Your Guide to Comparing Plasma TV vs LCD TV

Plasma TV vs. LCD TV , Part II (Read Plasma TV vs LCD TV, Part I)

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 sports 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 wandering 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 vs. 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.

Continue to Plasma vs. LCD TV, part III