Plasma TV Verses LCD TV
Plasma TV Verses LCD TV
When shopping for a new TV it's important to determine which
technology is best suited for your needs. In the world of flat
panel televisions, you'll have to choose between a plasma
television and an LCD. Obviously, the technologies behind these
units are quite different. Plasma televisions use gases like
xenon and argon to create their pictures. LCDs use a layer of
electrically responsive crystals that can be altered to vary the
spectrum of light shining through at various locations on the
screen. How will you know which technology to choose? Here are
some observations that may help you decide.
Both LCDs and newer plasma televisions have comparable life
spans. The LCD is purported to last several years longer, but
both units will last for decades. Also, the picture quality with
both of these units is about the same. Some LCDs provide a more
crisp resolution, but on the whole there is little difference.
Finally, newer generations of plasma televisions have reduced
power consumptions comparable to that of LCDs. This previous
advantage was corrected from the power vacuum first-generation
plasma units. LCDs don't have to worry about phosphors and
aren't at risk for burn-in. This difference is being corrected
with each new generation of plasma television. LCDs are also
lighter and thinner than comparably sized plasma televisions.
This is very useful if space if a premium in your home, though
the size difference is only a matter of an inch or two in depth.
LCDs are also considered much less fragile than their plasma
counterparts. These are apparent advantages in favor of an LCD
television, but do these differences really affect you, the
viewer? A thinner television doesn't always have a superior
picture. In fact, plasma displays are usually brighter and more
vibrant. Also, how often do you carry your plasma television
around? Does its weight and durability really affect your
decision? In the average home, a television remains in the same
spot for years, if not forever.
The factors that should affect your purchase relate more to the
picture. Plasma displays have a greater viewing angle and don't
lose as much contrast as you move away. A plasma can be viewed
clearly from almost any location in a room, thanks to their 160
degree viewing angle. Also, as you look at larger model
televisions (over 40 inches, for example) you'll see that plasma
screens are cheaper and maintain a thin profile. LCDs are still
being refined in their larger models. There are functional
considerations to be made as well. Will you be using your plasma
screen as a primary display for your personal computer? If so,
you'd profit from an LCD panel that would display a detailed
computer images more crisply, and with no risk of burn-in.
LCDs have many uses where they are a superior display choice.
Different functions and locations may lead you to purchase an
LCD. However, if you're just looking for a television, then
plasma is your best bet. Plasma televisions have a list of
advantages over LCDs when it comes to true picture quality,
brightness, and color. LCDs have their niche uses, but a plasma
is a superior choice in television.