Buying an HD TV: Which is Better LCD or Plasma?

If you are in the market for an HD TV you may be hard pressed to decide whether to choose plasma or LCD. Being a little confused is certainly understandable so lets give you a brief overview on how each device works.

HD plasma TVs have a glass box full of gas, and phosphorus basically, and the phosphorus is electrically heated to generate different colors. So if you own a plasma and some asks you if you have gas you can say "yes, yes I do" right here in my TV.

HD LCD TVs have liquid crystals placed inside a 1/8th inch sheet of glass covered by sharpening magnifying lens glass and surrounded by a metal shielding with 2 florescent lights in the shield. These light directly into that Glass to generate the light on the screen. This method is much safer and considerably better for the environment.

Well now that you know lets move on to the advantages of Plasmas VS. HD LCD TVs.

HD plasma TVs advantages. They can render deeper blacks due to not having fluorescent lighting, this is something to consider If you like watching TV in the dark. An LCD screen will display more of a gray which is not so noticeable in a lit room.

HD plasma TVs tend to be cheaper then HD LCD TVs.

HD plasma TVs can generate a true black.

Now lets move onto the disadvantages of plasma screens.

HD plasma TVs won't work in really high altitudes so if you plan on traveling with it don't... it might not work in your R.V. on top of old smoky.

HD plasma TV screens cannot be repaired without purchasing a new screen as well as new gas. If you crack that baby you might just blow up, as the gas that colors the screen vents away an interesting thought eh?

HD plasma TVs generate considerably more heat then LCD Screens so if you live in Arizona you definitely don't want one of these.

HD plasma TVs consume higher wattage then LCD screens. This can be a double whammy if you live in Arizona or some other hot region. The TV will consume a lot of power as well as activating your A.C. by raising room temp 2-3 degrees.

HD plasma TVs do generate some radiation, the same radiation that was once determined to be an attribute to vision loss in young children who sat too close to the screen.

HD plasma TVs Also are subject to Image burn in. What this means to you is that if you leave your screen on the menu channel of your dish TV box, when you return to watching TV, you will still be looking at the shadow of your menu.

Contrary to popular belief HD plasma TVs do not have a "Sharper" image they tend to create shadows as the phosphorus burns up generating hazy colors after a short usage time.

Moving on to the advantages of HD LCD TVs.

HD LCD TVs are capable of higher refresh rates, therefore are capable of better motion tracking today.

HD LCD TVs will not burn in.

HD LCD TVs can be manufactured smaller due to new LED back lighting technology.

HD LCD TVs have long lives in the case of the new model LED lit screens they will outlive you.

HD LCD TVs can be both lighter weight, and considerably larger then plasma screens, if using TFT technology.

HD LCD TVs will work on old smoky, even if your all the way at the top, or on a plane flying 300,000 ft over old smoky. You can watch your favorite DVD while you skydive down in your skies and not stop till you have skied all the way to the bottom.

HD LCD TVs use less power and generate less heat "Wattage = energy energy = Heat" by running cooler they are actually using less power as well.

HD LCD TVs will work even once the LCD has been cracked only the pixels around the damaged area will be out of sync.

Disadvantages of HD LCD TVs

HD LCD TVs due to the usage of a back lit screen will display grayish black instead of a pitch black

HD LCD TVs cost more.

As you can see LCD is considerably better now then Plasma many stores have stopped stocking as many Plasma Screens Because LCD is the preferred household TV. It might also be wise to note that LCD Screens can be replaced much easier and Cheaper then Plasma I don't think I would even want to open a plasma screen due to the low level of radiation.