LCD or Plasma? The New Math

Tue Feb 27, 2007 9:42AM EST

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I'm going to apologize right now: I don't have the answer to whether LCD or plasma is a better technology today. But hey, no one does. But Engadget HD has an interesting update on just how difficult it can be to figure out which technology you should invest in now if you're in the market for an HDTV.

Only a year ago, the choice was pretty simple: If you wanted a really big flat-panel TV with vibrant color, get a plasma. If slimness and longevity were more important, get an LCD. But both technologies have been improving: Plasmas no longer have burn-in issues and have longer lifespans. LCDs now have better color response, less of a problem with motion blur, and, as we saw at CES, are now just as big as plasmas. Everything you used to know about flat-panel TVs is suddenly wrong.

Interesting note from the piece: Go to Best Buy and take a look at the flat-panel TVs. You are likely to find high-end LCDs, but only relatively cheap plasmas. Comparing the two technologies is getting considerably more difficult.

Still, using your eyes is the best way to pick a flat panel TV today. You may have to shop around among a number of stores (particularly higher-end electronics shops), but it's important to spend some eyes-on time with any TV you're considering purchasing. The bottom line: Plasma vs. LCD may no longer be a meaningful debate at all.

I've also found online reviews to be extremely helpful in this regard. AudioReview.com (never mind the name) is my personal favorite review destination. AVS Forum is another popular destination for discussion about all things home theater. Want a second opinion on that TV before you shell out thousands of dollars? Just ask for a little help!

Comments on LCD or Plasma? The New Math

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  • 2 Posted by ypjeff on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:58PM EDT Report Abuse

    i am tv shopping and it is giving me the biggest headache ever. here is what i am coming down to: the plasma has a glass cover over the screen (less prone to little kid hands & easy to clean) the lcd does not show any glare (the wife hates having the blinds shut and the lights off). it is still going to come down to price and is a name brand worth any more $

  • 3 Posted by scryer_360 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:10PM EDT Report Abuse

    Yes, to number 2, name brands are VERY important! And no Im not an industry pumper, I work at BestBuy and let me share some experience: I receive more returns of Westinghouse and Insignia TVs than anything from Sharp, Sony, Samsung, or LG COMBINED. That is not an overstatement, if I could go back and count the number of the 3 S's and LG tvs returned of either LCD or Plasma, Westinghouse and Insignia are each singularly returned more often when I look at the past 5 months of returns. I actually have done this for a report to my managers by the way. If you want a TV that is definitely going to last long, get either Sony, Sharp, Samsung or LG. Screw everyone else. Those are the high end players that are known for exceptional quality, not just from my experience but check consumer reports (make sure you understand what kind of study they did when you read it). Or again, just go to your local BestBuy and look at what TVs are the open items (returns that can be sold again). Here are the brands I know are to be avoided: Westinghouse, Insignia, Sanyo (which makes Insignia for BestBuy), Polaroid, Visio, Maxent, ILO, and Avio. The TVs that are worth a look are from Toshiba, Philips, HP, Hitachi, Panasonic, and Mitsubishi. TVs that are hands down great are Sharp, Sony, Samsung, and LG. If you want extremely top of the line than Pioneer Plasmas are some of the best.

  • 4 Posted by commorancy on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:28PM EDT Report Abuse

    I prefer LCD over Plasma for several reasons. 1) Plasma displays are about 1.5x to 2x the price of a similarly equipped LCD screen. 2) Contrast ratios of LCD screens are becoming better than plasma (still not as good as DLP or CRTs, though). 3) Plasma screens are about twice the weight (more glass) and likely more fragile. 4) Rated lifespan of plasma is about 5 years where LCD should likely last substantially longer (if made well enough). Downside of LCD. Sometimes whites not as bright as plasma as the LCD backlight has to shine through LCD mask. Although, I would say with the CCFL backlights, this is mostly gone, though. Blacks can be off-black (purple-black or blue-black). Pixel speeds are a bit slower on LCD (some high end displays are as fast as 2ms or faster, but most are between 4-8ms pixels). This can manifest itself as a very small delay when the pixels are displayed. Plasma, as far as I know, has no pixel delay. Downside of Plasma. Blacks aren't black. Blacks tend to be gray. Contrast ratio just isn't that great on lower end plasmas or lower end LCD displays. Less plasma screens currently being made. Visit any store and most flat screens are LCD, not plasma. It's really up to the buyer to determine what to buy. But, for 1080p screens, for me I've found that the LCD flat panels have the best look (aesthetically).

  • 5 Posted by commorancy on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:28PM EDT Report Abuse

    As far as burn in, regardless of what manufacturers claim, plasma screens still have burn in issues where LCDs will never have this. Plasma manufacturers build in 'jitter' and other electronic image manipulation systems to 'prevent' burn in. But, while these technologies are there to help prevent burn in, it doesn't guarantee there won't ever be burn in. You're talking about hot plasma in each cell that illuminates the phosphor. The phosphor that is lit can eventually be changed permanently. Thus, burn in. So, don't be fooled into thinking there will never be burn in. The electronic improvements may help reduce it or delay it, but eventually there may be burn in. If you sit and watch QVC or have static images on the screen everyday 24 hours a day never turning the TV off, you will eventually begin to see that image when the TV off. Depending on your viewing habits, you might want to consider LCD over plasma as LCDs will never acquire burn-in.

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