LCD TVs vs. Plasma TVs

Flat-screen TVs seem to be everywhere. For you, the choice may seem like a toss-up between plasma TVs and LCD TVs. These competing technologies each have advantages, so it's important to consider your specific needs before purchasing a flat-screen TV. If you are highly knowledgeable, you may want to consider the more technical specifications of LCD and plasma TVs. This is a fast-moving technology, so the advantages of each technology may soon even out with one another. Until then, here are some facts that may help you with the choice between plasma and LCD TV technology.

1. Price differences. While price is important, it doesn't tell the whole story when comparing LCD and plasma. In the past, plasma TVs were slightly less expensive than LCD TVs of the same size, and the price differential became greater as the size of the television increased. The gap in price has narrowed between flat-screen technologies, though. Price is probably the least important factor, especially since you can find good deals on both plasma TVs and LCD TVs.

2. Use. How you use your TV matters. Plasma TV screens are prone to "burn-in," a problem in which still or static images can be more or less permanently imprinted on the screen. This is of particular concern if you play video games, which tend to display static images for long periods of time in the same location on the screen. Fortunately, newer plasma TVs are less vulnerable to burn-in. If you plan to use your flat-screen TV for video games or other static images, LCD TVs may be a better choice.

3. Environmental considerations. LCD TVs use an average of one-third to one-half as much energy as a plasma TV of the same size. The difference comes from the different lighting technologies. If you are concerned about your energy consumption, LCD is a greener choice. As technology improves, plasma TVs may improve their energy consumption.

4. Lifespan. When early models of LCD TVs and plasma TVs were compared, LCD had the longer lifespan. But plasma technology has improved, and plasmas now boast a lifespan equal to LCDs. Most flat-screen TVs claim around a 60,000-hour lifespan. Depending on your usage, this means your flat-screen TV should last 20 years or more. The only parts of an LCD TV that wear out are the bulbs that illuminate the LCD screen. On a plasma TV, the bulbs will also go out before the screen does.

5. Size and weight. LCD TVs are typically much lighter and less bulky than plasma TVs of the same size. Plasma TVs use glass for their screens, which is heavier and more fragile than the plastic used for LCD TVs. When mounting a large flat-screen TV on a wall, use a flat-screen TV mount and be sure that the wall can support your TV's weight.

6. Picture. Both LCD TVs and plasma TVs produce amazing high-definition picture quality. Plasma TVs typically display blacks more clearly and show crisper detail during fast-moving programming, like sporting events. LCD TV technology is catching up, though, and LCD TVS usually offer greater native screen resolution than plasma TVs. This means more pixels per square inch, for a sharper overall picture. LCD TVs can lose picture quality when viewed at an angle. Some models do better than others on this, so be sure to do your research on any LCD TV's viewing angles.