Plasma TV

LCD vs Plasma TVs

Two of the newest technologies in the world of TV are plasma and LCD. Plasma, the newer technology, has been quickly dropping in price recently, and is now relatively cheap. Currently, a 42-inch plasma display sells for approximately $2000, with cheaper and smaller versions also available. LCD, which stands for liquid crystal display, TVs have recently taken off, and are still more expensive than plasma. LCD technology, however, has existed for a long time; it has been used for laptop computer screens for well over a decade. Not until just recently have larger versions of the LCD screen been produced. Because larger LCD screen are available, along with decreasing prices, LCD is becoming a much stronger plasma competitor.

The LCD screen does have several benefits over plasma. For example, LCD screens run much cooler than a plasma TV, and thus require less energy to operate. Plasma TVs run so hot, in fact, that they need a fan to cool them down.These are sometimes noisy. Also, plasma screens have a tendency to degrade over time, little by little becoming dimmer. LCD screens, run relatively cool, and do not degrade over the years. Some Plasma TV owners, who have used their TVs for several years now, have already noticed the dimming of their screens. LCD screens also tend to have overall better picture quality, and are typically 10 to 15 percent lighter than plasma.

Therfore, it seems that even though Plasma has been the best selling of the two technologies up to this time, there may be a trend in the opposite direction. The main obvious downside to LCD is currently its high price. Comparatively, LCD is twice as expensive has Plasma. However, as the price of LCD technology comes down, it is likely to be the overwhelming choice of flat-screen TV buyers.

Harry Jenner is a editor at Plasma tv etc.com, a website containing many helpful consumer electronics review articles. For more information on LCD and Plasma TV technology, please visit our LCD vs Plasma TV webpage.