Which flavor of ice cream do you like better: chocolate or vanilla? The flavors are essentially the same, but they’re also worlds different when you compare the two part for part, aspect for aspect. And that’s what you’re dealing with when you buy a new TV. Plasma or LCD TV? It is a question that will surely make your head spin if you do not possess the correct information.
What Makes LCD and Plasma TVs the Same
Before we get into the various differences between LCD and Plasma TVs, let’s first take a look at the things they have in common.
For starters, LCD and plasma TVs are an absolute better option than CRT (cathode ray tube) TVs. There are several reasons why these two new technologies are superior to what we have had to get by with for generations. First of all, LCD and plasma TVs use flat screens while CRT TVs use rounded screens. If you compare your viewing experience between the two, you’ll find that you enjoy and see more with a flat screen.
Second, CRT televisions are a health hazard because they emit radiation while LCD and plasma televisions do not.
LCD and plasma televisions can also display standard and high-definition TV formats. Whether you’re watching a program that uses Normal or Advanced Format, you’re sure to enjoy both with an LCD or Plasma TV.
Prices are falling for both LCD and plasma TVs. Although they don’t cost much, they’re certainly much more affordable now, so buying any of them won’t be as much of a pain on your pockets as it might have been if you had bought one in the past.
And there the similarities between the two end. Now is the time to differentiate LCD and Plasma TVs from each other.
The Battle Between LCD and Plasma TVs
Most of the differences that arise between LCD and plasma televisions are due to the different processes that each employs to produce high-quality images on their screens. LCD TVs use two liquid crystal panels that react with each other to display the appropriate images. Plasma TVs, on the other hand, make use of a gaseous substance called plasma that is contained in bubble-like glass cells. Each glass contains RGB (red, green, and blue) phosphors. When electricity flows into these cells, the colors react accordingly to produce the appropriate images.
Brightness – If you’re looking for a TV that can handle the brightest images, an LCD TV may be more suitable than a Plasma TV. Brightness is often a concern for older people, as their eyes can only accurately discern images if they are displayed in a brighter-than-usual environment.
Size – For nearsighted people, a larger TV is better because it allows them to see images more clearly since everything is magnified on the screen. When it comes to sizes, plasma TVs can give you more options on a large scale than LCD TVs. Generally speaking, Plasma TVs are designed to be LARGE, while LCD TVs are designed to be compact.
Energy Conservation – Because of the way LCD TVs work, they will save you more on electricity costs than Plasma TVs. But the difference between both energy costs is minimal, so it should not be considered as a primary factor in decision making.
Contrast Settings: How black is black and how white is white? That is the question you ask yourself when you talk about contrast. On a black and white movie, contrast is everything. Plasma TVs will offer you better contrast than LCD screens. The margin between LCD and plasma TVs is huge, so LCD TVs are definitely the second best in this category.
Image burn-in: Plasma burn-in is common, while burn-in is unheard of on LCD TVs. But since manufacturers continually find better and more effective ways to solve this problem, this shouldn’t be a major factor in the selection process either.
Ultimately, the choice is up to you. Since cost is not a factor between the two, you will have to rely mainly on their opinion. Just as there is no right answer between chocolate and vanilla, there is also no right answer to determine which is better between LCD and plasma TVs.