Following is a summary of differences between LCD and plasma TVs.
Wall Mounting
Plasma sets are heavier than their counterpart LCDs. Although all flat panels require a secure mounting, hanging a hundred-pound TV on a wall requires a professional installation. If the studs behind the wall are not conveniently located, reinforcements are necessary. Placing the unit on a cabinet with the TV's own tabletop stand is always an option.
Light Reflection
Glare from ambient light in the room can be a major issue. Plasma TVs generally reflect light just like a CRT; however, some plasmas have anti-glare screens.
Colors: You Be the Judge
Although plasma TVs have always had richer colors, LCDs continually gain ground, and a high-quality LCD TV can look much better than a low-quality plasma. Some people prefer colors as bright and rich as possible, while others prefer them slightly more subdued.
Bad Pixels, Image Retention, Burn-In and Buzz
Stuck pixels on LCD panels show up as persistent, tiny pinpoints of light, which may be annoying. If found early on, manufacturers have been known to replace the entire set.
Plasma sets are subject to image retention and burn-in, both of which refer to a very faint image that remains on screen due to static material that is displayed for long periods such as black bars and channel logos. However, image retention is temporary and eventually dissolves. Burn-in is permanent and occurs when content such as a video game is played constantly. Plasma sets are increasingly less susceptible to burn-in and include anti-burn-in features such as continuously rotating the image one or two pixels. Instead of black bars for letterbox formats, plasma screens often use gray bars so that the phosphors in those areas emit an average amount of light rather than none.
Another issue with plasma sets is a buzz that might occur when the set is located in altitudes above 6,500 feet. See flat panel TV, LCD and plasma display.
Wall Mounting
Plasma sets are heavier than their counterpart LCDs. Although all flat panels require a secure mounting, hanging a hundred-pound TV on a wall requires a professional installation. If the studs behind the wall are not conveniently located, reinforcements are necessary. Placing the unit on a cabinet with the TV's own tabletop stand is always an option.
Light Reflection
Glare from ambient light in the room can be a major issue. Plasma TVs generally reflect light just like a CRT; however, some plasmas have anti-glare screens.
Colors: You Be the Judge
Although plasma TVs have always had richer colors, LCDs continually gain ground, and a high-quality LCD TV can look much better than a low-quality plasma. Some people prefer colors as bright and rich as possible, while others prefer them slightly more subdued.
Bad Pixels, Image Retention, Burn-In and Buzz
Stuck pixels on LCD panels show up as persistent, tiny pinpoints of light, which may be annoying. If found early on, manufacturers have been known to replace the entire set.
Plasma sets are subject to image retention and burn-in, both of which refer to a very faint image that remains on screen due to static material that is displayed for long periods such as black bars and channel logos. However, image retention is temporary and eventually dissolves. Burn-in is permanent and occurs when content such as a video game is played constantly. Plasma sets are increasingly less susceptible to burn-in and include anti-burn-in features such as continuously rotating the image one or two pixels. Instead of black bars for letterbox formats, plasma screens often use gray bars so that the phosphors in those areas emit an average amount of light rather than none.
Another issue with plasma sets is a buzz that might occur when the set is located in altitudes above 6,500 feet. See flat panel TV, LCD and plasma display.
LCD Plasma
Glare No Yes (with some exceptions)
Weight Lighter Heavier (harder to hang)
AC Power Lower Higher
Colors Less rich Richer
Blacks Less black More black
Contrast
Ratio Good Better (higher ratio)
Viewing
Angle Good Better (greater angle)
Speed Fast Faster
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
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