Does LCD TV Have Better Quality Than Plasma?

LCD and plasma are the two main types of flat panel HDTVs on the market. They use different technologies to create the picture, and while they both provide sharp, detailed HD video, a few factors can determine which one represents the better alternative when making a TV purchase.

Picture Quality

Plasma TVs have an edge here, performing better with fast-moving images and offering a wider viewing angle, though LCDs are more easily viewed in brightly-lit rooms, have a brighter picture without losing quality and are less affected by reflection.

Color

Plasma screen HDTVs also offer a deeper black and greater contrast than LCDs, especially in darker rooms, creating a more dynamic viewing experience.

Power

LCD TVs use less power to run than plasmas, making for slightly lower electric bills with heavy use. Plasma TVs also are more susceptible to overheating when left on for longer periods of time.

Burn-In

Plasma TVs have also had a problem where an after-image gets burned in when the picture or parts of the picture remain fixed for a period of time, though this is less likely in newer models.

Reliability

Although plasma TVs can tend to be a bit more fragile, under normal conditions both LCD and plasma should perform well for years, depending on the quality of the manufacturer, so neither technology has a clear edge here.

Price

For larger-screen sizes where LCD and plasma are available, plasma TVs are generally less expensive, due to manufacturing costs. However, LCD TVs are currently produced in sizes as small as 15 inches, putting a number of models in a smaller price range for budget-minded consumers.

References

• Consumer Reports - LCD or Plasma
• Plasma TV Buying Guide