| Flat screen plasma and LCD TVs are more popular | | | | that colours don't appear quite as refined, and they |
| than ever with new models being released on an | | | | also tend to suffer from motion blur as the refresh |
| almost continuous basis. This is great because it | | | | rate is lower. This is being addressed with the newer |
| means there are lots of makes and models to choose | | | | LCD screens, but there is still a slight noticeable |
| from; however all this choice can make buying a new | | | | difference. |
| flat screen TV quite complicated. There are a lot of | | | | Plasma screens tend to offer a better range of sizes |
| people out there who want to know what the | | | | - typically you can find plasma screens going up to a |
| differences are between plasma and LCD TVs, and | | | | whopping 103 inches! LCDs tend to only go up to |
| which one is best. Unfortunately there's no simple | | | | around 65 inches. However, the larger size comes at a |
| answer as to which one is best, it all depends on the | | | | cost as plasma screens tend to be thicker than LCD |
| individual consumer. However, there are a number of | | | | screens. A plasma TV is also likely to be around 10% |
| differences between the two technologies, so let's | | | | heavier than a LCD TV of the same size, and will |
| take a look at these so you know what to consider | | | | consume much more power. |
| before deciding which type of TV to purchase. | | | | The expected lifespan of each type of TV is different |
| Plasma TVs contain a special type of gas, which turns | | | | too. Typically you should expect your plasma TV to |
| into plasma when an electric current is passed through | | | | last for about 10-15 years, whereas a LCD TV would |
| it. In turn the plasma emits the light that makes up the | | | | be expected to last for around 30 years |
| picture. LCD TVs on the other hand are made up of | | | | To summarise: |
| thousands of cells containing liquid crystals which are | | | | Plasma TVs: are generally cheaper, are available in |
| then illuminated by fluorescent backlighting. | | | | sizes up to 103 inches, have a higher contrast for |
| Plasma TVs became a firm favourite with consumers | | | | dynamic pictures, are thicker and heavier than LCD |
| because of the relatively low price point. Plasma | | | | TVs, use more power and tend to have a shorter |
| screens are relatively cheap to produce, which means | | | | lifespan |
| that consumers are able to get very large screen | | | | LCD TVs: are generally more expensive, are available |
| displays for their money. Even though the prices of | | | | in sizes up to 65 inches, have a lower contrast ratio, |
| many LCD TVs are starting to drop now that | | | | are slimmer and lighter than plasma TVs, use less |
| manufacturing techniques are becoming more | | | | power and tend to last 2 to 3 times as long |
| advanced, it is still the case that plasma screens are | | | | So which type of TV should you buy? Well that really |
| generally cheaper, especially for screen sizes over 32 | | | | does depend on you. Some consumers prefer to buy |
| inches. | | | | LCD TVs for their slim casing and lightweight designs. |
| Both types of TV deliver picture quality that is far | | | | Many also go for LCD because they are less power |
| better than traditional CRT screens; however plasma | | | | hungry and are therefore more environmentally |
| screens tend to offer a much higher contrast, with | | | | friendly. Other consumers prefer plasma TVs for the |
| very deep blacks and bright whites. Plasma screens | | | | large screen sizes and dynamic looking pictures. Both |
| also handle fast moving action really well due to the | | | | types of screen have their advantages and |
| higher refresh rate - this means that you will hardly | | | | disadvantages, so it really is a matter of doing your |
| ever see motion blur on a plasma screen. LCD | | | | research and deciding which screen type best meets |
| screens tend to have a lower contrast ratio meaning | | | | your needs. |