Plasma -vs- LCD? Pros and Cons

If you're looking into a new TV purchase these days, you have only a few options… Plasma and LCD are major hitters. What follows is this professional’s opinion; you must ultimately do the research yourself.


Plasma TVs
Pros: Exceptional color reproduction. Our eyes have become accustom to viewing TVs with Phosphorus displays. As with TVs of old, Plasma TVs also use Phosphorus to create the beautiful colors our eyes crave. The viewing angle (side to side) and refresh rate (rate at which the image is refreshed) of a Plasma product shines above most other product types. Plasma TVs also have a glass protection screen in front of the panel which can help protect the panel from impact. Prices have fallen recently and have made the Plasma TV a very affordable purchase.

Cons: Energy usage. Using a Plasma TV has been likened to 'leaving the refrigerator door open'. Reliability and longevity are also a factor to consider. Over time, the Plasma panel becomes more sensitive; “Sparkles” or misfiring pixels are common. The Plasma uses many high power components; which, due to failure, have given it a less than reliable stigma. Image retention and image burn are quick to occur. Realistically, 5-7 years of life.


LCD TVs
Pros: Light weight and bright picture. Color reproduction has improved by leaps and bounds over the recent years. Some products available do rival the Plasma products in picture quality and reproduction. Cost cuts have also brought the LCD into the price range of many. Energy usage is typically less than that of the Plasma. Image retention is not a major concern for this product. Less parts than a Plasma = Less failure. LCD panel life is estimated to be about 10 years.

Cons: LCD panels use back-lighting systems. Because the 'color' of the light does not change, the color reproduction of the LCD product is not as natural to the eye as the Plasma product.


LCD-LED TVs
(Same as LCD TV, with the following exceptions)
Pros: LED back-lighting produces a more Plasma like color response.

Cons: Panel life is about 70% that of the standard LCD products.