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information box is kept intact. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required: articles@home-movie-theater-guide.com========================================================== 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 car, you head off to 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 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 differences are or even what questions to ask.
Relax, there is a lot to know, but you don’t have to work in industry to make an informed decision.
First, let’s start on 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 thin TVs that you might be inclined to hang on your wall.
I won’t go into technology behind two types, but I will say that they are so thin because neither uses old tubes that you associated with TVs twenty years ago.
Let’s take a brief look at 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 other.
Plasma -Come anywhere from 32”-63” with 40-44” range being 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 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 side, 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”
