The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) flat panel TV and plasma TV have a lot in common except for the technology they use to produce the picture images. Both plasma and LCD have a slim profile. In plasma TVs, neon and xenon gases are used for creating a good digital image. Such technology allows them to have a larger screen size. If you plan on buying either of the two, conduct a thorough comparison.
Instructions
1. Visit the nearest electronic store and check out the different models available for LCD TV and plasma TV. See if you can visually distinguish between the models. You can also check various models online but this may not give you a clear indication.
2. Compare price. Plasma TVs tend to be more expensive. However, plasma TVs tend to be a little better in quality.
3. Observe the available thinness of each TV. Plasma flat screen TVs are three inches thick as compared to LCD TVs that are two inches thick.
4. Compare the screen sizes available for both types. Plasma TVs have a screen size range from 32" to 63" in all available models. Panasonic will offer a 103" model but it is still under production. On the other hand, LCD TVs have a restrictive screen size ranging from 32" to 45". Only LG has successfully launched a 100" LCD TV, and reviews are pending. Clearly, when it comes to size, plasma TVs appear have an upper hand.
5. Consider the viewing angle for both TVs. Plasma TVs have a viewing angle of 160 degrees as compared to 175 degrees for LCD TVs. The wider the angle, the better will be the TV image.
6. Find out the screen refresh rates. Plasma TVs are versatile in handling rapid video movements similar to those of CRT TVs. On the other hand, LCD TVs have had poor refresh rates so far. This contributes to better quality pictures in plasma TVs.
7. Learn about TV burn-ins or static pixels. Static images are responsible for burn-ins, especially in plasma TVs. The new pixel orbiter has successfully eradicated this limitation of plasma TV, but older models do not have this technology integration. Burn-ins are not found in LCD TVs. However, they suffer from a similar problem called 'retained pixel charge' which results in ghost images, similar to plasma burn-in. LCD TVs have yet to get around the static image problem.
8. Check handling of each TV in terms of weight. Plasma TVs are heavier compared to LCD TVs, and hence less portable and more difficult to ship and handle. Besides, plasma TVs are considered more fragile and less sturdy compared to LCD TVs. Both in weight and durability, LCD TVs score high.
9. Compare picture quality. Plasma TVs usually have higher levels of brightness and contrast as compared to LCDs. However, in extremely well lit rooms the Plasma TV screen may reflect light.
10. Check for use or wear and tear. Plasma TVs tend to get heated too fast when in use which requires careful planning for locating and mounting. LCD TVs are easy to install and usually less prone to wear and tear when in use.
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