Two prominent types of televisions are Plasma and LCD. Are they one and the same? Not in any way. Since it is apparent that many consumers are confused and misinformed about the dissimilarity of Plasma Televisions from LCD ones and vice versa, consider some factors on how to determine which technology best suits you.
To determine which between the two types of televisions which are Plasma and LCD is more superior cannot be decided easily. In fact, your conditions and likings are the factors that determine your choice. Nonetheless, to aid you in coming up with the right choice, let us first discuss the distinctions between the two, then the advantages and disadvantages for each and thereafter some false impressions about these Televisions.
When a flat screen Television having slim contour capable of being hanged on a wall is seen in a showroom, most people fail to differentiate which among these Televisions is Plasma type or LCD type. We must admit that both Televisions are state-of-the-art technologies as we find them really cool. Both have remarkable screen resolution and input types and can be considered similar in several more aspects, however, it must be remembered that there are dissimilarities proving them as entirely distinct technologies.
This article is not intended to put in plain words the technical function of both LCD and Plasma Television but instead inform you of their genuine and realistic distinctions as necessary aids in arriving at a proper decision. Nonetheless, some essential function shall be shortly explained to enlighten you the rationale of the differences between the two.
Plasma Television has with it pixels comprised of phosphor lined cells. These cells are packed with neon and xenon gas. There are blue, green and red components contained by each pixel and they blend together to create the complete spectrum of colors. An “emissive” exhibit of technology meaning self-lighting is how such type of Television is regarded.
On the other hand, LCD Televisions are distinguished from Plasma Televisions as a “transmissive” display of technology. This denotes that LCD lights is sourced at the rear of the panel and not generated via the LCD crystal. In order to pass on the light as well as to distribute the same, what is being used is the diffusion panel which is found at the rear of the LCD panel. There are two translucent panels containing a fluid crystal solution at the middle is what forms the LCD Panel. These crystals are similar to a shutter that permits on one hand and blocks on the other a prearranged quantity of light to and from crossing.
With the preceding basic facts mentioned plus all information and misapprehensions known elsewhere, can you now choose the more superior Television for you? To further aid you with your choice, let us know more about each by determining their advantages and disadvantages. Take note that there is a massive range of quality surrounding both technologies and for the sake of making a comparison, equal quality of each Plasma Television and LCD Television shall be the basis of comparison.
What’s good about Plasma Televisions?
Most likely, the facts that Televisions of Plasma type are capable of giving high black levels, that they have a vast viewing angles, and that their response duration is quicker are the three most prominent advantages of such types of televisions. The ability of Plasma Televisions to provide better black levels denote that when you are gazing at a black image, you can see a clearer disparity in the black pictures as the Plasma type reproduces black more similar to a genuine black as compared to an LCD type. In watching a movie, there are scenes which are dark and when you watch them on a fine Plasma Television, you will definitely perceive the color which, in contrast, appears as dreadfully dark gray or probably dark blue when watched in an LCD Television. In addition, there are more details noticed in Plasma Televisions while watching dark scenes than in LCD types for the reason that the latter’s light, being transmissive, is being blocked from passing through when reproducing one black image. The latter do not provide a black image as good as Plasma TVs because the light that was able to pass through is only in a small amount. Although LCDs evolved into better technologies producing improved black levels than the previous ones, it does not defeat Plasma TV as being better in the area.
The second prominent advantage of Plasma Televisions is it having a vast viewing angle. This denotes that pictures of Plasma TVs is maintained as bright and sharp even when viewed from the farthest side, or beyond or beneath. In contrast, LCDs’ display become lesser bright plus it is more difficult to view the same from extreme angles. In order for such issue not to be regarded as factor worth considering in decision making by many people, LCD’s viewing angles were drastically enhanced.
Quicker response duration is another distinguishing advantage of Plasma Televisions. This denotes that the duration for which pixels transform from colored black to white and then vice versa is faster in Plasma Televisions as compared to LCD Televisions. This further denotes that the former perform a better operation regarding speedy motion images like video games and sports. In contrast, LCD TVs are prominent for producing “ghosting”, an industrial term, causing slower response time. However, substantial developments have already been made on LCD Televisions regarding concerns on viewing angles plus its black levels. At present, most LCD Televisions respond in 8ms, thus resulting to it being eradicated as an issue but several still protest about the minor ghosting effects experienced in LCDs.
Do you think Plasma Televisions can only survive for 5 years? No, they don’t. Such fact is a mere misapprehension of the technology. Two other misapprehensions about such type of televisions are that there is a necessity to replace every now and then the plasma gas as it is capable of leaking and that if an image is left for several hours on the screen, there is a possibility for said screen to suffer “burn in.”
In the past, the plasmas that were earlier manufactured were not created to survive very long. However, for the few previous years, approximately about 60,000 hours or 20 up to 25 years became the plasma panel’s life expectancy which is actually equivalent to that of LCD Televisions. Since the electronic parts of both an Televisions, LCD and Plasma, are more probable of short survival as compared to the plasma panel, such issue is no longer a factor worth considering in both technology.
