Plasma and LCD TV Models; The Fundamental Differences
Plasma and LCD TV models have been with us for some time; both experiencing popularity in homes across the land. The current industry conjecture is whether LCD will become the predominant technology in the future, mainly down to energy efficiency issues that have arisen after yet more European legislation on energy consumption. Hopefully the following article will detail which technology represents the best option for consumers.
Both plasma and LCD TV models are identical in form, naturally both are thin and have a flat screen and in the majority of cases are stunning to look at and a stylish addition to any home. Within the televisions themselves however there are markedly different technologies in operation to produce moving images. Obviously both plasma and LCD TV types are a great improvement on the CRT TVs of old, but do the differences between the two technologies seriously affect the buying decision for consumers?
Plasma televisions operate as a sandwich of tiny liquid crystals between two sheets of glass. These hundreds of thousands of pixels are controlled by specific current changes that affect shade, colour and brightness. With the use of a backlight the changes in shade are displayed on the screen. It is only when all of these crystals are altered rapidly that an image becomes visible.
Plasma televisions on the other hand have a similar glass sandwich but instead of liquid crystals contain a gas such as xenon or neon. Once again current is passed through the gas and this created an image, it is only when this image is passed through a layer of phosphors, representing each primary colour that the true image is created. This process requires considerably more power than LCD, meaning plasma is far more wasteful.
Understandably the two technologies have a variety of advantages and disadvantages. What follows is a categorical analysis.
First is the size and weight. Normally plasma televisions are available in larger screen sizes, particularly fifty inches or more. Typically plasmas are heavier than your average LCD TV but this is marginal. At the moment plasmas have the edge in terms of screen sizes but technological developments are rapidly changing this situation.
There is not much to call between the two technologies when it comes to picture quality. Most experts believe that plasma televisions have better black levels that LCDs but it is evident that LCD TVs produce a sharper image, especially in smaller screen sizes.
A common problem with plasmas is image burn. This is when a residual image is displayed on the screen after the image has been shown for extended periods of time; normally this is a network logo or for gamers the screen display of their favourite game. This is not a problem for LCD models.
Viewing angles for both types of television are about 160 degrees but it is generally understood that plasmas have a slight edge. In terms of glare, normally an LCD TV performs better in brighter environments although due to the poorer black levels, people who watch television in the dark would be better suited with a plasma.
In terms of lifespan the understanding is that while an LCD television can guarantee around sixty thousand viewing hours, around seven and a half years of continuous viewing, plasmas will normally suffer sooner. Some plasmas have been reported to lose half of their brightness after around twenty thousand viewing hours.
It is hoped this article has highlighted some of the differences between plasmas and LCDs. As a consumer the choice is difficult but with recent reports stating that plasmas are almost thirty percent less efficient than LCDs it is understandable that those with an environmental conscience and a keen eye on their household bills will opt for the LCD path.
LCD Vs Plasma TVs; The Essential Decision
Flat screen TVs are now commonplace in many homes. The most popular forms of these televisions are plasma and LCD. But as a consumer which can be considered the best choice? Hopefully the following article will highlight some of the fundamental differences between the two technologies and how this affects the buyer.
First and foremost it is important to understand the different processes involved in both plasma and LCD technology. While these types of TV may look the same, within there are completely different processes at work producing an image. Apart from both being thin and attractively styled, they have few similarities.
A Plasma TV utilises a system of miniscule plasma gas cells that are charged by electrical current to create changes in UV light. This light is then filtered through phosphorus gasses of each primary colour to make an image. LCD TV screens on the other hand resemble an electronic sandwich, with liquid crystals between two 'slices' of glass. Once again varying electrical current is applied to the crystals in order to create an image.
One of the major benefits that LCD TVs have over plasma variants is native resolution. This industry term simply refers to the number of pixels on the screen and in this particular instance means that LCD TVs have a higher resolution in terms of pixels than plasmas of a similar size.
