Difference between lcd tv and plasma tv?

Question

Just wondering? And does either ones picture fades when you look at it from the far left or right?

Answer 1

A plasma TV screen consists of millions of multi-colored gas-filled cells. When electricity passes through the cells they light up and produce a picture.

Plasma TV screens have a much higher resolution than tube TV screens. In fact, the picture is so clear it's almost like watching a scene through a window.

Screen sizes range from 42" to 65" wide and are 3" to 4" thick.

LCD (light crystal display) TV screens are made up of a thin layer of liquid crystals sandwiched between two glass plates. When an electricity is sent through the crystals an array of tiny multi-colored pixels light up to create a picture.

LCD TV screens are thinner and lighter than plasma screens. They are the most screens for computers, and are quickly gaining popularity as TV screens.

LCD TV screens are anywhere from 1/4" to 4" thick and 2" to 65" wide.

Picture Quality

When it comes to which type of TV screen is sharper and shows more detail, plasma TVs have a slight edge over LCD TVs, though LCD TVs are catching up.

Plasma TVs are also slightly better when it comes to viewing angle - how far you can sit to one side of a TV screen before picture quality is affected.

Screen Life

Screen life is the number of hours a TV provides before the picture begins to fade. Plasma TVs have a screen life of about 30,000 to 60,00 hours, depending on the make and model, while LCD TV's have a screen life of 60,000 hours or more.

Plasma TVs are also subject to "burn in." This occurs when a TV displays a still image long enough for a ghost of that image to be burned into the screen. LCD TVs do not have this problem.

HD TV

Both plasma and LCD TVs display HD (high definition) signals for a sharper, more three dimensional picture. LCD TVs, however, have a slightly higher resolution (more screen pixels) then plasma TVs.

Video Games

Plasma and LCD TVs are both great for video gaming, however because of plasma TV's tendency toward screen burn in, an LCD TV is the better choice if you play a lot of video games.

Portability

LCD TVs are thinner and lighter than plasma TVs, making them easier to move and easier to mount on a wall.

Answer 2

Flat panel televisions are glowing in the spotlight of pop culture. They are used as centerpieces in storefront windows, video game demonstration screens and miniature movie screens showing the latest blockbusters out on video. At the consumer level, they are the cat’s meow – loved for their performance and envied for their elegance.

They are on the cutting edge of technology. Because of their small size, they have the capability of dominating the TV electronics market for the next generation. And, their prices are falling.

But, not all is caviar and champagne for flat panel displays. They have their share of issues. Below is a list of advantages and disadvantages associated with flat panel displays.

ADVANTAGES

Size: The lack of width and weight is a tremendous advantage over direct view and rear projection models.

Flat panel televisions can be picked up by one person, carried between the arms like a fence post or school book and hung like a picture.

Selection: The choice of available flat panel models is overwhelming as sizes range from handheld up to 84”. Most models will fall in the 20-42” range with the more common sizes being 26” 32” and 42”.

Note: Plasma flat panel televisions begin at 42”. It is safe to assume that all models smaller than 42” are LCD.

Aesthetic Appeal: It is amazing how thin flat panel televisions are, especially considering what was being sold a decade ago. These days are totally different. Now, anyone can own a television no thicker than a two-liter bottle of soda. People can hang their TV on a wall like a Picasso, put it on a mantle or take it from room to room with little strain.

Dual Use: What is an advantage for LCD is a disadvantage for plasma. LCD flat panels are great purchases for people who want to combine TV with their PC because these models are specifically designed to provide computer interactivity while doubling as a television.

Note: I do not recommend using a plasma display panel as a computer monitor or video game display unit because of burn-in possibilities.

Picture Quality: Plasma is arguably the best picture outside of direct view televisions. High definition content displayed on a plasma is extraordinary. LCDs are not far behind in terms of displaying high-end content, but some flat panel LCDs struggle in their ability to display cable and satellite programming.

Note: Contrast ratio and black levels on flat panel displays are not comparable to CRT direct view television. While most models thrive, this could be a disadvantage for some units.

Picture Life: Plasma and LCD televisions should last a minimum of 30,000 hours up to 60,000 hours. This means a minimum of 15 years of watching with an expected life rate much longer. There is no lamp to replace, which is an advantage in long-term cost over rear projection models.

DISADVANTAGES

Price: Expect to pay around $1000 for a good 32” model, $1500-2000 for a good 42” model and over $2000 for models over 50”. This estimate is on the low end, and will vary according to manufacturer and display type. For example: A 42” Enhanced Definition TV will cost considerable less than a 42” High Definition model of the same specs and manufacturer. The same holds true for LCDs.

Hit or Miss: This is something that I think mainly applies to LCD. Plasma technology is pretty reliable in terms of ‘you get what you see.” But, I don’t believe LCDs are the same. In my experience of reviewing flat panel LCD TVs, some fail to display a good picture with cable or satellite.

Note: While it is difficult to point out the models that are suspect in quality, I can suggest that if a price seems too good to be true it probably is. If a flat panel television is priced considerably below the standard price for a model of similar value and it is not on sale then something is probably missing inside the unit. The missing piece could be something that limits the picture performance. Video game play can be sluggish on some LCDs, which is a result of a low response time.

Connectivity: This is a mild disadvantage, but worth noting. Working with audio and video cables can be an issue when mounting a flat panel television to a wall. Cables coming and going from a direct view and rear projection television can be hidden behind the set, but wall-mounted flat panels have nothing to hide them. Instead, a person is left to either run cables through the wall or camouflage them somehow. Then there is the issue of what to do with the cable box, DVD player, etc, when foregoing a typical entertainment center setup.

Note: This does not apply to flat panel televisions being placed on a tabletop stand as the display unit will hide cables coming and going into the unit.

Burn-In: This only applies to plasma. Static images can leave a permanent mark on the screen. This is why nobody should use a plasma TV as a computer monitor or video game display. Burn-in should not be a problem if the plasma display panel is used solely for watching TV and movies.

Answer 3

Plasmas run noisier, hotter, and use 3X more electricity than LCD and don't last as long, but are cheaper up front.  If plasmas are more vivid - it's just relative.  My sony lcd has a vivid setting that's too bright and eye ripping for any but the darkest movies (I can see the new A V. P - Req. movie just fine which many complain is just too dark to see).