During the early manufactured Plasma Televisions, the vulnerability of these to burn in of TV screens had been a great concern for the reason that the same are comprised of phosphor based image. This denotes that when a static image like video games or CNBC Ticker symbol were left on the screen in a long duration, said image will be embedded into the Television with permanence. Consequently, the same will be successfully ruined. What adds to the dilemma is the fact the TV’s producers do not include such defect in their Warranty coverage. Notwithstanding these facts, I have only witnessed few and small cases with screen burn as an issue during my retailing years. Manufacturers of Plasma TVs have already undertaken steps in order to at most eradicate such worries of many users. Hence, if you are someone who excessively desire to watch only a single channel on a daily basis, greater chances will be for your Television to suffer burn in. Such factor considered, LCD TV is way more superior than Plasma Television.
Every now and then, there are still worries about Plasma TVs as having probability of gas leaks though it may not be heard often. Such fact is actually another misapprehension of the technology. During the process of manufacturing, the plasma panel’s gas found in it is actually fastened. Thus, there is no probability of gas leaking and that it is no longer necessary for it to be replaced.
What about pros of LCDs?
Among the advantages attached to LCD Televisions include the fact that they are cost effective in energy more than Plasma TVs, that they are easier to carry as being lighter in weight, that a more vivid image is provided for by the same, and lastly, that an anti-reflective screen is comprised by many LCD Televisions.
Other than being cost effective in energy resulting to lower electric bill, electronics also survive longer. Obviously, when electronics are used even if hot or when they are overly used, the expected consequence will be a quicker life. Plasmas have the tendency to be less effective and most likely create heat more than LCDs.
LCD Televisions being frequently more suitable in vivid rooms is another advantage of the same. For Plasma TVs, the glass used for its creation is frequently very reflective. This connotes that when lots of direct lights land on the TV screen, you will suffer a lot of vivid light with your Plasma Television. Such is not a concern in LCDs since a lot of these technologies are flat-finish or that it is comprised of an anti-glare screen which averts vividness. If however this becomes an issue since some LCD TVs employ a reflective screen above the panel, always remember to test and evaluate the Television prior to buying the same.
If you weigh both an LCD Television and a Plasma Television, you will notice that the former is lighter than the latter. This is so because what makes up Plasma panels are two glass panels, mostly in huge sets, which necessarily makes the Television a little heavier. Although it may well function when your TV is dangled at the wall or transferred, the same must still be taken cared of similarly when they’re being mounted since they are indeed heavy and difficult to handle.
In addition, if you compare LCD Televisions with Plasmas, you will observe that the former is brighter. It is actually an advantage which may be otherwise in some instances. This is beneficial when you are viewing in a brightly lighted room. However, for rooms with low light, a TV having lesser vividness works better a lot.
Initially until the previous year, LCD Televisions are somewhat more expensive than Plasma ones. Nonetheless, there was sudden decline of its prices when the manufactures were able to discover ways to create larger panels meaning smaller LCD panels can be “cut” from a bigger panel. Substantial decrease of prices indeed occurred making LCD Televisions as equally valued with Plasma TVs.
With the development of newer 1080p resolution, LCD Televisions indeed became more prominent the fact that it provides a progressive resolution of 1920 x 1080. More and more LCD Televisions having 1080p resolution were made available in the market notwithstanding the fact that Plasma Televisions with the same resolution are out in the market in the previous six (6) months.
Decision Making Process
Now comes the decision making process as to which technology is best to acquire. Definitively, it’s difficult to state what technology is highly advisable Television which is worth your investment. For me, I stand with Plasma Television as having a better image. I may be a bit biased and I am aware that most people prefer LCD Televisions as for them, it provides a more superior image. But in my own belief, Plasma is better as it has a more natural image, that it has more precise color reproduction, and that it has black levels way more superior than LCD ones.
To decide on which among this two technologies to choose is actually very strenuous. LCD Television prices have substantially decreased and whatever issues it previously has, they were enhanced to the great extent. Necessarily, if you make a comparison, you can hardly distinguish both from each other. Undoubtedly, image quality and the price are some things which can highly affect your choice, however, at present, you can acquire either for a huge price.
What then are the factors to be considered to come up with the most appropriate decision? Do you live in an enormously bright room? Is there an existence of direct light that may land on your Television? Are you are fond of watching only one channel daily? Do you frequently play video games in an entire day? If your answer is in the affirmative, LCD TV shall be best for you, whether it’s a cheap LCD TV or not, or whatever brand it may be. Purchasing a Samsung LCD Television over a Panasonic LCD Television or a Sharp LCD Television doesn’t matter since all of them function similarly.
On the other hand, if you love watching sports and you prefer one with best image quality plus you live in a surrounding having lesser light, Plasma Television is highly recommended.
Whatever choice you make, whether you purchase a Plasma or an LCD type of Television, you will definitely be satisfied. At present, every aspect of both Plasma and LCD Televisions have significantly developed.
