LCD TV Vs Plasma TV

Nowadays we heard a lot about LCD TV and Plasma TV. So which one is better, LCD TV or plasma?

Technically, LCD and Plasma TVs take different approaches to similar result. Although they create images using completely different technologies, both types of TVs are thin enough to be placed virtually anywhere, and produce a picture that is startlingly clear, sharp, and bright. The major difference between the two is the screen size. Most of LCD TVs have a screen that measures 30" and smaller, while plasma TVs have a screen of 32" and larger.

Now let's compare these two types of popular TVs:

COLOR ACCURACY

Plasma color accuracy will prevail in rooms with low to normal lighting, while LCDs will be better in brighter rooms due to their inherent anti-glare technology.

Winner: Plasma

VIEWING ANGLES

Plasma usually has up to 160° viewing angles, which is about as good as horizontal and vertical viewing angles get. However, LCD TVs lose black level intensity more as the angle off axis increases. This usually occurs after around 90 degrees.

Winner: Plasma

LONGEVITY

LCDs last as long as its backlight does. Plasma, on the other hand, utilizes slight electric currents to excite a combination of noble gases, which is an essentially active phenomenon. So the phosphoric elements in plasma displays fade over time.

Winner: LCD

COMPUTER USE

LCDs display static images from computer or VGA sources extremely well, while Plasma have some issues with each source varying on different models and manufacturers.

Winner: LCD

ENERGY SAVING

LCDs require substantially less power to operate than plasmas do because of the different technologies they use. Usually LCDs consume about half the power that plasma displays consume.

Winner: LCD

RESOLUTION

LCD HDTV displays will have a higher resolution than plasma of the same size comparison. For instance, the lowest resolution of a 40 inch LCD will be 1366 X 768 - easily full HD resolution in 1080i or 720p. A 42 inch HD plasma has a resolution of 1024 X 768.

Winner: LCD

So if you decide to go with LCD, here a list of Top 10 LCD TVs as of April 2008.

1 Sony KDL-40XBR4

2 Sharp LC-32D43U

3 Olevia 532H

4 Sony KDL-46XBR4

5 Samsung LN-T4665F

6 Samsung LN-T3753H

7 Vizio GV47LF

8 Sony KDL-40S3000

9 Samsung LN-T4061F

10 Sony KDL-26S3000

Where to buy LCD TV?

There are still many ways to buy a LCD TV. If you go with a traditional retailer, remember to shop around-not just for the best prices but also for the best equipment. Be aware that many of the chain stores tend to push one manufacturer's products over another's based on issues totally unrelated to the merits of the products themselves, such as sales incentives.