Determining which big screen levision is best suited for someone's purposes can be an ongoing struggle. Depending on who one talks to, he or she may get several different answers. What's more, there isn't a right answer, as determining the best television to purchase can depend on a number of varying factors.
Before purchasing a big screen television, one should first determine the right size TV for the room you're planning to put it in. After that, it can be a challenging process figuring out which TV is right for a person's circumstances. Here is a quick guide to make things easier.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) TV
Advantages
- LCDs typically produce a brighter picture than a plasma.
- LCDs are better for PC connectivity. Therefore, if you're wanting a TV that can also serve as a computer monitor, LCD's your best bet.
- LCDs don't have a glare problem. Unlike plasmas, LCDs aren't an issue with glare. If the TV's going to be put in a bright room, or a room where the sun is going to hit it a lot, LCDs might be a better option, because you won't have to close the blinds every time you want to watch TV during the day.
- LCDs aren't prone to "burn in" like plasmas.
- Like plasmas, LCDs don't take up much room like a DLP. However, LCDs are also lighter than plasmas.
- Newer LCD technology has become more reliable. Manufacturers of top brand LCDs claim their televisions can last 50,000 to 65,000 hours.
- LCDs are more energy efficient than same size plasmas.
Disadvantages
- Unlike plasmas, which produce a contrast of 1450:1 (and sometimes greater), the best LCD TVs are up at 1000:1 at best.
- LCDs don't generally have as good of color accuracy, but depending on the layout and type of room the TVs going in, it may not be much of a factor.
- LCDs can have "trailer" effects with fast-moving pictures. In other words, pictures can sometimes blur, or the image can sometime seem out of step with the motion in LCDs.
- LCDs have less of a viewing angle than plasmas (only about 120-130 degrees).
- LCDs cost more than plasmas.
LCD Synopsis: The disadvantages of an LCD may or may not be "deal breakers" depending on the room it's to be placed in and the usage it's meant for. If the television will be facing a large window where the sun comes in through during the day, LCD might be a better option, as it doesn't have the same glare problems a plasma does. LCD is also a good option for those planning to play a lot of video games where there's still images, or wishes to plug his or her lap top in to use it as a larger monitor.
Plasma TV
Advantages
- Plasmas have a much higher contrast ratio than LCDs. Many manufacturers claim it to be as high as 3000:1, while others suggest it's probably more like 1450:1 typically.
- Plasmas generally have better color accuracy than LCDs, which makes the image sometimes seem more lifelike with warmer colors.
- Plasmas have a great viewing angle (160 degrees).
- Plasmas are great with fast-moving images.
- Newer plasmas have good longevity. Many manufacturers claim their plasmas have a half life of 60,000 hours.
- Plasmas typically cost less than LCDs.
- Plasmas are wall-mountable.
Disadvantages
- Plasmas can have burn in problems. If a still image is on the screen for a long duration, it can "burn" into the screen. However, newer models have resolved this issue to a point, so it's not really an issue unless you plan on leaving a still image of, say, a paused video game or movie on overnight.
- Plasmas have glare issues. In other words, if your TV is facing a large window where the sun comes through, it might be tough to see the television during that time without closing shades.
- Though plasmas are wall-mountable, they are heavier than LCDs.
- Plasmas have issues at high altitudes, unlike DLP and LCD TVs.
Plasma Synopsis: The burn in problems plasmas are known to have isn't nearly as big of an issue as it used to be. Most suggest its even over-hyped. Yet, it is something to be concerned over. Though some models of plasma do offer PC Connectivity, if that's a major selling point for a person, LCD might be a better option. That being said, video games are still very good on a plasma screen. In fact, a plasma's ability to handle fast-moving images better than an LCD might make it an ideal option for gamers. Other noteworthy qualities of a plasma is that it's cheaper than an LCD and one can get it in a larger size. Moreover, it typically has richer colors. Really keep in mind the layout of the room it's going into, though. If there is a bright window in front of a plasma, it will make watching television difficult unless there are blinds or shades.
This article is an update from "LCD vs Plasma vs DLP", written February 15, 2007.
Also check out "DLP TV Advantages and Disadvantages."
Sources Consulted:
LCD Buying Guide. "Plasma vs LCD" (January 20, 2009)
Best Buy. "Plasma vs LCD" (January 20, 2009)
Phil Partington - Phil Partington is a writing enthusiast of many years and has been published in national magazines, web publications and other media ...
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