Perhaps you are planning to get a new TV for yourself. You might be looking at LCD TV (liquid crystal display) or a plasma TV and try to figure out what’s the difference between these two.

Both the Plasma and LCD have inherent strengths and weakness. Physically, these two types of TV are quite similar. Both of them offer very thin panel-like shapes with the LCD just a little thinner than the plasma. However, they employ different technology in an attempt to deliver similar results. So, which TV is better?

plasma-vs-lcd-b.jpgTechnically, there are no simple straightforward answers in term of which is better. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. For instance, the LCD TV is generally lighter for any given size and it is also cooler to operate. It generates less heat compared to the Plasma TV. The LCD TV might be a better choice if you intend to wall mount your TV as it is lighter and more secure. Having said that, LCD TV loses out in terms of size as a purchasing factor. Larger screen sizes are available for Plasma TV. It easily reaches 65 inches and more. The LCD TV is catching up in this disadvantage by trying to come out with larger screen TVs. In terms of cost, an LCD TV is more expensive than a Plasma TV of similar size.

The Plasma TV has better contrast ratio and colour details such as colour accuracy and saturation. It also has a better viewing angle compared to LCD TV. The LCD TV generally produces brighter pictures and has a better advantage in its native resolution. Regardless of size, all LCD TVs come with native high definition resolutions compared to Plasma TV. The resolution of a standard LCD TV model is usually of 1,366 by 768 pixels or 1,280 by 720 pixels compared to a budget plasma TV which is only 800 by 480 pixels only. The high-end models of LCD TV can even have up to 1,920 by 1,080 pixel resolution.

In terms of motion tracking, Plasma TVs has a better advantage. Some LCD screens tend to have blur images especially during fast moving scenes in sports or movies. On the other hand, Plasma TV might sometimes suffer from screen burn problems. Screen burn-in occurs when an image is left too long on a screen and results in a ghost of that image being burned in permanently. However, this problem has been gradually overcome in the latest Plasma TVs. Newer Plasma TVs are less susceptible due to the improved technology.

LCD TVs have an edge in terms of power consumption. LCD TVs generally can save up to 30 percent power usage compared to Plasma TVs. LCD TVs have longer life spans in comparison to Plasma TVs. Compared to LCD TVs, Plasma TVs have altitude problems. Plasma TVs do not perform as well at higher altitudes. This problem doesn’t exist for LCD TVs.

Both LCD TV and Plasma TV have their advantages and disadvantages over each other. Of course, the last factor to consider is still the budget in your pocket!