Plasma Vs LCD: Selecting a Flat Screen

So you want to buy a flat screen, but you don’t know weather to go with a plasma screen or an LCD screen. Don’t worry; this is a very common question, and it’s answer is as simple as determining which best suits your environment and use.

Here we will discus the major differences between the two flat screens and which environments and uses they each excel in.

First lets expel the rumor that one TV type is better than the other. The truth is, both of these flat screen types have their benefits and potential problems depending on their purpose. The goal is to select the best TV for you.

The major Differences

Size: If you need a smaller screen less than 42” you will have to go with an LCD screen as plasma screens are not usually made in this size range.

Picture quality: This mostly depends on the brand and model and not plasma or LCD. Plasma and LCD have both come a long way from their first introduction into the market, and they are very competitive in quality. Mostly you will find quality comes with price.

Gamming: Traditionally LCD has been better for gaming, but now with new motion blur correction technology in plasma screens, they are evening out.

Glare: LCD defiantly has a better screen surface to reject glare, and most plasma screens still have a very reflective surface. But this is also another area many plasma manufacturers are working to improve with new anti-glare plasma screens.

Screen Burn: Plasmas do still have a problem with screen burn. If you leave the same picture on the screen for a long time (or any stationary object like the info bar at the bottom of a news channel) it will leave a permanent impression in the screen. This is much less of a problem as it used to be, but still something to be aware of. LCD does not have any problems with screen burn.

Price: For the size plasma screens are typically much less expensive than LCD screens, but as mentioned before, that is usually only the case when comparing a standard plasma screen to an LCD screen of the same size. In this case the LCD screen is probably better quality, but if you buy the best plasma in the same size, it will most likely not only meet the same quality but also a more similar price.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for quality, stick with the trusted brands, Fujitsu, Pioneer, Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, and Sharp for LCD. And know you’re going to pay for quality.

If you’re looking for a bargain, Plasma is your best bet. Try going with last years model of a trusted brands starter model. We don’t recommend the off brands, as you will pay for your decision in the long run in repairs or replacement. The worst product of a trusted brand is still typically better than the best product of an off brand.

Compare features, and when possible, compare picture side by side to form your own opinions. And don’t forget to consider the glare factor if your room will have a lot of light.

Happy flat screen hunting!