The debate about which TV is better - plasma or LCD - has been going on for more than a year. But in order to get the answer to this question that is maximally true, one should listen to the opinion of experts.
Screen sizes
This factor is decisive for many. Previously, manufacturers of LCD TVs were constrained by significant restrictions, and on the market it was rarely possible to find an LCD TV with a diagonal larger than 32 ”. Modern technologies have allowed to overcome this 32-inch barrier and begin to produce LCD televisions with a large diagonal (up to 42 inches or more). But the fact remains: the cost of plasma, as a rule, is several hundred dollars less than the cost of an LCD with a similar diagonal.
"Defective pixels
Speaking about which TV is better - plasma or LCD - one cannot but mention the problem of the so-called “broken” pixels, which remains relevant in the production of liquid crystal screens. In particular, this applies to LCD with a large diagonal. Currently there is a single standard ISO 13406-2. According to this standard, the allowable number of “broken” pixels is determined for LCD panels. On the largest screens (4th grade), the number of constantly glowing (white) pixels can reach 50, the number of “dead” (black) ones can be 150, and the number of defective red, blue and green subpixels can be 500. For TVs of the 2nd and 3rd grades these indicators are less - 2: 2: 5 and 5:15:30, respectively.
Cost
Despite the fact that in recent years, liquid crystal technologies have become more accessible, a certain pattern remains valid: 1 square centimeter of a liquid crystal panel is approximately 25% more expensive than a square centimeter of plasma. Nevertheless, if we consider the question of which TV is better (plasma or LCD), focusing on high-definition models of HD, this price inequality almost disappears. And even more than that: in some cases, plasma will cost more than LCDs with the same characteristics.
Response time
One more defect of LCD TVs and monitors has been talked about for many years. This is the so-called “trailer effect” - a situation when specific “loops” appeared on the screen during the display of dynamic scenes. However, in the latest LCD models, this defect was almost eliminated (if the response time is less than 8 ms, there will be no noticeable loops). Plasma screens are a priori devoid of this drawback. That is, according to this criterion, the LC is in no way inferior to plasma.
Color and contrast
This is one of the first factors that buyers pay attention to when they think about which TV is better - plasma or LCD. Traditionally, plasma wins in this regard: due to the fact that such screens work on the principle of direct radiation, the final image is more clear and contrast. LCD televisions in this regard are slightly behind their plasma “counterparts”. However, for some, they, on the contrary, may turn out to be more preferable: a less contrast and softer picture less tiring a person’s eyes, especially when it comes to viewing in low light conditions. But in terms of color saturation, both classes of televisions have become equal in recent years.
Viewing angle
Previously, when choosing a plasma or LCD TV , people had to focus on the number of family members. Indeed, according to the standard, the viewing angle in liquid crystal models did not exceed 45 degrees, which excluded the possibility of simultaneous viewing by more than one person. Modern LCD panels have a viewing angle of up to 170 degrees (and the most "advanced" - up to 178 degrees), which equalizes them with plasma.
Life, power and safety
Which TV is better - LCD or plasma? To make the final choice, you should pay attention to these criteria.
As for the service life, LCD TVs definitely win here. If you prefer high brightness images, get ready for the fact that replacing the plasma panel will be required 3 times faster than in the case of an LCD TV. Another important disadvantage of plasma is its high power consumption and the ability to heat up (the latter makes it impossible to install a TV in a niche). True, manufacturers are gradually getting rid of such shortcomings, however, the general trend continues.
And, of course, one cannot fail to mention the dangers of various types of screens for eyesight. Since LCD screens themselves do not emit anything, they practically do not harm the eyes of the viewer, which cannot be said about plasma panels.