Which is better, plasma or an LCD TV?
Deciding which TV to choose while buying can be a difficult choice. There are many technologies out there that compete with each other quite well. LCD and plasma may look similar from the outside, but they are different technologies. We have outlined the pros and cons of each one of them so that you do not get a hard time deciding which one suits you best. As most of the TVs require a good cable connection for all the amazing features it comes with, we recommend getting Silver Package Spectrum for better channel variety.
We have categorized our findings into the following categories.
1- Picture Quality:
Picture quality is mainly affected by picture contrast. Picture contrast is the difference between the deepest black and the brightest whites that a TV produces.
Undoubtedly, both plasma and LCD produces excellent picture quality. But there are some differences. If you like to watch TV in dim light, LCD has an edge over plasma as LED screens are brighter than plasma screens.
Contrary to it, plasma screens can display black more precisely than LCD. They display better contrast in rooms with a lot of glare or light. Moreover, the picture quality produced by a plasma TV has more accuracy and saturation.
2- Viewing angle:
Another component that affects the picture quality is the viewing angle. When you’re in front of them, all flat screens produce great pictures. But moving off-center will make the image look deep-colored. This issue of viewing angle is more with an LCD TV. In Plasma TVs, the picture remains fairly solid. There is a wider side-to-side viewing angle, and you do not feel any change in the picture contrast as you view from different angles. You will still see a decent picture even at extreme angles.
Therefore, before buying a TV, keep in mind that LCDs will make large variations as you move off-center.
3- Functionality:
Thickness – Plasma TVs are thick and bulkier. So, if you like flat thin panels, then LCD is the best option for you.
Energy Use – If you want to keep your energy cost down, LCD takes the nod. Since LCD televisions required fluorescent backlighting to produce pictures, they consume about half the power than of plasma TV. Plasma TV requires light phosphors to create images, that is why they produce more heat and consumes more energy than LCDs.
Size – People living in a smaller place or looking for a TV size that fits in their small room can have several choices in LCD TVs. For the plasma TVs, the smallest size is 37 inches that best suits the bigger room accordingly.
Noise – The buzzing sound in plasma TVs is caused by the motion of electric charges that produce the picture. They produce a whining sound when they are operating at maximum power to produce a white color. The noise should not be loud enough that you cannot hear the TV. LCDs, on the other hand, do not create any noise while producing the picture.
Installation – Plasma TVs are often tricky to install because they are heavy. If you go with the plasma tv TV choice, you need to get it installed by a professional that will add to the cost but also, it will save you from frustration.
On the other hand, LCDs are lightweight because the screen is made up of plastic, whereas in plasma, they use glass that makes it weighty. LCDs are easier to move or install than Plasma TVs.
4- Durability:
Plasma TVs are fragile, whereas LCD TVs have an equitably long life. According to some estimates, an LCD TV lasts from 13 to 15 years based on the usage (on average, 6 hours per day).
5- Price:
Typically, LCD TVs are more expensive than plasma TVs. It is due to the high manufacturing cost of LCD panels. On average, plasma TVs are 15% less expensive than LCD TVs.
If you are fond of a big-screen television, as in 50 inches and above, then plasma is the safe bet. LCDs may give you better resolution but, plasma still beats LCD in terms of picture quality.
Final Word:
Both technologies have their plus points. Before finalizing which type of TV you want, try to view different models to determine your choice. Also, visit more than one retailer, ask for advice and keep looking until you are satisfied with the quality and price.