One of the most touted benefits of LCD TVs is that they consume far less power than plasma varieties. This has become an increasingly important point in recent months as EU directives on energy consumption have come to the fore in electronic companies' thinking. It is estimated that some models of plasma TV used thirty percent more power than a LCD of a similar size; the result has been some commentators labelling plasma TVs as the four by fours of the home.
It is also evident that LCD screens tend to have a longer lifespan than plasma models. Early models apparently lose half of their brightness after a measly twenty thousand hours although the latest varieties boast a lifespan of thirty to sixty thousand viewing hours. On the other hand, the average LCD TV typically has a guaranteed sixty thousand hour lifespan.
Screen burn is one of the more commonly highlighted problems with plasma TVs although this is becoming less of an issue. That said, even modern plasmas do suffer from screen burn, a result of a continuous image being shown on the screen and leaving a residual ghost image when viewing other channels. LCD TVs do not suffer from this problem at all.
So which should consumers buy? LCD or Plasma? This decision depends upon the size of the screen. In the majority of cases plasma TVs are better in larger sizes, for example those above fifty inches whereas LCD variants are better in smaller sizes. That said, those with an environmental conscience will be easily swayed by an LCD due to their lower power consumption and subsequent ecological validity. Additionally the longer lifespan of LCD televisions make them a better value buy although this is really a minor consideration. Ultimately the choice is down to the consumer but with plasma TVs apparently on the wane it is understandable that more people will see the benefits of LCDs in the future.
Things to Consider Before you Buy your Flat Screen Tv
When you are thinking about which Television to buy, you need to carefully consider size and location, especially if your options are a Plasma TV, LCD flat screen TV or a rear projection TV. Flat screen TV technologies are limited by screen size. You can get LCD TVs in a variety of sizes ranging right from tiny to the very large. Plasma TVs are best viewed starting from 37 inches. The HDTV screens tend to be a lot wider than their height, appearing rectangular. Because of this, the space requirement varies from TV to TV. The specialty of flat screen TVs is that they can also be wall mounted or placed on stands, making them a space saving unit.
Room Size
A 30 to 40 inch HDTV might be suitable for a small room particularly if you plan to place it in an entertainment unit or against a narrow wall. But for a big room where you have sufficient wall area, a rear projection TV of a larger size will look good. For those who plan to go in for the home theater system, front projections TVs are a good choice. After you've decided where you will place your TV, you need to consider how far you will sit from your TV screen when you watch it. If there is enough distance, a large screen TV is fine. But if viewing distance is very limited, and you opt for HDTV, bigger need not mean greater picture clarity. You cannot view a small screen from too far off or a huge screen from very near.
Viewing Distance, Angle And Lighting
The best way to figure out the ideal distance to maintain between you and your screen is to divide the screen size by 5. Seat yourself so that you are looking directly at the middle of the screen. While considering performance of TVs, the angle at which you view them matters a lot. With plasma TVs, which have a 160-degree wide viewing angle, you can put them anywhere in your room. The viewing angle for LCD TVs is lesser at 120 degrees; while rear projection TVs are at 90-100 degrees. So if you are not sitting directly opposite the TV the lesser the viewing angle, the less satisfying the picture quality. Bright lights are suitable for plasma and LCD TVs but for projection TVs you must have little or no light.
Picture Quality
A perception of picture quality can vary from person to person, and TV to TV. It depends on how the TV is constructed and the internal processing method. The TV must have good black levels since these produce better details. CRT TVs are capable of better black levels. Digital TVs like plasma, LCD and DLP produce black that looks more like dark gray. When the picture shows good contrast, the impact is much more. Incidentally, there's something called "burn in" that happens in Plasma TVs that ends up showing ghostly images on the screen, especially when you are watching a favorite sports channel or happen to be enjoying video games.
Thus, viewing criteria and location are important considerations when you shop for your flat TV.
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