 | Rick Casey is owner of Broadway Electronics in Pittsburg and has been in the electronics industry for 33 years. Rick Casey can be reached at 1010 S. Broadway Pittsburg, Ks or by calling 620-231-5780. |
Electronics
2011-01-01 10:00:00
Plasma vs. LCD?
Question: We are going to take advantage of all the post holiday sales and get a new television. We want a flat screen but not sure if we want a plasma or LCD. Even after reading a ton of reviews, the information is pretty murky. Is there any real difference between the two in performance and longevity?
Answer: There is a reason that the information out there on these two technologies is so confusing. They are similar and competing technologies, each with advantages and disadvantages and in the end, come up pretty evenly. The best thing to do is compare the strengths and weaknesses and choose the one that suits your lifestyle or preferences.
Here are a few of the major points of comparison.
Viewing Angle:
Both plasma and LCD have the best picture when viewing from directly in front of the screen. Because LCDs are backlit, they experience more distortion when viewed from an angle.
On-Screen Motion:
Plasmas traditionally have had the upper hand in handling high speed motion, such as in sports. However, LCDs are significantly improving in this area. If you want a LCD, choose a model with 120Hz or 240Hz refresh rate.
Screen Burn-In:
LCDs, by nature of the technology, have the upper hand in this department. Although burn-in is a concern for plasmas, it is much less of one in newer and top rated models. Technology has improved so much in fact, that it is hardly a concern.
Longevity:
Plasmas and LCDs are pretty much even in longevity. Displays last, on average, 100,000 hours. LCDs use a florescent backlight which, in time may start to cause distortion. In some models, the light can be replaced although manufactures discourage this. Plasmas work by exciting noble gases that will glow different colors. There is no way to replace the gases, so, at the half life of the tv, it is more dim than when new.
Price:
Finally, affordability. While plasmas have enjoyed lower prices for years, LCDs are now very competitively priced. However, plasmas win out on the large size televisions.
Over all, plasmas and LCDs are both excellent technologies that continue to improve. Depending on your viewing habits, one or the other might have a slight edge, but over all, fairly even.
