Although all current commercial Plasma TV's offer a
widescreen format, not all of them support HDTV. Deciding if you want to
buy a Plasma TV that is HDTV compatible can be a difficult decision, since
Plasma HDTVs cost considerably more than non-HDTV displays because of the
complexity of the manufacturing process. Plasma HDTVs require the display
to be able to produce images at a considerably higher resolution than
standard Plasma TV's.
Additionally, the jury is still out in regards to which
format presents the best picture quality, depending on the formats of
media you are viewing. If you plan to watch mainly standard broadcast
television (including through cable or satellite), and DVDs, many will
argue that you can save yourself a significant amount of money, and still
have a BETTER picture with a non-HD Plasma display.
However, if you are planning to watch a lot of HD broadcasts (limited at
this time to the most popular prime time shows on the major networks,
select shows on the premium networks, and major sporting events), and are
also planning long use of the TV (more shows are being broadcast in HD
each year), a Plasma HDTV is the right choice.
Note that a Plasma HDTV will generally cost between 50-100% more than a
non-HD Plasma TV. For example, the Panasonic TH-42PWD5UY 42-inch Plasma TV
currently lists for around $3000 with many online retailers. The
Panasonics TH-42PHD5UY 42-inch Plasma HDTV goes for around $5000 with
those same retailers, approximately a 67% premium over the standard
definition television. For this difference, you receive an increase to a
1024x768 pixel resolution, versus 852x480 pixel resolution.
No matter whether you choose a Plasma TV or a Plasma HDTV, you will still
receive all of the advantages of Plasma TV over other technologies.
Plasma VS LCD
Both Plasma and LCD TV technologies are advancing rapidly,
and prices have fallen dramatically since both were introduced. Both
definitely represent two of the best new television technologies and
generally offer excellent picture quality. Of course, there are advantages
for both Plasma and LCD TV technologies. To help you decide which is the
right for you, we have prepared the following overview Plasma vs. LCD
overview.
Screen size
Currently, Plasma TVs have the advantage of offering larger screen sizes.
Commonly available Plasma TV screen sizes include 32-inch, 42-inch,
50-inch and 63-inch models. LCD TVs are currently limited mainly to
smaller sizes, ranging from 10-inch to 40-inch models (with larger models
just now becoming available). However, manufacturers such as Sharp,
Samsung and NEC are currently working on larger LCD models, so expect
screen sizes to increase considerably over the next few years. It should
be noted that the technology behind LCD TVs is more flexible, allowing a
wider variety of screen sizes. This may be important if you are looking
for a particular screen size.
Cost
Again, currently, Plasma TVs have the advantage over LCDs. Higher
production volume allows Plasma TVs to compete very favorably compared to
LCD TVs, especially considering screen size. Of course, both technologies
are seeing fairly rapidly price decreases as manufacturing technologies
and volumes improve. Currently, 42-inch Plasma TV MSRPs range from
$3000-$6000, while 30-inch LCD TVs often are priced similarly. Street
prices are lower for both of course.
Picture Quality
Currently, picture quality for both Plasma TVs and LCD TVs are very close.
The most recent LCD TVs have caught up to Plasma TVs in regards to color
saturation and brightness. Many of the most recent LCD TVs will actually
perform better in regards to contrast when viewed in a very bright room -
something to keep in mind if your viewing room receives a lot of ambient
light. Some of the newest LCD TVs actually offer more lifelike color
display over Plasma TVs. Additionally, LCD TVs generally hold a resolution
advantage over Plasma TVs, especially when comparing similar screen sizes.
A greater number of LCD TVs support HDTV as a result. However, both Plasma
and LCD TVs offer excellent picture quality (depending on the model of
course), so buyers of both should be quite satisfied.
Image Refresh Rates
Plasma TVs generally have an advantage here. Image refresh rates are
important when watching rapidly moving images, like those found in many
action movies and sporting broadcasts. Plasma TVs generally have no issue
displaying fast moving images (also making them better for video gaming,
if that is planned). LCD TVs are at a disadvantage yet here, as fast
moving images will often leave a 'ghosting trail' as the LCD TV changes
voltages to adjust colors. Newer LCD TVs are improving in this regards,
but have not caught up to Plasma TVs yet. Smaller LCD screens also
generally see less of this effect.
Viewing Angle
The advantage in viewing angles goes to Plasma televisions, but with LCD
televisions improving in quality recently, and nearly matching. Most
Plasma TVs can be viewed at a 160 degree viewing angle, or greater. LCD
TVs by comparison at best perform up to 160 degrees, and are frequently
less. Both technologies are generally sufficient for stationary viewing,
but watching TV while wondering around a room will generally be much
easier to view with a Plasma TV.
Screen Burn-In Effect
Here, LCD TVs have a marked advantage. Because of the liquid crystal
technology, there is absolutely no risk of images burning in from
prolonged viewing, resulting in an after image 'ghost' effect. The lack of
burn-in risk of LCD TVs is helpful when watching shows that have a common
viewing pattern (such as a news or stock ticker, or video games). However,
many Plasma TVs include a screen saver function to help minimize the risk,
and some of the newest Plasma TVs include clever technology to very
slightly move static pixels to minimize, if not remove, this risk.
Television Size and Weight
LCD TVs are considerably thinner and lighter versus Plasma TVs. Generally,
LCD TVs are approximately 3-inches deep, compared to around 4-inches or
more for Plasma. LCD's also weigh approximately 10-20 percent less than
Plasma TVs, for a comparably sized screen.
Television Life Span
Again, LCD vs. Plasma, and LCD comes out ahead in regards to life span.
Plasma TVs generally have a life span of 20,000 - 30,000 hours according
to manufactures. This compares to around 50,000 - 80,000 hours for the LCD
backlight. Also, since Liquid Crystal Televisions use a backlight, this
backlight can be replaced on some models if needed. Assuming 4 hours of
viewing per day, a Plasma TV will last approximately 13 years, compared to
an LCD TV that would last around 25-40 years. In either case, you will
likely get a lot of viewing pleasure out of both types.
Power Consumption, Temperature and Noise
Another advantage for LCD TVs when compared to Plasma is power
consumption, and resulting temperature and noise. Plasma TVs generally
require 15-25 times as much voltage as LCD screens. As a result, Plasma
TVs will have higher operating costs, and will also run considerably
hotter to the touch compared to LCD screens. Plasma screens also often
require fans for cooling, which can be quite noisy in some cases in low
volume situations. LCDs run much cooler, and thus do not require cooling
fans.
Summary
Both Plasma and LCD TVs are excellent television technologies. The Plasma
vs. LCD debate will likely rage for some time into the foreseeable future.
Today, Plasma TVs offer the advantage of larger screen sizes, lower costs,
better viewing angles, and superior image refresh rates. They are probably
the better choice for most home theater situations. However, LCD
televisions are rapidly improving, and if manufacturers can address the
most critical weakness (ghosting trails on fast moving images), increase
screen size, and reduce consumer costs, the two technologies will be very
competitive in the near future.
Today, LCD TVs hold the advantage of having no burn-in risk, longer life
span, smaller size and weight, and considerably lower power consumption
and heat. Both offer excellent overall picture quality, brightness and
color, with LCDs holding a slight edge generally in screen resolution and
daytime viewing.
It doesn't matter what technology you choose, 1-800-PLASMAS is ready to
help you get the best picture quality at the best price. Shop today and
start enjoying the benefits of high-definition TV sooner!
