PLASMA vs LCD TVs.?

Question

I am planning to purchase a TV and I would like to know the difference between Plasma and LCD TVs , the PROS AND CONS .

Thank You .

Answer 1

Plasma TVs use a gas that is stimulated by electricity to produce the picture.  LCDs use liquid (Liquid Crystal Display).  

Plasma does use slightly more power.  Plasma is better for fast moving content such as sports, action movies.  Plasmas have glass screens which makes them somewhat more durable (if you have little pokey hands in the house and the set won't be out of reach.).  LCD screens are plastic and repeted touching can kill a pixel which leaves you with an off color dot on the screen.  

Plasmas display best in a somewhat darker environment.  LCD's handle brighter ambient light better.  If you have a sunny room and you watch TV during the day, LCD would work better unless you install blinds to darken the room.  Reason?  Glass screens have a tendancy to glare although they are using anti-reflective coatings to help reduce this problem.

Plasma sets are cheaper as a rule in the larger sizes than LCD.  LCD just costs more to make.  Both last about the same amount of time.  

This is definately an area where you get what you pay for.  Stop by your local library and read Consumer Reports.  The staff will help you locate the issues with the HDTV info in them.  

And BOTH sets need to have the "special" screen cleaner used on them!  Using glass cleaner, water or whatever else will leave marks on the screen!  Yeah, it's expensive but used sparingly (3 or 4 spritz on the special microfiber cloth that comes with) a bottle of the stuff will last you 3 or 4 years!

Answer 2

LCD is the way to go.  They use LESS POWER, produce a brighter image and are not susceptible to image burn in like the plasma sets.

Plasma sets have slightly richer color, more pure "blacks", and a slightly better viewing angle.  

As far as durability, they both last for about 60,000 hours.

The industry seems to be moving more and more toward LCD. Plasmas are making up a much smaller percentage of the assortment offering now.  That's a good sign NOT to buy a plasma set.