what is the difference between LCDs and Plasma TVs? (as a customer)?

Answer 1

I picked Plasma over LCD because it had a better overall picture quality which was most important to me.

For me, Plasma had:
better blacks
better picture quality in dark scenes (I almost but an LCD rear projection because of lower cost and then the sales guy put in James Bond Die Another Day and the PQ in the dark scenes was so horrible (to me) that I couldn't stand it and decided right then and there that I was going to bite the bullet and pay more for a plasma.)
faster picture response for quick scenes (no smearing)
wider viewing angles -- you could sit anywhere and get a good picture

While Plasma TVs (and plain old CRT TVs by the way) can burn in, it doesn't mean burn-in is a significant problem.

And a common myth about LCDs is that they last forever, they don't.

I'll just point you at some excellent references that I used in making my personal decision to go Plasma over LCD. These references give you both perspectives on why LCD can be better than Plasma and why Plasma can be Better than LCD.

At the end of the day, the single most important factor is this -- which TV provides the picture quality YOU like most at a price point YOU can afford. Why spend money on "the best" if you can't tell the difference? Seriously. Because if you can't tell the difference, you'll be much happier in the long run and have much more money in your pocket than an audio of videophile who wants perfection but can never get it.

Answer 2

This question has been asked many times, so I've formulated my standard answer. Here it is:

Picture quality of plasma is brighter, better color, better blacks than LCD. (There is something about looking directly at glowing phosphors!)

Sharpness is the same for equivalent pixel counts. Some newer LCDs have 1080 x 1920 resolution, most plasmas still in the 720 x 1280 range.

Plasma is heavier and uses more power than flat panel LCD.

There are reports that plasmas are not as reliable or they don't last as long, but that is no longer true with the latest models. Plasma phosphors dim slowly over time (but not as fast as CRT phosphors); but direct view LCDs use flourescent lamps which also dim and eventually burn out (some are replaceable). Projection LCD sets have bulbs of limited life, but are replaceable and the lifetime is a few thousand hours of viewing.

Plasmas are subject to burn-in. A stationary image left on the screen for a long time could produce a permanent ghost image. The most risk is when viewing a lot of 4:3 ratio pictures (non-HD), which are displayed with vertical dark areas on the left and right to fill in the wide screen. There are ways to minimize this, however. many sets have a "stretch" mode which widens the picture to fill the whole screen. This could also be a problem with extended playing of video games if there is a background image that remains stationary.

Plasmas come in largers sizes, although large flat panel LCDs are coming out, but they are expensive. LCD projectors can be 70".

LCD contrast and brightness can be reduced when viewing from off-center (both flat and projector, but sets will vary).

Answer 3

Plasmas are usually 42 inches or bigger in size while LCD's are generally smaller, while I have seen them go up to like 37 inch. Plasma's are usually cheaper (relative to their size and technology) while LCD's tend to be more expensive (with respect to their size). LCD uses Liquid Crystals to display the picture while plasmas use gas powered cells to display the picture. People have told me LCD's have a longer longevity.

Answer 4

liquid crystal demonstrate's: greater decision, brighter, non-reflective. PLASMA: speedier processor for flow, (Smoother pictures) greater organic colorations and 3 dimensional look. maximum definitely everyone seems to be paying for LCDs, as with HD television they provide the effect of being that plenty sharper, etc. in case you're a activities enthusiast, counseled Plasma nonetheless, through fact of lots of flow, yet for well-known television and Dvds and activities, liquid crystal demonstrate. persist with the craze! advise: Samsung LCDs. Samsung/Panasonic/Pioneer plasmas. Samsung make an mind-blowing form of factors and displays for many agencies besides! desire this facilitates. P.S: shop faraway from DLP, they got here and went till now you ought to blink! I sell TVs for a residing.

Answer 5

Plasmas wiil burn in the video image if it is on a long time.such as the channel logo on the lower corner. Warranty will NOT cover video burn in, even extended warranty. I have an lcd projection HDTV and it is great.

Answer 6

Can't say I know the difference, but I have heard that LCD is of higher quality and it lasts longer.

Answer 7

i think, when you watch on lcd tv on angled view, you cant see clearly what you're watching or vise-versa for plasma tv.