The Plasma TV Blog

It used to be that plasma TVs were considered the clear winner when deciding whether to purchase a plasma TV or an LCD TV. LCD TVs were limited in size and they were more expensive than a plasma TV. However, now the two are very similar both in size and in price.

So which is better? It depends a lot on which characteristics you are looking for.

For instance, a plasma screen TV tends to have better quality color in rooms that are normally lit or are dimly lit. An LCD TV will do better than a plasma when it is placed in a room with bright lighting. Also, if you watch a lot of sports or action movies, you probably will want to go with a plasma. LCD TVs can suffer from a slight lag when confronted with fast moving images.

However, most of the image considerations of a plasma vs LCD TV are rather inconsequential.The biggest pros and cons come when you examine the uses for the TVs.

If you are going to use your plasma or LCD as simply a TV, then you will probably be happy with either choice. However, if you want to use your TV as a computer monitor, then it is probably best to go with an LCD. When used as a computer monitor, plasma TVs are susceptible to having the image burned onto the screen. They also are somewhat unreliable when used to process computer signals.

LCD TVs are also used in airplanes because they are not affected by altitude. Plasma screens are.

Finally, what about how long each TV will last? Both plasma and LCD TVs have a similar half-life, suggested by the manufacturers to be around 60,000 hours. Each has its own problems. The white light lamp in the LCD can become slightly discolored over time, which will alter the affect it has on the colors produced on the screen. The plasma screen’s colors will dim over time. Again, there is no real winner.

Both LCD and Plasma TVs make great television choices. They do not vary enough to designate a clear winner.