| the plasma and LCD TV have been with us for some | | | | Understandably the two technologies have distinct |
| time, being present in homes across the land. For the | | | | benefits and advantages. Hopefully the following will |
| last few years these two technologies seem to have | | | | compare both technologies along a categorical line. |
| been battling it out for the title of most popular without | | | | In terms of size and weight LCD and plasma TV |
| a clear winner becoming evident. However in recent | | | | models are quite similar. Normally plasma sets are |
| times the eco credentials of plasma technology have | | | | available in larger screen sizes, usually up to around |
| been called into question, leading many to surmise that | | | | seventy one inches. LCD TV models on the other |
| the LCD TV will be the device of choice in the future. | | | | hand are usually available in smaller screen sizes and |
| But what are the differences between the two | | | | out of the two, are typically the lightest. |
| technologies? | | | | Picture quality for both types of television is good, it is |
| While plasma and LCD TV sets may look extremely | | | | generally understood that LCD televisions will perform |
| similar the differences between the two technologies | | | | better in smaller screen sizes, offering a better |
| are startling. Both offer the viewer a sharp, stunningly | | | | resolution than plasmas. Some plasma TV models do |
| crisp picture that is a marked step forward from the | | | | have the problem of image burn. Put simply this is |
| CRT sets of old. In addition; due to their flat and | | | | when an image has been displayed for long periods of |
| lightweight nature are a space saving and stylish | | | | time and then stays as a residual image no matter |
| addition to any home. Typically both varieties are | | | | what is being watched. Normally this will either be a |
| available as widescreen; hence they allow the viewer | | | | network logo or a gaming screen. LCD TV models do |
| to watch films in true widescreen definition. | | | | not suffer from this problem. |
| An LCD TV, as the name suggests uses a liquid | | | | Lifespan is another factor that can split the two |
| crystal display to produce an image. Without becoming | | | | technologies. An LCD TV can usually guarantee a |
| bogged down in technical jargon, the screen is made | | | | lifespan of around sixty thousand hours, more tangibly |
| up of hundreds of thousands of tiny pixels that change | | | | around seven and a half years of continuous viewing. |
| colour and shade as electrical current is passed | | | | On the other hand some plasmas will lose around half |
| through them. The LCD display is backlit producing the | | | | their brightness after twenty thousand hours, although |
| brightness levels. It is only when backlighting is | | | | modern varieties are boasting the uniform sixty |
| combined with the pixel changes that an image is | | | | thousand viewing hours. |
| viewable. | | | | Hopefully this article has given an idea of the |
| Plasma TV technology differs greatly. Fundamentally a | | | | differences between plasma and LCD TV technology |
| plasma screen is constructed from thousands of tiny | | | | and how this relates to differences between devices. |
| gas pockets, typically filled with either xenon or neon. | | | | In terms of which to choose a great deal of the |
| These plasma ‘bubbles’ change shade | | | | decision can be based upon personal preference. |
| and brightness with minute changes in voltage; finally | | | | Those with an environmental conscience however will |
| the image is put through phosphors made up of the | | | | choose the LCD due to the energy efficiency issues |
| three primary colours, only then is the eventual image | | | | with plasmas. |
| produced. | | | | |