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LCD VS PLASMA TVS
 

So, you’re sold on throwing that chunky old TV away and getting yourself an ultra-slim, flat screen plasma or LCD TV; perhaps even one with HD TV capabilities so that you can fully enjoy your game console, blu ray DVD player or even just to be prepared for the HDTV revolution.

 

Do you go LCD screen or plasma TV? Do you opt for HD ready TV or a full HD TV?  Then there’s the size debate – do you buy a crisp 32’’ Sony HD LCD TV or large 42” Samsung Plasma TV? Which TV is best?

 

When choosing between plasma and LCD TV screens it’s easy to get confused and weighed down by all the techno TV babble. What is the difference between plasma and LCD? These two very different technologies offer you an incredible viewing experience in very unique ways. But forget the how and why of liquid crystal technology and ionized gas particles, here’s what you really need to know about LCD screens & plasma TVs.

 

Make sure to take a look at our television buyers’ guide to learn more about what different TVs have to offer and what factors should be considered when purchasing one. For more information on the two different type of TV, check out our buyers’ guides for LCD  and plasma TVs.

Plasma or LCD: Making the Choice

LCD vs Plasma


Choosing between a plasma TV or LCD screen really comes down to what you are looking for in a flat TV screen. 

 

In the past, if you wanted something larger than a 42’’ LCD or plasma TV, the tradition was to go with plasma screen TVs. 32’’ LCD TVs were considered better TVs in the 32’ and below LCD category. Nowadays though, major brands like Samsung, Sony, and Panasonic are offering competitive LCD TVs in the 42’’ LCD range.

Picture Quality


When it comes to picture quality and viewing angles, most people still favour plasma screens over LCD displays. Plasmas have better contrast ratios and richer colour saturations. You can also view them from any angle and still get incredible image resolution, unlike your average HD LCD screen.  

TV Resolution


XGA Plasma TVs such as the 42” Samsung TV, with a resolution of 1,024 x 768, are the most common and cost effective plasma TV resolution format. Many of the new Plasma TVs come out in XGA. High-end Plasma TVs such as the 58” Panasonic Plasma Television have a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080, and are noticeably more expensive. Resolution is really what defines a HD Ready (768 horizontal lines)  and Full HD TV (1080 horizontal lines - and whether it supports an interlaced(i) only or a full progressive (p) picture. Also always ask about upscaling and downscaling as almost all HD Ready and Full HD TV's support this technology.

Longevity


Both LCDs and plasmas last a very long time, there is no major difference in screen lifespans as many people will have you believe; a big consideration to make though is whether to spend that extra money on an FULL HD or just a HD ready flat screen TV. HD technology is definitely the future of TV, but South Africans may only reap major HD benefits in a few years. In most cases a HD ready TV will be more than sufficient for the next 5 years as the broadcasters will only push out a 720(i) HD signal due to bandwidth constraints. At Nashua Electronics we will advise you always to buy the product that best meets your requirements, we will ask the relevant questions to determine what you expect from your TV, whether you are a person always at the cutting edge of technology or someone looking to make a long term investment in what is currently available. We also strive to help you get the best value for your budget.  
FUll HD Plasma TV
HD Gaming PS3
HD Ready Plasma TV

HD Gaming


Looking for a HD ready TV that offers you an incredible gaming experience on your Xbox 360 or Playstation 3? LCD screens have a limited viewing angle in comparison to plasma TVs. For scenes that display a lot of simultaneous dark and light images (video games and DVDs) the plasma TV’s better black levels and wider viewing axis still make it an outright winner.

 

Fast moving images are another factor. On plasma TVs, playback is generally better than on an LCD monitor or screen. With plasmas, however, there is the possibility of screen burn in - This occurs when fixed graphic elements or even text is displayed on our plasma TV screen for prolonged periods. (a problem that has been resolved in the latest models of plasma TV's.) 

 

Pausing a game or DVD, reading web pages or even just fixed elements like a TV station logo can lead to this permanent burning in of an image on your screen over long time durations.  
LG Plasma Full HD TV Samsung LCD Full HDTV

Other Factors


LCD TV screens: 

 

Pros:

 

  • Lighter than plasmas
  • The abundance of LCD manufacturers and highly competitive LCD screen and monitor market make it a consumer friendlier market (better deals and prices)
  • Use less electricity than plasma TVs  

 

Cons: 

 

  • Limited viewing angle
  • Less colour richness and contrast than plasma (especially in darker environments)
  • Lower response times than plasma – This is only irritating when playing fast-paced games (first person shooter games particularly) or when viewing fast moving images.   

 

Plasma TV screens:  

 

Pros:

 

  • Higher colour range and ratios
  • Large size plasmas still outshine their LCD screen equivalents
  • Better black levels (important for picture quality on DVDs and video games)
  • Faster response time than LCD displays

 

Cons: 

 

  • Potential for screen burn in
  • Fewer manufacturers therefore less competitive prices
  • Generally more expensive than LCD screens
 

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