Compare LCD vs. Plasma

If you're in the market for a High Definition Television (HDTV) set, you're probably struggling with the same question - whether to buy a LCD or a Plasma. If you look online, you might get different opinions based on the vested interests of the source. For example, don't expect a web site that promotes Plasma TVs to advice you to purchase a LCD set. There are no definite right or wrong answers or choices but here is some neutral information that might help you make up your mind.

Plasma HDTV

PROS

Price - Even though LCD is catching up fast, Plasma set is still going to be a little cheaper for a similar size. Also, there are more options in Plasma market as size goes up since LCD is still relatively confined to smaller sizes (Less than 50 inch). Even though Sharp has the biggest flat panel TV in the world (105 inch LCD), it is very expensive. Bottom line - You might find large size LCD sets, but they will end up costing you lot more than Plasma.

Picture Quality - If you look up the contrast ratio on some of the HDTVs, first thing you'll notice is that most of Plasma sets are way ahead of LCD sets. Currently Plasma technology has more real life and vivid colors as compared to LCD. This is mostly due to the fact that black levels in Plasma are exceptional compared to LCD. This difference is even more visible in a dark room. So if your TV room doesn't have much natural light, Plasma might be a better choice.

Fast Moving Videos - Plasma sets don't suffer from ghosting when displaying a fast moving image. Some lower end LCDs have poor response times and that makes them unsuitable for fast moving video games.

CONS

Burn in - First generation Plasma TVs suffered from premature image aging or "Burn in". Burn-in is nothing but permanent image retention on the screen. It happens when you freeze a picture on the screen for extended time (for example pausing TV using your DVR) or using your TV as a monitor for computer use. CNN logo on CNN broadcast is a good example. Since it always displays at the same location on the screen, TV screen ends up with permanent image retention. Plasma manufacturers have added new technology to resolve this issue and with high end plasma sets, it should not be an issue any more. However, this problem might still persist with some of the cheaper brands.

Audible Buzzing or Humming Sound - Some people learned it hard way. When you go to a store and watch 10-15 HDTV sets with sound and video at the same time, it is easy to miss some important details about a particular set. Since Plasma technology applies highest voltage when displaying light color pictures, it tend to have a buzzing sound with light color videos/images. Mechanical 'buzz' created during the plasma's on-off imaging cycles also contributes to it. Some people are so sensitive to this that they end up returning their sets. But this problem is usually isolated to cheaper brands, high end sets have preventive measures in place to suppress this sound. If you're going to test a Plasma sets for Buzzing, bring in a black and white video tape with you and have electronics store play it for you. Mute the real sound and then listen to the audible buzz from the set as images get lighter.

Plasma Gas and Phosphor Aging - Plasma TV uses an inert gas that is trapped between two glass sheets. this gas can behave very differently when pressure change. For example, at higher altitudes, air pressure is lower and you will hear more mechanical vibration (buzz) from the TV. This is one of the reasons why only LCD sets are used on airplanes. Also, phosphor material decays with time and as your TV gets old, picture is not going to be as bright and sharp as it used to be. Plasma TVs also employ phosphors for imaging, so they are susceptible to glare from indoor and outdoor light. A LCD Tv is your best choice in a room with lot of natural lighting.

Even though LCD and Plasma are two dominant technologies in High Definition TV market, there is another technology out there. It is known ad DLP or Digital Light processing. It uses millions of small mirrors to reflect light and achieve desired image. There is lot of reference material available on LCD vs. DLP or Plasma vs DLP. It is a decent option if you have a low budget and you want a big TV. Please keep in mind that weight is a big concern with DLP sets.

LCD HDTV

PROS

Reflections - LCD TVs don't have problem with screen reflection due to ambient light. They create images by shuttering light through tiny color filters and generally handle annoying reflections from open windows or nearby lights with no difficulty.

Power Consumption - LCD sets consume far less power when compared to Plasma sets(25% less on average). It's not a big deal in day-to-day use, but over longer periods, energy cost would add up. LCD TVs also weigh less in equivalent screen sizes (about 20% on average). And they are slightly thinner, too, although when you are talking about TVs that measure only 3" to 5" in thickness, how much does it really matters?

Bulb Life - LCD sets have a light source at the back of the screen to illuminate the pictures on the screen. This bulb normally has a 60,000 hours life but once it is out, it is probably going to be impossible or very expensive to replace it.

No Burn-in or Audible Buzz - Since LCD TVs don't use inert gas to display pictures, they do not suffer from pressure changes and buzzing as compared to Plasma sets.

CONS

Black Levels - LCD TVs don't have deep, rich black levels. On average, the level of 'black' measured on the best LCD TVs is lower as compared to the best Plasma TVs. Also, colors on LCD TVs don't appear to be as rich (or even accurate) as a plasma TV. As a result, you will probably find that LCD TVs seem to look better under normal room lighting, but plasma TVs excel when the lights are turned down.

Response Time or Ghosting Issues - Some of the cheaper brand have problem displaying fast moving object on their screen due to their poor response time. Remember, response time car vary as much as 4ms on top brand names to 30ms on cheaper brands. So be careful and ask to see a video of fast moving objects such as a car race on LCD to judge the issue of ghosting.