Holiday Guide #1: LCD or Plasma?
LCD vs. Plasma
It’s that time of year again when shoppers flock to stores looking for gifts and discounts so they can fill their house with the latest and greatest. The holiday season is the time for stores to make money, and for you to save some money. Most importantly this is a time to finally get in touch with this high-definition movement that has been taking place the past 2 years. Since HD-DVD was killed, Blu-Ray has prevailed; it is now safe to get that flat screen TV you’ve been eying at in your neighbor’s house, and complement it with a new Blu-Ray player (keep checking back for our HD holiday guide!)
Another important note is that the FCC will stop broadcasting television analog signals next February and switch to all-digital. This means if your television works through antenna, it won’t once the switch is made. Many people are looking to upgrade their television along with their receiver, so we figured it would be a good idea to come out with our Holiday Guide #1: LCD or Plasma!
Right now there are two kinds of televisions on the market that are paving the way for innovation and advancement in the market; LCD and Plasma. So, which one should you get?
First, let’s look at some of the pros and cons.
LCD Pros
- Low power usage
- Zero flicker
- Produces a very sharp, crisp image (when in native resolution)
- Superior brightness
LCD Cons
- Poor viewing angles (watching the TV from an angle)
- Has lower contrast than Plasma TVs
- Older models can have latency which can blur images (fixed in newer models)
- Cost more than plasma
- Smaller sizes
Plasma Pros
- Great viewing angles
- Great contrast
- Great color
- Bigger sizes, you won’t find an LCD over 46-inches.
Plasma Cons
- High power use.
- Can have images “burned” into the screen from prolonged
- Not suitable for close viewing
- Will not last as long as an LCD
- Weighs more than an LCD
- Usually cost less than LCD
Next, you must address what the TV will primarily be used for. Gamers usually tend to purchase LCD TVs because Plasma TVs can have images burned into the screen if a single image is left on for too long. Burned images could be anywhere from that video game HUD to the network television logo displayed at the bottom of the screen. LCD TVs also have more models available that can produce 1080p (that’s the highest resolution currently available).
Size matters! Currently, LCD TVs only reach 46-inches but, I’ve seen plasma screens all the way up to 63-inches. So if it’s size your after, plasma is the way to go for anything above 45-inches.
Price matters too! LCD’s tend to cost more than plasma but now is the time to take advantage of those holiday sales and discounts. They can make an expensive television much more lucrative.
Ambilight Technology
Jointly, both types of televisions can be mounted on a wall with ease and will add that “cool factor” to any room. Some models even have sidelights (ambilight) which change with the primary color of whatever is being displayed on the TV. It adds some cool ambiance to the room, and makes your television sort of disappear into the wall. Now that’s classy!
There are also different things to decide when looking at the differences between 720i, p, g, h, abc’s. Who really knows what all those letters and numbers mean? What’s Leet has you covered, check out our other television guide geared at saving on budget and HD formats!
And finally, I leave with a San Fransisco Channel 4 News Report on LCD vs. Plasma TVs.
There you have it, the basic differences and advantages between LCD and Plasma TVs. Take your time with the decision because a TV isn’t something to buy on impulse, but don’t wait too long or all the holiday sales might end! On a personal note, I own an LCD TV and love it! Happy holidays.
Fave It! (3 Faved)
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I am enjoying my LCD very much
Great for gaming.