Which is better, a plasma HDTV or a LCD HDTV?
Should I buy a plasma HDTV or a LCD HDTV?
There’s a lot of technical information on why a plasma is different from LCD, but frankly, all that technical stuff just gives me a headache, so let’s break it down to what matters. When looking at the screen, what is the viewer going to notice that separates these two products?
A plasma screen will often have better contrast in scenes that are darker in imaging. This makes the detail in those scenes easier to see. These details aren’t as vague or even murky as they can seem on an LCD TV. It all has to do with the backlight on LCDs that make the blacks hard to shine though, but then, that’s getting technical.
Another plasma advantage is that the TV watcher can sit at a wider range of angles and positions and still see a relatively perfect picture. With an LCD, the picture loses its integrity if you aren’t watching it from the preferred distance and angle.
So, from a straight on point of view, the plasma screen will give the buyer better contrast and more seating options. What about the LCD? What are the perks for buying it?
Some of the main reasons for acquiring an LCD having nothing to do with the picture itself.
For one thing, LCDs use less power and that equates to dollar savings over the long haul that could be significant. It also lessens the energy resources required for your viewing pleasure, and that’s something your electric company appreciates in this day and age.
For another thing, LCDs are lighter weight. Many of their components are plastic instead of glass that is used for plasma TVs. Naturally, this means the TV easier to move around and is less of a strain on the wall, if hung.
It may be better at this point to talk for a minute about disadvantages. Over the years, there’s been a lot of talk about LCDs lasting longer than plasma TVs and about plasma TVs suffering from burn-in impressions. However, both advocates have improved their products tremendously.
LCD backlighting, alluded to earlier, has been addressed with a change in what is used to light the screen, making the visual contrasts much better than ever in those dark scenes.
While burn-in can and does still occur, plasma technology has made that less of a problem. Remember years back, computer users were admonished not to leave a static screensaver up because if you did so, the monitor would ‘burn’ that impression onto its screen? That’s what plasma TVs do. If ‘pause’ is pressed and the picture remains stagnant, the screen will ‘burn’ that image onto it. Moral: don’t ‘pause’ a plasma screen. Again, it’s better than ever, but it does still have that issue.
For this writer, however, the number one disadvantage of the plasma is the reduced life span. Frankly, they just don’t last as long as an LCD screen. Now again, technology is bringing the plasma up to LCD level. Manufacturers now claim that their product will last seven years with average use. I’m not average, though. My TV is on all the time, so a plasma in my house would never do.
In review, for the proverbial average TV viewer, a plasma screen will still give a better picture than LCD, even though LCD products are getting better by the year. With plasma, it’s easier for viewers to sit wherever they want before the picture starts to look funny because of the angle it’s being viewed from. However, if you care about your energy bill and you like to redecorate a lot, the LCD may be more your style, especially if you love to watch TV and have it on more than that average person.
Keep in mind, the differences are lessening. Don’t rely on last year’s news. Check out the latest specifications before deciding whether plasma or LCD is right for your household.
By OrryMain
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