The Heavyweight Bout: Plasma Vs. LCD Televisions

Like sports rivalries, plasma vs. LCD is also the next heavyweight fight, with many shoppers curiously browsing the aisles of electronic stores and predictably trying to differentiate between the two flat panel television titans - the plasma and the LCD television. Each type holds its own unique pros and disadvantages. First, both are high end achievements that incorporate size and performance. The new wave and an eventually replacement to box television, flat panels usually come less than 4 inches in depth and can be hung on walls and ceilings. Its technology - least of all, represents the biggest difference between plasma and LCD.

Plasma displays use tiny gas plasma cells which are charged by voltages to send off light and create a picture. LCD televisions are the "neater" ones where people can swipe their fingers over the screen to bring up a blur, the result of a liquid crystal solution display being touched. Technology alone is not enough incentive to consider one purchase over the other. Instead, there are other areas of concern that comes with selecting either flat panel - its affordability, quality of picture, and its functions.

When it comes to size, plasma televisions perform better at screens greater than 50 inches. There are more options with plasma televisions on this feature because production costs have gotten lower throughout the years. Smaller screen size advantage belongs to the LCD. When it comes to price, LCDs typically provide more pixels for the same screen size as plasma televisions except at screens of 50 inches or more where both are pitted equally. The pricing difference pits plasma televisions with a higher price tag as you inch towards 60 inches.

According to most experts and anyone with an eye, plasma televisions produce slightly better (not by much) picture quality than LCD televisions. They come with nice, high contrast levels and sound color reproduction. Deep blacks are also conquered by plasma televisions, which translate into better detail. LCDs hold anti glare technology which makes them nice to look at in brightly lit rooms. Plasma televisions are more suited to rooms with no or dim light because its image is crispier overall, although the LCD is nothing to sneeze at.

Functional issues may be the No. 1 reason most go with plasma or LCD televisions. In general, both flat panel television types come with half lifetimes of around 55,000 hours, which means these televisions will last for more than 15 years if each was viewed for 5 hours a day. This is an excellent deal, considering the average person in the United States replaces their television sets every 6 years or so. Plus, LCD screens consume much less power than plasma television, with around 40% less than a plasma television with the same screen size. LCD also stands a lesser chance of being burnt out for these reasons as well, which might suit the energy conscious consumer.

To conclude, there is no clear cut winner for which flat panel television is best. It all depends on the needs of each individual consumer.