The plasma TV has been with us for some time now and is preferred by many homeowners. However with industry experts surmising that LCD televisions will be more widespread in the future due to energy efficiency problems with plasma TVs, the time has come for consumers to decide which option to take. Plasma or LCD TV, which is the better choice?



Plasma and LCD TV models look almost identical, both are flat, elegant and typically both offer a stunningly sharp and clear picture. There are however fundamental differences between the two technologies. In terms of the improvements from the older, CRT televisions both plasma and LCD models are clearer, they have a style about them that fits into modern living, most have a wide viewing angle and as they are wall mountable they are a brilliant space saving option. Additionally as both varieties are widescreen, they allow the viewer to watch movies how they were supposed to be seen, in the perfect aspect ratio.

The LCD TV works using a liquid crystal display. This put simply is hundreds of thousands of tiny pixels that each change colour and shade to create an overall image. Behind is a backlight that gives the image its brightness and as electronic current is passed through the device, the pixels change rapidly to formulate moving images.

The plasma TV on the other hand is constructed of two sheets of glass, with the gap filled with xenon or neon gas. Behind this screen sits phosphors for each primary colour, as electricity hits xenon it produces UV light that in turn hits the phosphors so they change colour rapidly and hence create an image. This process is far more wasteful than LCD and hence uses more power.

Naturally each type of TV has various benefits and disadvantages, the following will put forward a seven step process to assessing the differences between plasma and LCD.

The first category is size and weight. Typically plasma televisions are available in larger screen sizes, in fact up to around 71 inches, they are however normally heavier than LCD models. In comparison LCD devices are normally smaller, around a 42 inch maximum although this likely to increase in the future.

In terms of picture quality there is not much to split the two; however LCD screens normally have a higher resolution in smaller sizes. One problem that occurs with plasma TV models is image burn. This means that after a long period the screen shows a residual image, typically a network logo. This does not happen with LCD screens.

Viewing angle is generally better with plasma although with the more recent LCD models this is less of an issue, both have a viewing angle of around 160 degrees. Brightness is generally better with plasma TVs although on the other hand LCD screens have less glare and are hence better for bright rooms and environments.

Both TVs have a lifespan of around sixty thousand hours meaning that if the television was left on continuously it would work for almost seven years. Energy efficiency can be a problem with some plasma models and has become a major issue in recent months with technology companies focussing on efficiency as eco laws start to take effect.

Hopefully this article has highlighted the common differences between the plasma and LCD TV. Seemingly the growing trend is for LCD models due to energy efficiency issues; ultimately the choice comes down to personal preference.