Can anybody out there tell me in layman term, the difference between a LCD & a plasma TV?

Question

Can anybody out there tell me in layman term, the difference between a LCD & a plasma TV?

Answer 1

Plasmas are TVs powered by thousands of little lights that shine at different colors to give you an image. They tend to be heavier and offer slightly better pictures than LCDs. When one of the lights burns out it is usually too much work to replace it so over time the TVs picture will get worse and worse without any hope of improving it. Also, leaving an image on the screen too long will cause the image to "burn in" and remain on the screen indefinately.

LCDs are TVs that make images by exposing a liquid that is dividied into thousands of tiny chambers (pixels) to varying amounts of light. There is only one source of light in these TVs so each pixel will work for as long as the light source is functional. The light source (bulb) tends to loose its brilliance over time and requires replacement, but once replaced the picture is "good as new". These tend to be not quite as heavy, but slightly more expensive than plasmas. Generally these are considered better buys because the lifespan can be increased with bulb replacements.

Answer 2

LCD = Liquid Crystal Display or display which rearranges matter within to allow white light to pass through and form the colored pixel elements that make up the picture.  This is done at the rate at which the screen refreshes.  Most common problem needing repair is lamp replacement unless screen is physically damaged or unless TV is exposed to surge powerful enough to damage the electronics (the latter is common to all TVs).

Plasma = Light emitting gas under pressure which tends to have greater contrast than a LCD display.  Although this display is said to have greater burn in problems even an LCD can retain a ghost of an image if the contrast is high enough and the image is on the screen long enough such as a static background in a video game or a station logo when the set is always on the same station.  Plasma usually uses more electricity and generates more heat.  But the display can look much better than the LCD if you have the additional money to spend.

Answer 3

Plasma is more vivid, but you can burn static pictures into it.

LCDs are less vivid, but no burn.

It's much, much more involved, but read some stuff and you'll see. And go check them out yourself.