what is better plasma or LCD TV

LCD and plasma sets essentially look the same. However, there are significant differences.

Until recently, if you wanted a set 42 inches or larger, you’d go with a plasma set. LCD sets in this size either didn’t exist or were too expensive.

These days, you can find 42-inch sets competitively priced with plasma. In some cases, they may be less.

In terms of picture quality, plasmas have a slight edge over LCDs. They display blacks more accurately. This means much better contrast. And, in dark scenes, you’ll see more detail. That said, LCDs are rapidly improving in this area.

Plasmas also typically have a wider viewing angle than LCDs. You can see what’s happening on the television when you’re sitting at an angle to it. LCDs are best viewed head on. But their viewing angles are improving.

LCDs have traditionally had a problem with smearing. Fast-moving objects tend to blur on the screen. This isn’t such a problem with newer sets. LCDs with a faster pixel response time are less subject to smearing. Response time is measured in milliseconds. The lower the number, the better.

You might want to check this in the store. Try to view a fast-moving sport, like basketball or auto racing.

Now, LCDs do have advantages over plasmas. First, they tend to have a higher native resolution. This means more pixels fit on the screen. You’ll get a crisper picture.

LCDs are lighter than plasma sets. So, they’re easier to mount on the wall. Additionally, they consume much less energy than plasmas. The power savings can be as much as 30 percent.

LCDs also have a longer lifespan than plasmas, even though plasma’s lifespan is improving. Expect LCDs to survive at least 60,000 hours of viewing. On the other hand, plasmas will last 30,000 to 60,000 hours.

Say you watch the TV five hours per day. A plasma should last 16 to 32 years. An LCD should last 32 years. Most people don’t keep a TV that long, anyway. So, those huge numbers may not mean much.

Plasmas are known for screen burn in. If an image is left too long on the screen, a ghost of the image remains—permanently. At least, that’s the way it was in the bad old days.

Plasma manufacturers have addressed the problem. Newer models are less susceptible to burn in. Fortunately, most burned-in images disappear after several days of use.

According to Consumer Reports, most flat-panel brands are reliable. In plasmas, Panasonic, Pioneer and Samsung show few repairs. In LCDs, Panasonic, Sony, Sharp, Samsung, Toshiba, JVC and Philips are standouts.

The smallest plasmas are 37 inches, measured diagonally. Any flat-panels under that, you’re looking at an LCD. For televisions over 42 inches, plasma is probably significantly less costly. For televisions 40 to 42 inches, you’re in the sweet spot. It’s sort of a tossup. A plasma will probably cost less. But LCDs use less electricity.

So, the decision is up to you. Maybe you can catch a really good sale. I don’t see how you could go wrong with either.

Merry Christmas !!