What is the difference between LCD and Plasma TVs? Which is better?

Question

I don't need the obvious answer like 'LCD is Liquid Crystal and Plasma is Plasma.' This is the only answer I seem to get from people in the shops.

Answer 1

There are many factors to consider when deciding between the two. No one can tell you one is better than the other because they each have their pluses and minuses. Instead you need to be provided with the facts so that you can make a decision based on your personal needs. I will list which tv is best for which feature:

contrast ( deeper black levels resulting in truer colors) :

PLASMA has the advantage here although LCD has been improving and has almost caught up with plasma here.

fast moving action: PLASMA

High altitude: LCD

Screen burn in: LCD is better because plasma is more capable of burn in. Although this has significantly improved in the last few years and can be prevented with precautionary measures. (check with manufacturer)

Affordable: PLASMA is cheaper, though this field is leveling as well.

Power consumption: LCD. If you take home a plasma you will notice an increase in your electric bill because it sucks up energy. LCD not so noticable.

Other things to consider:

big sports fan? plasma unless you get LCD with a high frame refresh rate such as 5ms or 120 hrtz.

many windows in your room? Make sure the screen is NOT GLASS. you can check for glare in the store by ducking low and trying to see the lights reflect off the screen. The less reflection you see the better!

Big gamer? You can hook up the computer to LCD tvs and use it as a HD monittor for gaming or watching online videos!

Most of all. Look at the pictures on the tvs in the store and check those features. The higher the contrast ratio and the higher the response time or frame rate the better quality!

Hope this helps!! :)

Answer 2

I was told that LCD is better than plasma because after a certain time the bulb in the plasma goes bad and u have to replace it which can be costy.

Answer 3

what habiba says is true but if your planning to buy a new tv in a year or two then you might as well get a plasma.

plasma handles contrast better and delivers deeper blacks but lcd works best in brightly lit areas. plasmas also benefit larger screens and it is unlikely to find a smaller screen plasma.

hope this helps :)