| These days consumers really have a great choice | | | | picture quality, but that edge has steadily eroded |
| about TVs. Now that the ‘digital TV’ | | | | over time. If you buy lcd TV today, you will see |
| switchover is done, you can focus on important things | | | | tremendous improvements in color and black levels |
| like picture quality, energy consumption and even | | | | (contrast) compared LCD TVs from five years ago. |
| aesthetics. This article will discuss the pros and cons of | | | | LCD TVs have simply advanced faster than plasma |
| both when you buy lcd TV or cheap plasma TVs. | | | | TVs. |
| Since the technology is now widely available to | | | | First, for people who buy lcd TV, there are benefits vs. |
| companies and manufacturers from all over the world, | | | | cheap plasma TVs in terms of energy consumption |
| cheap plasma TVs are now a reality and you do not | | | | and reliability. The average lcd TV sold today |
| have to have second thoughts just because the name | | | | consumers about 50% less power than cheap plasma |
| written on the product is unknown to you. Just a few | | | | TVs. And LCD TVs have fewer parts and a more |
| years ago there was no such thing as a cheap | | | | durable imaging technology (solid state transistors) vs. |
| plasma TV. It was not unusual for a 60” diagonal | | | | gas-filled , glass encapsulated phosphor technology |
| plasma TV to sell for $20,000. Today an even better | | | | used in cheap plasma TVs. |
| 60” plasma display can be purchased for less than | | | | However, LCD TVs have slightly higher black levels |
| $2,000. | | | | (lower contrast) than even cheap plasma TVs and, |
| You don’t have to buy lcd TV simply because | | | | despite real improvements with 120Hz and 240 Hz |
| plasma TVs are too expensive, either. Now most | | | | screen refresh technologies, LCD TVs still have |
| companies offer cheap plasma TVs at the same price | | | | some pixel blur. Pixel blur occurs when LCD pixels do |
| or even less than when you buy lcd TVs. | | | | not switch on and off fast enough. The resulting |
| For example, Panasonic has a terrific 42-inch plasma | | | | picture is somewhat blurry, especially for fast moving |
| TV that sells for less than $1,000. NEC makes an | | | | action scenes or sports. |
| outstanding 60-inch plasma display for less than | | | | Size does matter when you buy lcd TV or cheap |
| $2,000. Even the famous Pioneer Kuro plasma TV | | | | plasma TVs but in either case bigger does not always |
| (still available but no longer being manufactured) can be | | | | mean better. A rule of thumb is your couch or sofa |
| purchased for less than $3000. | | | | should be about twice the distance from your TV as |
| The next and most important factor that you need to | | | | its screen size. If you have a small room and you sit |
| consider since cheap plasma TVs became available is | | | | about six feet from your TV, you really don’t need |
| image quality. Let’s face it: all high definition | | | | more than a 42-inch diagonal screen to have a great |
| pictures look great regardless of whether you buy lcd | | | | viewing experience. Only when you are eight feet |
| TV or cheap plasma TVs. Most sets have 1080p | | | | away from the display will you appreciate (or need) a |
| resolution, but a few bargains can be had with displays | | | | 60-inch diagonal screen. |
| that have 720p or 768p resolution. Don’t be | | | | So, the bottom line is that, for most people, the quality |
| discouraged by the lower number: both are HD | | | | difference between cheap plasma TVs and LCD TVs |
| sets. In fact, the human eye can not see any | | | | is very small. Plasma has a slight edge for video |
| difference in the picture at distances greater than four | | | | purists, but LCD is great for energy consumption and |
| feet! | | | | reliability. The most important differences come |
| But there more important technical differences that | | | | down to warranty, manufacturer reputation and the |
| you should pay attention to to have a great | | | | service/support from the retailer. When you decide |
| experience. | | | | to buy lcd TV, be sure to check out the on-line |
| Most experts think that that the image quality of | | | | reputation scores of the dealer to be sure you have |
| plasma TVs is simply better than if you buy lcd TV. It | | | | a trouble-free buying experience. Good luck! |
| is true that there plasmas have a slight edge in | | | | |