Plasma Vs LCD Monitors

Choosing between a plasma and LCD monitor can be daunting, as many consumers aren't aware of the primary differences between the two. With so many options, as well as new technology emerging on an almost daily basis, it is easy to get lost in the details. Plasma and LCD monitors take up much less space than their CRT cousins, but how does each perform, and which is right for you?

Price

In the past, plasma screens were known for being cheaper, but with advances in technology, LCD monitors are typically much cheaper and tend to have better resolutions than their plasma counterparts.

Performance

While both plasma and LCD screens are capable of displaying the same resolution, plasma monitors are often more capable of displaying darker and more accurate blacks, also known as a better contrast.

Size

Plasma monitors are usually ahead of the curve regarding their maximum size. While LCD monitors aren't far behind, the biggest monitors are plasma.

Quality

Plasma screens often handle colors less accurately than LCD monitors, which results in lower image quality.

Lifespan

LCD monitors maintain their brightness levels provided by the backlight much more efficiently than plasma monitors. LCD monitors tend to be rated for 60,000-plus hours, while plasma monitors range from 20,000 to 30,000 hours.

Energy Consumption

Plasma monitors use more energy than LCD monitors, as each pixel in a plasma monitor emits its own light, while LCD monitors keep their power consumption down using a single backlight.

Resources

• Plasma vs. LCD
• Plasma vs. LCD Power Consumption