Ever since the technology hit the markets a few years ago there has been the raging question “Which is best? Is it worth it to pay more for Plasma?
It really depends, as it always has, on your own situation, preferences and tolerances. In recent months however there has been the very typical consumer cost reduction in both types so the choice is getting easier. Let’s look at the different advantages and then the disadvantages.
The best place to make any type of visual comparison is at the store. Choose a store that has a large selection. I know, I know, the bigger the selection the harder the decision, right? In this case no. The bigger the selection the better to observe the many and varied differences between LCD and Plasma. Perhaps when it is time to choose the actual unit you may want to go to a store that carries the brand you want with a little smaller selection to simplify that process, but here we are just comparing practicalities. This can be broken down to something far more tangible than all the technical data out there. Which one looks the best? And, is it within you rational budget? Watch them both for a while. Most large electronics stores have made some provisions for this. Several have viewing areas, especially for their bigger ticket models. Who cares that you’re not in the market for a $3,000.00 TV, (OK the salesperson cares, a little) you’re mainly interested in performance and comparison right now.
Watch both sets for a while, look at different models, watch from different angles, watch something with some action in it. All these things matter when you have to live with the purchase. Talk to the salesperson and get the pertinent info you need, like what is the warranty, return policy, life span, burn in factor, etc, but don’t let them lose you with a technical smokescreen. Too often salespeople memorize the technical data from the mfgr. to cover the fact that they really don’t know much about the practical side of the issue. Take your time. If the salesperson seems to be rushing you to make a decision simply leave, or at least act like you are going to leave, and go somewhere else. When you have leveled the field a little, after all you are the one shelling out the cash, take control of the situation and make them give you the answers you are looking for.
Here are a couple of basics;
LCD is less expensive, although not so much anymore until you get into the very large screens. LCD screens appear to be brighter than Plasma. It is easier to see in brighter light and doesn’t seem to have the same type of burn in issues as Plasma. But, if you watch programs or movies with a lot of action you may not like the resolution because they tend to blur, especially when the action is up close.
Plasma, on the other hand, has much better contrast than LCD. Their black is really black and their white is really white, as are all the colors. Not so much with LCD. Action sequences are definitely better viewed on Plasma. Smoother and pretty much blur free plus you can watch a Plasma screen from pretty much any angle, not so with an LCD. Ask about glare reducing screens that are now available for Plasma TVs. There are fewer choices when it comes to Plasma, right now anyway, but expect that to change. As the technology advances so do the opportunities.
It all boils down to how much you want to spend on a luxury item like this. LCD is cheaper but not quite as enjoyable to watch, under most conditions. The Plasma does have the advantage of being a little better watching experience but they are most costly, for now. As time goes by, and improvements in manufacturing are made, prices will drop. Take the time to look seriously at your watching environment and do the onsite research. Remember this, “bigger is not aways better”. If you are only six feet from a TV you don’t need or perhaps even want one with a six foot screen. Look for the best overall experience.
