What Is the Difference Between LCD & Plasma?
LCD and Plasma screens may seem incredibly similar, but there are several differences between the two. As LCDs and Plasmas get cheaper, knowing the pros and cons of each can save you some headaches later on.
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LCD
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LCD televisions work on a grid system of pixels, illuminated by a backlight that passes through a polarizer. This light is controlled by voltage coursing through crystal liquids that run in between two glass panels. The pixels are etched onto the glass panels, and create the pictures we see on the screen.
Plasma
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Plasma works a bit differently. The plasma television has a similar grid of pixels. These are controlled in a different manner. Instead of liquid, gasses such as neon and xenon control each individual pixel. Each pixel has a long electrode attached to it. Phosphors in each square are illuminated by electric currents running through the gas in the screen.
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Burn Images
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Plasma televisions have issues with images being 'burned' onto the screen if they are held in one position for an extended period. A burn is a ghost image you see on a screen when a single image has been held in one place for too long, happening when you pause something, or are playing a video game with static images. LCD screens do not often have this issue.
Power
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LCD and Plasma screens have different power requirements. Plasma screens are known as energy guzzlers, and take a lot more electricity to run. LCD screens tend to run on a lot less energy, even when the screens are the same size.
Size
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Size has often been the big difference between LCD and Plasma screens. Plasma, when the screen are large, tend to be cheaper, and are made in massive sizes. LCDs have generally been cheaply made up to 32 inches.
Reflection
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LCD screens have a lot less glare than Plasma screens due to the glass with which they're made. Plasma screens are not the greatest choice if you need a screen in an area that has lots of sunlight.
Viewing Area
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LCD screens are best when viewed directly, and not at an angle. Due to the layout of the pixels on a plasma screen, you can view the image at an angle, without quality loss or the pixelation effect associated with LCD screens.
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