in the matrix.
• High-speed Blur: Fast action sequences can sometimes appear blurred on an LCD screen. This problem has been greatly improved in recent years.
• Viewing Angles: Older plasma televisions will suffer an image quality loss when viewed from an angle. The newer models are not so affected by this.
Plasma Screens
In general, plasma screens can be more expensive than LCD screens. They are also more available in larger screen formats. Depending on the manufacturer (some plasma manufacturers such as Panasonic can have a lifespan that far exceeds any other), they have historically not lasted as long as LCD televisions can. Plasma models also do not have as many models available that reproduce images in the 1080p resolution (the highest standard for HDTV) however; there aren't as many plasma models as LCD. If your room is darker, a plasma may be the best option.
Plasma screens have some definite differences with LCD screens.
• Picture Brightness: In general, LCD screens produce more intense colors than do plasma screens. Degradation in picture brightness with time was a characteristic flaw in older models.
• Screen Burn: Much like a computer monitor which displays a screen for too long, plasma screens are vulnerable to having images "burned" into the viewing screen. Newer models ensure that such burns aren't permanent, but they still happen.
• Expense: Historically, plasma screens have cost a bit more than LCD screens. They are more competitive now, except at the very high-end of the market. Very large screen plasmas are still more expensive than their LCD competitors.
Choosing one or the other largely depends on your preferences. The technology used to manufacture both types has greatly improved over the years. Many of the flaws that once drove consumers away from spending the money on either type have been remedied and the quality of both is very high.
Panasonic TH-50PZ750U
: 50" High Definition Plasma Television
Sony KDS60A2020
: 60" LCD Rear Projection SXRD High Defintion Television
Hitachi P50X901
: 50" 1080p High Definition Plasma Flat Panel Television
Panasonic TH-46PZ850
: 46" High Definition Plasma Television
Sony KDL40Z4100S
: 40" Bravia Z-Series LCD 1080p 120Hz HDTV
Toshiba 42AV500U
: 42 inch High Definition LCD Television
