Do I buy plasma or LCD?

United States
February 26, 2011 4:31am CST
The last discussion I could find on this topic had a most recent post of nearly 5 years. Technology is constantly changing, and I think now is a good time to put a little effort into this question: I want to buy a new tv, but should I buy plasma or LCD? Both types have pros and cons. I have heard that plasma televisions had problems at high altitudes, but has since been fixed. I have also heard that plasma televisions only recently got Power Save capabilities. Many people will say "go with LCD it's the newest technology!" It's true that LCD is the newest, but plasma hasn't been left in the dust--It has been upgraded and modified for nearly a decade. Now, to get on to what to consider when buying a new tv: 1. Will the tv be used mainly for sports and video games? Like most sports, video games are generally fast-paced. When you put a fast pace with high definition, you will get a sickly blur on the image. LCD screens have a much slower refresh rate, meaning it can save more power and have a longer lifespan, but there are some negative sides as well: Highly saturated colors like red and black will look 'splotchy'. While you normally don't see much intense red or an abundance of black, night scenes or dim video games can be poorly colored. The blur, mentioned briefly earlier, is caused by a severely lower screen refresh rate. This will get worse and worse depending on screen size. The larger the screen, the faster and more detailed the images will need to be in order to look as good. Most televisions have a refresh rate of 60, 120 or 240hz. Plasma screens refresh at a rate of multiples of these values--plasma screens will refresh at a rate faster than the human eye can differentiate; LCD screens do not. Plasma screens also will not have any problems handling deep reds or blacks because the contrast ratio is 10x higher than most LCD screens. I have mostly focused on the negative points of LCD tv's. They have some compelling positive aspects, too: Generally, LCD tv's are somewhat less expensive than plasma, now. It's not generally a significant amount--maybe 10-15%--but when you are buying a 60" tv that 10% can really make a difference. Also, the LCD will save money over time in energy costs. If you aren't buying a big tv for HD video games and HD sports, you don't want to rule LCD screens out--even the televisions with a 60hz refresh rate or a low contrast ratio. After a careful examination of all the aspects mentioned above, I make the following suggestions for buying a new tv: When buying a tv less 32" or less, the highest definition and refresh rate would go to waste. A smaller screen means it will require less detail in order to cover the surface area. In other words, a smaller screen doesn't need to have as high specifications as a larger screen would to have as good of a picture. I would recommend an LCD screen for a 32" or less television. If you want to go big, and you want it to look nice, you will want a plasma tv. Things seem to be heading toward HD, Blu-Ray, extremely detailed video games and other media. If you spend the money on a big screen, especially if you will be viewing it from a distance like across a room in your house, you won't be doing yourself any favors buy buying an LCD tv. If you can imagine a 25" tv with standard, 480p definition, then picture that same quality of an image on a 60" tv with virtually any dark scene or fast-paced movement. The only way to avoid this is to buy top specs for LCD in order to even compare to the image a plasma screen would be at that size. Long story short, if you are going much bigger than 32" go plasma. In conclusion
2 responses
@alindobre (148)
• Romania
26 Feb 11
I had the same dilema last year. I bought a Full HD 40" LED in the end and I am happy I made that choice. The quality and colors are much better than LCD or plasma.
• United States
26 Feb 11
LED is almost exactly the same as LCD, it's just a newer form of almost the same technology.
• Romania
26 Feb 11
Actually, the techmology of the back light is different. The LED allows more vibrant colors and deeper blacks, even when the Sun shines on the screen. It's the same as for mobile phones LCD vs AMOLED.
• India
16 May 11
I would recommend using the LED as it is the latest technology with the 3D feature.