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Plasma & LCD - pros and cons Print

A snapshot of Plasma versus LCD. The advantages, disadvantages and advances.

 

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 

Quality Issues

LCD units can have permanently lit or unlit pixels, referred to as "stuck or dead pixels". A small number of defect pixels that are not clustered are considered acceptable for displays.

Manufacturers have widely different standards for the acceptable level of defective pixels. Reputable manufacturers adhere to the international standard, ISO 13406-2 (www.iso.org) which governs how many defects (size and cluster) are acceptable for flat screen displays.

A small percentage of LCD units can also suffer from a retained pixel charge that can cause ‘ghosting'. Turning the unit off for a period of time can usually rectify this.

Advances

There continue to be significant improvements in LCD tvs as leading manufacturers address some of the disadvantages compared to plasma screens. This includes the production of larger sized screens, with quicker resolution times and cheaper prices.

Advantages

  • Thin and slim units that can be wall or floor mounted
  • Lighter than equivalent Plasma and CRT televisions, more portable and cheaper to transport.
  • Consumes less power than Plasma and CRT televisions
  • Not susceptible to ‘burn in' of images compared to plasma
  • Most can be used as computer displays
  • LCDs theoretically have a life of 50,000+ hours
  • Ability to maintain variation in colour and contrast in bright environments (which is why LCDs often look better than Plasma's on display in a shop)
  • Do not emit radiation like CRT televisions

 

Disadvantages

  • LCDs are back-lit and typically can't display black as well as plasmas
  • Some models have limited viewing angle and screen may not be able to be viewed from side of screen
  • LCDs can have longer response times creating ghosting of images that are moving rapidly

 

Plasma

 

Retail shop displays

Plasmas often compare unfavourably when displayed on a brightly lit shop floor next to LCD screens. Ideally plasma televisions should be assessed in a 'home entertainment' display room environment.

Advances

Leading manufactures have addressed a number of issues for plasma televisions.

Plasmas are now on par with LCDs for lifespan. Lifespan is the number of viewing hours prior to dimming to half brightness. LCD or plasma televisions generally are expected to last for more than 50,000 hours.

Plasmas at high altitudes can emit a buzzing noise. This issue has been addressed by some manufacturers and is worth investigating prior to installing a new screen in your ski lodge!

Advantages

  • Available in larger sizes, usually greater than 37 inches or 94cm
  • Today, for cost per square cm, tend to be cheaper than LCD for larger screen sizes
  • Offer deeper blacks and better contrast than LCDs in ideal conditions (which is no ambient light)

 

Disadvantages

  • Consumes more power and generates more heat than LCD or CRT televisions
  • Fragile and heavy units that require extra care during transport and installation
  • Older models can suffer from ‘burn in' caused by static images being displayed for extended periods
  • Plasma units at higher altitudes can emit a buzzing sound