Plasma TV vs. LCD TV. I want a crisp, clear, bright image. Which is better and why?
Physical aspects are definitely deceiving when it comes to LCD and plasma televisions. Although both types of televisions are flat and thin, they employ different technologies in an attempt to achieve similar results. Plasma ************************ The TV Overview Plasma television technology is based loosely on the fluorescent light bulb. The display consists of cells. Within each cell two glass panels are separated by a narrow gap neon xenon gas is injected and sealed plasma as during the manufacturing process. The gas is electrically charged at specific intervals when the Plasma set is in use. The charged gas then strikes red, green and blue phosphors, thus creating a television image. Each group of red, green and blue phosphors is called a pixel (picture element). Although Plasma television technology eliminate the need for the bulky picture tube and electron beam scanning of traditional televisions, because they still employs the burning of phosphorus to generate an image, Plasma televisions still suffer from some drawbacks of traditional televisions, such as heat generation and screen-burn of static images. LCD TV Overview LCD televisions ********************** instead use a different technology (see also question # 1 of that explanation). Basically, LCD panels are made of two layers of transparent material, that are polarized, and are "glued" together. One of the layers is coated with a special polymer that contains the individual liquid crystals. Current passes through of individual crystals, which allow the crystals to pass or block light to create images. LCD crystals do not produce their own light, so an external light source, as fluorescent bulb is needed for the image created by the LCD to be visible to the viewer. Unlike standard CRT and plasma televisions, as there are no matches going on, it takes less energy to operate and the light source in an LCD television generates less heat than a Plasma or traditional television. Also, due to the nature of LCD technology, there is no radiation emitted from the screen itself. Advantages of Plasma TV For ****************************** Plasma TV, the advantages over LCD are: Better contrast ratio, better ability to make deep blacks, more color depth, better motion tracking (response time), and more availability in very large screen sizes. Disadvantages of Plasma TV ****************************** However, the disadvantages of Plasma vs LCD include: more susceptible to burns (although this is less a factor now, due to technological improvements in the last couple of years), generating more heat, work less well at higher altitudes, and shorter life expectancy display (although this is also changing due to technological improvements), heavier weight, and more delicate for shipping. LCD Television Advantages ****************************** LCD television advantages include no burn in susceptibility, cooler running, less screen brightness, more functional at high altitudes, longer life screen (although improvements are being made in the life of the plasma display), looks better in bright rooms. Also, LCD televisions have made great strides in raising the ante-pixel native resolution, with a growing number of sets offering a 1080p (1920×1080) display capability at reasonable prices in the screen sizes ranging from 37-inches and larger. Moreover, the number of plasma TVs that offers native 1080p resolution are still few pixels and far between, besides being more expensive compared to their LCD counterparts. One factor to consider in favor of LCD and Plasma (at least for the foreseeable future) is that if you are planning to buy a Blu-ray Disc, HD-DVD, or Upscaling DVD Player, LCD may be a more cost-effective as you can get a 1080p LCD set from 37 to 42 inches at a lower price and a 42 inch plasma which has been set to 1080p resolution. Another factor to consider is that TVs LCDs are typically lighter (when comparing same screen sizes) than their Plasma counterparts, making wall installation easier. LCD TV Disadvantages ****************************** LCD televisions do have drawbacks in several areas compared to plasma TVs: Low proportion contrast, is not as well represented deep blacks, not so good at tracking motion (although this is improving), and not so common in the sizes big screen over 42-inches (although the number is growing). Furthermore, although LCD televisions do not suffer from burn in susceptibility, it is possible that individual pixels on LCD TVs can burn, causing small, visible, black or white dots to appear on the screen. Individual pixels can not be repaired, the screen should be replaced at that point, if individual pixel burnout becomes annoying to you. Finally, LCD televisions are more expensive than the equivalent-sized plasma TV, although the price gap is closing. The mercury issue ******************** Furthermore, an argument that manufacturers of plasma TVs are making about LCD Televisions is that the use of mercury as part of the chemical composition of the lamps fluorescent used to illuminate the screen surface. However, this is a red herring with respect to the choice of a plasma TV via a TV LCD. In LCD TVs, the amount of mercury is not only small, never in contact with the user. Also, keep in mind that the most common fluorescent lamps High efficiency also the use of mercury. Mercury is one of the elements of Earth, and its existence in nature is a part of natural resource processes and effects both beneficial and not beneficial uses, like most chemical elements and compounds. You are probably in more danger of eating fish that may contain traces of mercury, a couple of times a week to look, touch, or use an LCD TV. Furthermore, the development of LED lighting sources, which is free of mercury, this issue will be resolved in the coming years. LCD Television and HDTV reception ****************************** At the high definition of the equation, most LCD televisions already have standard TV tuners (HDTV tuners must usually be added externally – But more are being presented as a standard feature), while many Plasmas are the monitors, and may require both external standard and HDTV tuners to receive television signals (although more are beginning to include NTSC and / or both HDTV tuners). This is definitely a point to check when making your purchase decision, it will affect your budget. —————————— ————- ——- ———- My recommendation is to go to a dealer and really take a look carefully several plasma and LCD TVs and compare the performance on the basis of the above factors and reduce the options to one or two of both types and make your decision on the basis of what will give the most pleasing image, connection flexibility and fits your overall budget expectations. However, both plasma flat panel and LCD televisions are viable options for home theater, and, with the price continues to drop and the features and quality continuing to rise, both types are becoming a good value for consumers
|
|
Avia II $35.95 AVIA takes full advantage of DVD video’s interactive features. AVIA combines tutorials with professional quality test signals for fully calibrating and testing audio and video systems. Simply sit back and watch the live video presentation or get involved and select in-depth coverage of specific topics. You select the tutorial depth or calibration tool. Adjusting your audio and video system for max… |
|
|
Wiremold C210 White Cordmate II Kit $17.25 The Wiremold White Cordmate II kit contains everything you need to hold wires and cords within a space-saving cord channel that’s flexible and hinged, and easily snaps opens and shut. The peel and stick self-adhesive backing is easily attached onto baseboards or walls, and the white PVC components can be painted or stained to match a room’s color. This kit is ideal for holding networking cables an… |
|
|
Leviton 689 – 1 Gang Recessed Duplex Receptacle $11.93 … |
LCD vs. Plasma
