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Buyers Guides > Home CinemaPlasma Vs. LCD
Both Plasma and LCD screens are excellent display
technologies. The Plasma vs. LCD debate will likely rage for some time
into the foreseeable future. Today, Plasmas offer the advantage of
larger screen sizes, lower costs, better viewing angles, and superior
image refresh rates. However, LCD televisions are rapidly improving,
and if manufacturers can increase screen size, and reduce costs, the
two technologies will be very competitive in the near future. Currently, Plasma screens have the advantage of offering larger screen sizes. Commonly available Plasma screen sizes include 32-inch, 42-inch, 50-inch and 63-inch models. LCDs are currently limited mainly to smaller sizes, ranging from 10-inch to 40-inch models (with 40-inch models just now becoming available). However, manufacturers are currently working on larger LCD models (up to 54-inches), so expect screen sizes to increase considerably over the next few years. It should be noted that the technology behind LCD screens is more flexible, allowing a wider variety of screen sizes. This may be important if you are looking for a particular screen size. Cost Again, currently, Plasma screens have the advantage over LCDs. Higher
production volume allows Plasmas to compete very favourably compared
to LCDs, especially considering screen size. Of course, both technologies
are seeing fairly rapidly price decreases as manufacturing technologies
and volumes improve. We are expecting the two technologies to be fairly
equal in the near future. Currently, picture quality for both Plasma screens and LCDs are very close. The most recent LCDs have caught up to Plasmas in regards to colour saturation and brightness. Many of the most recent LCDs will actually perform better in regards to contrast when viewed in a very bright room - something to keep in mind if your viewing room receives a lot of ambient light. Some of the newest LCDs actually offer more lifelike colour display over Plasma. Additionally, LCD generally holds a resolution advantage over Plasma, especially when comparing similar screen sizes. A greater number of LCDs support HDTV as a result. However, both Plasma and LCD offer excellent picture quality (depending on the model of course). Image Refresh Rates Plasmas generally have an advantage here. Image refresh rates are important when watching rapidly moving images, like those found in many action movies and sports broadcasts. Plasma screens generally have no issue displaying fast moving images. LCDs are at a disadvantage here, as fast moving images will often leave a 'ghosting trail' as the LCD changes voltages to adjust colours. Newer LCDs are improving in this regards, but have not caught up to Plasma screens yet. Smaller LCD screens also generally see less of this effect. Viewing Angle The advantage in viewing angles goes to Plasma screens, but with LCD improving in quality recently, and nearly matching. Most Plasma screens can be viewed at a 160 degree viewing angle, or greater. LCD by comparison at best perform up to 160 degrees, and are frequently less. Both technologies are generally sufficient for stationary viewing, but watching TV while wandering around a room will generally be much easier to view with a Plasma. Screen Burn-In Effect Here, LCDs have a marked advantage. Because of the liquid crystal
technology, there is absolutely no risk of images burning in from prolonged
viewing, resulting in an after image 'ghost' effect. The lack of burn-in
risk of LCD is helpful when watching shows that have a common viewing
pattern (such as a news or stock ticker, or video games). However,
many Plasma screens include a screen saver function to help minimize
the risk, and some of the newest Plasmas include clever technology
to very slightly move static pixels to minimize, if not remove, this
risk. LCDs are considerably thinner and lighter vs. Plasmas. Generally, LCDs are approximately 3-inches deep, compared to around 4-inches or more for Plasma. LCD's also weigh approximately 10-20 percent less than Plasmas, for a comparably sized screen, this could be an important factor in where and how you place your screen. Life Span Again the LCD comes out ahead in regards to life span. Plasma screens generally have a life span of 20,000 - 30,000 hours according to manufacturers. This compares to around 50,000 - 80,000 hours for the LCD backlight. Also, since Liquid Crystal Televisions use a backlight, this backlight can be replaced on some models if needed. Assuming 4 hours of viewing per day, a Plasma screen will last approximately 13 years, compared to an LCD TV that would last around 25-40 years. In either case, you will likely get a lot of viewing pleasure out of both types. Power Consumption, Temperature and Noise Another advantage for LCDs when compared to Plasma is power consumption, and resulting temperature and noise. Plasmas generally require 15-25 times as much voltage as LCD screens. As a result, Plasma screens will have higher operating costs, and will also run considerably hotter to the touch compared to LCD screens. Plasma screens also often require fans for cooling, which can be quite noisy in some cases in low volume situations. LCDs run much cooler, and thus do not require cooling fans.
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