LCD VS PLASMA- WHICH IS BETTER?

**ZORBA5150** · 01.10.07, 06:15 AM

I want to take the plunge and buy one because prices are real good now. I've heard various pros and cons for each type. I've heard LCD has a better HD picture but non-HD channels are worse than on a plasma screen. I've also heard that plasma has a better HD picture. Which is it???However some LCDs come with an XD engine that makes non-HD channels more HD-like. Anyone have any thoughts, comment, suggestions etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I did a quick search- I apologize if there is a thread on this aready. Also- any specific models/brands to recommend or stay away from? I like LG from what I've read. Plus some have two yr warranties

**jimmy812** · 01.10.07, 06:35 AM

I would go with LCD. I'm actually going to be shopping for a new tv and I'm definitely going the LCD route.
From I understand plasma tv's may have an amazing picture, but they don't last too long. Besides, how much better can plasma be than LCD?
LCD is cheaper and more reliable.
Of course that's just my opinion.

**BottomzUp** · 01.10.07, 06:40 AM

I have Panasonic plasmas throughout my house and I love them.Don't buy into the life expectancy pitch. The Plasma TVs will reach their half brightness level after 12-17 years with average viewing of 4 - 6 hours/day. That is same for standard CRTs. LCDs have a very similar life expectancy.

**ZeoBandit** · 01.10.07, 06:40 AM

This debate has raged several times before on the Links. Here is a thread on it with a bunch of opinions:

http://www.vhlinks.com/vbforums/show...ghlight=Plasma

**Banjo5150** · 01.10.07, 07:04 AM

I bought a LCD, I thought the plasma looked good and all I just was not a fan of the glossy screen which gave off light glare or sun glare. Thats basically why I went with the LCD.

**vh resurrection** · 01.10.07, 08:08 AM

I'm no expert, but according to my Crutchfield catalog, there is no burn-in risk with an LCD but there is with a plasma.

**BottomzUp** · 01.10.07, 08:42 AM

Originally Posted by vh resurrection

I'm no expert, but according to my Crutchfield catalog, there is no burn-in risk with an LCD but there is with a plasma.

That is indeed true but it takes quite a lot of STILL frame time for that to happen. We use our's watching endless sports(FOX logos etc.)as well as playing video games and have never had burn-ins. Rule #1 in my house.....if you pause the Tivo, a game or DVD for more than 10 minutes you had BETTER turn the TV off

**PlexiBrown** · 01.10.07, 08:46 AM

Plasma vs LCD

The ADVANTAGES of Plasma over LCD are:

1. Larger screen size availability.

2. Better contrast ratio and ability to render deeper blacks.

3. Better color accuracy and saturation.

4. Better motion tracking (little or no motion lag in fast moving images).

The DISADVANTAGES of Plasma vs LCD include:

1. Plasma TVs are more susceptible to burn-in of static images.

2. Plasma TVs generate more heat than LCDs, due to the need to light of phosphors to create the images.

3. Does not perform as well at higher altitudes.

4. Shorter display life span (about 30,000 hours or 8 hrs of viewing a day for 9 years) than LCD. However, screen life span is improving to as high as 60,000 hours. due to technology improvements.

LCD television ADVANTAGES over Plasma include:

1. No burn-in of static images.

2. Cooler running temperature.

3. No high altitude use issues.

4. Increased image brightness over Plasma.

5. Longer display life (about 60,000 hours - at which time all you may need to do is replace the light source, not the entire set). This can vary according other environmental and use factors.

6. Lighter weight (when comparing same screen sizeds) than Plasma counterparts.

DISADVANTAGES of LCD vs Plasma televisions include:

1. Lower contrast ratio, not as good rendering deep blacks.

2. Not as good at tracking motion (fast moving objects may exhibit lag artifacts) - However, this is improving.

3. Not as common in large screen sizes above 42-inches (although the number is growing).

4. Although LCD televisions do not suffer from burn-in susceptibility, it is possible that individual pixels on an LCD televisions can burn out, causing small, visible, black or white dots to appear on the screen. Individual pixels cannot be repaired, the whole screen would need to be replaced at that point, if the individual pixel burnout becomes annoying to you.

5. LCD televisions are typically more expensive than equivalent-sized Plasma televisions, especially when comparing EDTV Plasmas to HDTV-LCD Televisions.

**PlexiBrown** · 01.10.07, 08:50 AM

4. Although LCD televisions do not suffer from burn-in susceptibility, it is possible that individual pixels on an LCD televisions can burn out, causing small, visible, black or white dots to appear on the screen. Individual pixels cannot be repaired, the whole screen would need to be replaced at that point, if the individual pixel burnout becomes annoying to you.

I have friends who have had this happen to their LCD TV's and it is really annoying and really noticable. Sometimes if you go to the store you can see this on some of the LCD TV's they have on display but usually after the sales people notice that this has happened they take the TV off of display.

**billy007** · 01.10.07, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by PlexiBrown

4. Although LCD televisions do not suffer from burn-in susceptibility, it is possible that individual pixels on an LCD televisions can burn out, causing small, visible, black or white dots to appear on the screen. Individual pixels cannot be repaired, the whole screen would need to be replaced at that point, if the individual pixel burnout becomes annoying to you.

Kind of like the video boards at the stadium? Ouch!

Wonder if the burn-in factor could persuade networks/stations to quit leaving their logo on the screen the whole damn time? That's so stupid anyway and totally unnecessary.

**Down In Flames** · 01.10.07, 09:39 AM

But then how would we know what channel we're on, billy? We'd be fucking lost. :terrified:

**Dennis** · 01.10.07, 10:15 AM

I've read that one is better than the other...then I went and saw them side by side, plasma & lcd.

I saw a LCD screen that was incredible. The screen size was huge & the quality was like I was looking out a window....it was sharp & colorful.

I suggest going to someplace like BJs club or Costco and compare one over the other.

**PlexiBrown** · 01.10.07, 12:37 PM

I have a plasma TV and I love it. At first I had digital cable. However, only channels 100 and higher are digital with digital cable. I switched to a satellite dish and the picture is better and all channels are digital. If you are going to spend a lot of money on a TV make sure you have a good signal coming in.

**BottomzUp** · 01.10.07, 01:26 PM

Now that you mentioned signal carrier...DirecTv announced that they will have as many as 150 HD channels by year's end. That's just insane! I am glad though because I'm tired of being limited to 15 or so channels.If it's not in HD I am RARELY watching.

**jaybird** · 01.10.07, 02:22 PM

Not to throw a wrench into your plans, but you might want to also consider Sony's SXRD sets. It's LCos technology, which is kind of a mix between LCD and DLP. I bought one last summer and the picture is PHENOMENAL. Blows away anything else I've seen in either DLP or LCD, and a lot cheaper than plasma. My NFL Sunday Ticket this year was a sight to behold. I can barely watch anything in non HD now, especially on my 50 inch Sony.