LCD TVs versus Plasma TVs

Picking the right TV can be frustrating with all the different types of TVs and pressure from salesmen. LCD TVs and Plasma TVs are the common types of television sets you will see in stores. In fact, you need to have an LCD TV or Plasma TV if you expect to watch local channels and most cable channels. The LCD TVs and Plasma TVs have several advantages like their slim, sleek design, and smaller body structures so they don't take up as much room in your home. LCD TVs and Plasma TVs both have their advantages and disadvantages; here is a guide to help you figure out the best one for your needs.

LCD TV
Traditionally the LCD TV has been a better choice because they are more affordable for buyers. In the past LCD TVs were smaller than 40 inches. The bigger ones tend to break easier and wear out faster, however LCD technology is growing and many of the larger screens work just as good as the smaller ones.

A LCD TV works by shining a light behind the LCD panel that is composed of several pixels. The pixels are smaller from traditional televisions so they provide a clearer picture. The pixels are red, blue, and green and they are turned on and off by the user that powers the television. With some LCD televisions, it does take time for the pixels to warm up to their full potential and provide the best picture available.

Many people prefer LCD TVs because they are cheaper than the gas powered Plasma TVs. The LCD panels also provide an advantage over Plasma TVs because they don't have burn-in. This is when you have a logo or image permanently displayed on your screen. Many people with Plasma TVs will see this small image every time they turn on their television set, making LCD gain the edge over Plasma.

Plasma TV
A Plasma TV works quite differently from an HD TV because it uses a combination of gasses to project ultra-violet light. A Plasma TV has over a million chambers that hold the combination of gasses and project the light when voltage is applied to them. Like other televisions, it uses red and green colors. The difference is that it uses plue phophores that coat the chamber and emit light from the pixels.

The difference from a HD TV is that the Plasma TV always seems to have color coming, even when voltage is not applied. Users of Plasma TVs have said that they have better contrast from an HD TV. The Plasma TVs also have a wider viewing angle from an LCD TV.

Which do I choose?
Now that you know a little about both televisions, you may be asking yourself how do you select one? With technology constantly changing, both televisions are rapidly dropping in price. Depending upon where you want to position the television, the Plasma TV may be better because you have a larger viewing angle, so you can view it from all areas of the room. An LCD is best viewed when you are standing right in front of it.

If you plan on playing a lot of video games, be careful about choosing a Plasma TV. The Plasma TVs do not do well with static images as this causes burn-in to occur. LCD and Plasma TVs have the same life-span which is about 60,000-100,000 viewing hours. As the television ages, it will lose it's brightness (this is more common with a Plasma TV).

Depending upon the place where you want to place the television, you must consider the size and weight. A Plasma TV tends to be heavier and thicker, so you need to be careful when hanging it on the wall. Plasma TVs are more fragile from a LCD so it is important to be cautious when you transport them.

The last thing you must consider is the image quality you want. A Plasma TV will produce a clear, brighter, and sharper image over the LCD TV. If you want the TV to go into a brightly colored room, consider an LCD TV because it reflect less light, which is easier to see in a bright room.