Plasma Vs. LCD Vs. DLP

Plasma, DLP (Digital Light Processing) and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) are the available formats for an HD monitor or television. Each of these formats uses drastically different technology and has differing attributes. While each has its own merits, which is right for you?

Price

Because of the emergence and popularity of plasma and LCD screens, DLP prices have dropped drastically and will be your best bet for a large screen at an excellent price.

Viewing Angle

LCD and plasma televisions have a 170- to 179-degree viewing angle, meaning the picture will look the same no matter where you are viewing the picture from, whereas DLP is crippled by limited viewing angles (they are best viewed from eye-level).

Size

DLP televisions are similar in size to a typical CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) televisions, meaning they are much larger than flat-panel plasma and LCD televisions.

Energy Consumption

Both LCD and plasma televisions use considerably less energy than a DLP television, with LCD being the most efficient.

Life Span

DLP televisions have a much longer life span than LCD or plasma. The backlight bulb also can be replaced in DLP televisions, which will add even more length to their life span.

Resources

• Consumer Guide
• 2009 CES HD Television Review