Plasma or LCD Flat Screen TV – Which to Choose?

Whether to choose a plasma or LCD flat screen TV is a major decision. Some believe that plasma TV’s win out over LCD’s because of its ability to handle dark scenes. In other words, because of the Plasma technology, which (in layman’s terms) is a compilation of extremely small gas plasma cells activated by electrical charges to excite the gases causing them to glow and produce colorful light. Instructed by the TV’s software, each cell knows what color to produce, when and where to create the appropriate images.

LCD, on the other hand, is made up of liquid crystal that is also activated by electrical voltages. Rather than changing the liquid to glow a particular color, the liquid moves around to block or filter the light created by the lamp in back of the screen. Therefore it takes away or blocks the unnecessary color wavelengths from the light thus allowing the desired colors to shine through.

Plasma screens, due to the nature of the gas plasma cells are able to display the true depth of black therefore improving the contrast on dark scenes making the display of dark scenes appear clearer. Some of the light from the backlight on the LCD screens shines through the liquid thus making it more a little difficult to display the true depth of the color black. As technology improves, this visual gap between plasma and LCD appears to be closing.

Flat Screen Investment and Longevity

Whether one ops for the plasma or LCD TV screen based on display, it’s a personal choice. However, before one decides to purchase one or the other, it makes sense to find out how long the TV will last.

According to LCD TV manufactures, the display on an LCD TV should last anywhere from 50,000 to 60,000 hours. As long as the backlight works, so should the flat screen TV. If the backlight goes out, some of them can be replaced. Just be forewarned that the backlight on LCD TV’s tend to change color slightly as it ages. Anyone with an old LCD screened laptop may understand just what happens. If things start looking a little pink, it may be a result of an aging backlight. The problem with replacing a backlight is finding the right part.

Plasma screens on the other hand, purportedly have a half life of 60,000 hours. The tiny gas cells in the plasma screen lose their ability to glow brightly. Over time, the display will grow dimmer. The gases, as of this writing, cannot be replaced.

Natural Resources and Energy Consumption

LCD’s are the greener choice. They use less power to operate than plasmas, sometimes half as much. In today’s eco friendly environment, such a reduction in power consumption is a much sought after feature.

How Much to Spend?

When it comes to determining the true value of a plasma or LCD TV, in addition to knowing how much your flat screen budget can withstand, consider the following:

1. Screen size and cost
2. How long will it last
3. How expensive it is to operate (energy consumption)