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| LCD Vs Plasma ;) |
High definition and flat panel TV’s are taking out old fashioned tube TV’s and their poor picture quality at an amazing rate. More and more, people are replacing in their bulky TV’s for new LCD or Plasma screens. So, if you’ve made the decision to upgrade, which one should you go for: LCD or Plasma TV? This guide will walk you through all the key points and factors in determining which one to buy. First let’s talk about the similarities between the two
LCD & Plasma Similarities:
- Thickness: both LCD’s and plasma’s are very thin monitors; each is only a few inches thick. You have the option to place them on a stand or mount them on a wall.
- Resolution: they are both capable of similar picture performance, with bright, colorful, crystal-clear pictures, and high definition picture emission.
Despite these similarities, plasma and LCD display panels process the image in a completely different manner. More specifically, there is no relation what-so-ever between the LCD technology and plasma technology driving these displays. Here is a summary of the main advantages of each type
LCD advantages:
- Screen Life: the screen life is estimated to be the number of hours before the picture starts fading. Plasma TVs have a screen life of 30,000 to 60,000 hours where as LCD TVs have more than 60,000 hours of viewing but this depends on the make and model of each TV.
- Video gaming: if you are inclined toward video games then it is best that you choose an LCD TV as this does not have the problem of burn in and is much better for gaming.
- Portability: LCD TVs are much lighter and thinner than Plasma TVs, so in case of portability, LCD TVs win hands down.
- Energy Consumption: LCD monitors use very low amounts of power (1/2 ratio). This is why it is very commonly used in battery powered devices.
- Screen burn-in: Plasma TV’s are more susceptible to screen burn-in where an image is “burnt” onto the screen when left on the screen too long such as a network logo in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- glass cover: Plasma TV’s require a panel of glass to cover it. This glass can reflect light and make it difficult to see the picture. If placed in a dark room, this typically isn’t an issue.
Plasma advantages:
- Picture Quality: where picture quality is concerned, Plasma TVs are much better than LCD screens but this doesn’t mean that LCD screen TVs are bad, in fact they are getting better every day.
- Brightness: Brightness levels aren’t as great as Plasma and it’s not possible to display darks quite as dark. Brightness and color are the major advantages of Plasma TV’s. They produce rich colors along with very deep blacks.
- Viewing angle: Plasma TV’s viewing angle is also better as compared to the LCD TV, Their wide viewing angles allow more people to be able to watch TV comfortably. but the difference is not great enough to make a huge difference.
- Price: Price is always a factor whenever you are buying any TV, but since Plasma TVs and LCD TVs are more technologically advanced the price plays a more important part in the final decision. Lets just say that price wise, an LCD TV is expensive than the Plasma TV but you can always compromise on size and fit your budget.
Summary
Some of these key points can help you in deciding which type of TV to purchase. Review your personal situation and determine which one is best for your household. Is your TV going to be in a room with lots if windows or light? If so, a LCD may be a better option due to the reduced glare. Are you looking for the best possible picture with the richest colors and darkest blacks? Then a plasma TV is probably the direction you want to go.