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TV Technology for a New Age: Plasma vs. LCD TVs
Copyright 2005 Flamworks, Inc.
by Scott Foreman Home-Movie-Theater-Guide.com

You’re ready! You’ve been working hard and saving a ton of
money. Now you’re ready to buy a brand new Flat Screen TV.
Hopping in the car, you head off to the local electronics
store and just take it all in. There must be a million sets
for you to choose from, but ‘come rain or snow or dark of
night’ you’re leaving with a flat screen TV.

You feel good as the sales rep approaches you. No pressure.
You tell her that you want a flat screen and would like to
see what they have available. The first question she asks
you is, “Are you looking for an LCD or a Plasma?” Uh…you’ve
just been defeated. You have no idea what the differences
are or even what questions to ask.

Relax, there is a lot to know, but you don’t have to work in
the industry to make an informed decision.

First, let’s start on the same page. Both Plasmas and LCDs
are called Flat Screen TVs. Yes, there are larger, thicker
rear projection TVs using LCD technology, but that’s NOT
what we’re talking about here. We are referring entirely to
the thin TVs that you might be inclined to hang on your
wall.

I won’t go into the technology behind the two types, but I
will say that they are so thin because neither uses the old
tubes that you associated with TVs twenty years ago.

Let’s take a brief look at the characteristics of both
Plasmas and LCDs. Then we’ll compare and contrast. Finally,
I’ll try to boil down what situations might need one type or
the other.

Plasma
-Come anywhere from 32”-63” with the 40-44” range being the
most popular.
-Measure 4-6” thick regardless of size screen.
-Cost anywhere from $2,000-$20,000 or more.
-Can display high definition (HD), DVD, and standard TV
pictures with lots of Brightness and Contrast.
-Weigh as much as 125 pounds and can be difficult to mount
on a wall.
-Tend to have problems in high altitudes.
-Use a lot of power and generate a lot of heat.
-Good for viewing in bright rooms.
-Can suffer “burn-in” if the TV image is static for a long
time.
-Don’t have a track record for repairs or overall hours of
use.

LCD
-Measure from 14-46” in screen size.
-Thin and light and may be wall mounted.
-Can double as a computer monitor.
-Tends to have a narrow viewing angle. If you’re off to the
side, the picture may look washed out.
-Last for around 50,000 viewing hours.
-Picture has poor contrast level, so black colors and fast
motions are not well shown.
-Can cost $400 for a 13”; $800 for a 17”; $1,200 for a 20”;
and $1,600 for a 23”

I’ve listed just a few of the more prominent traits of both
types of TVs. Let’s take a look at how they compare.
-Inch for inch, LCDs cost more than Plasmas.
-LCDs don’t come in large sizes. Plasmas don’t come in small
sizes.
-Plasmas can suffer burn-in. LCDs can’t.
-LCDs tend to have a poor viewing angle while Plasmas have a
wider viewing range.
-Plasmas do better with brightness and contrast.
-LCDs are lighter than Plasmas, inch for inch.
-LCDs can be used as computer monitors. Plasma TVs can’t.
-Plasmas are able to support the lower tier digital definition
(Enhanced Definition, or ED) better than LCDs. As a result, it
may be worth saving money by buying an ED Plasma.
-Plasmas may have problems in high altitudes. LCDs don’t.

Which TV is right for you? That’s an excellent question, but
like all good evaluations, it requires some extra insight.
In order to determine if you should get an LCD or Plasma TV,
please think about which issues are important to you?
-If you need a 14-32” screen, go for an LCD. If you need a
47-63” TV go with a Plasma.
-If cost is your only concern, buy a plasma.
-If a lot of people will be watching the TV at one time, the
Plasma’s wider viewing angle may be the best bet.
-If you play a lot of video games or do anything that could
leave a constant image on your screen for a long time, LCDs are
your choice. They don’t suffer burn in.
-If you want your TV to double as a computer monitor, go with
an LCD. Make sure though, that it has the right computer
connections. Not all LCDs can do double duty.
-If picture quality is your only consideration, go with a Plasma.
-If you watch a lot of sports or action movies, a Plasma may
have a better picture for you.
-If you live in a high altitude, the LCD may be better for you.
-If weight is a concern for you, go with the LCD.
-If power consumption is a concern, the LCD is a better purchase.

As you can see, there is no obvious answer as to which type
of TV is better. If you fall into any of the categories
listed above, your decision between a Plasma TV and an LCD
TV may be much easier. If you don’t, then it’s a bit more
arbitrary.

Regardless, we urge you to take a look at the displays in
your local electronics store. Even if you don’t intend to
buy the TVs there, you still want to know what to expect
when you get the TV home.

If you’d like a little more detail and a few specific
examples, please feel free to visit:
http://www.home-movie-theater-guide.com/big-screen-tvs.html

In the mean time here's wishing you success, fun, and happiness
in doing that which you love.

Scott Foreman
mailto:scott@home-movie-theater-guide.com

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