Which is Better Plasma or LCD

There is something amazing about watching a soccer game on a 42 inch flat screen TV, isn't it? The flat screen TVs have taken the electronics market by storm these days. Anyone who wants to have a real good experience watching TV either buys a plasma or LCD. These are the High-Definition television (HDTV) which make watching TV a fantastic experience! They also need so much less space than the normal TVs! So, all in all they are just fabulous. But there are differences of opinion when it comes to which one is better - plasma or LCD. It is actually difficult to say in a decisive manner as to which one is better, but here is an attempt on a SWOT analysis of both, in short LCD vs plasma televisions.

What is Plasma Technology

The picture in plasma TV is created with the help of a gas, which consists of xenon and neon atoms, along with electrically charged atoms and electrons. These collide when the power is tuned on and the gas then turns into a plasma, emitting ultraviolet light. that results in charging up of phosphors to emit visible light. That is how the picture is created in a plasma TV.

How does LCD Technology Work

LCD means liquid crystal display which uses 2 sheets of polarizing material. There is a liquid crystal solution between them. Now, when an electric current is passed through the liquid, it causes the crystals to align thereby prevent light passing through them. That makes each crystal like a shutter, which either blocks the light or allows light to pass through, in this type of television. This is the answer to how does an LCD TV work.

Plasma vs LCD - A Low Down

Show me the Picture
When it is about picture quality, apparently plasma TVs are better than LCD TVs, in normal to low room lighting conditions. Plasmas can show better contrast, because of their ability to show deeper blacks. In addition to this, plasma TVs have better viewing angles. So when it is about picture quality, the trade gurus seems to give a thumbs up to plasma TVs. LCDs are great for public viewing or bright room light environment as the contrast ratio for LCD TV is not as good as plasma TVs.

Fast-Moving Videos
Plasma TVs are excellent with fast-moving images and high contrast levels. The good ones amongst them do not have a phosphor lag or a motion blur effect. This is the problem with LCD TVs, that they have the problem of motion blur effect, where the individual pixels are a bit out of step with the image on the screen. It is the case specially during fast-moving sports scenes. Here if you ask which is better, plasma or LCD TV? Well, it is surely plasma.

Burning issues
Computer functionality of plasma TVs is hampered by their burnout issue, whereas LCDs fare much much better in this department. Burnout refers to the condition when the TV shows a still image or an icon for sometime till the ghost remains on the screen. LCDs do not encounter this problem. They also do not have a problem at high altitudes where there is air pressure difference, which creates problems in plasma TVs. So, in this case I think there is no doubt as to which is better- plasma or LCD, right?

Computer Functionality
Another issue which will help you sort out the issue of which is better plasma or LCD is the adaptability with computers. Although both the types are compatible with computers, LCD monitors can display static images from computer or VGA sources better than plasma TVs. LCD monitors have more number of pixels per square inch and that makes them good at displaying a considerable amount of data. LCD monitors are a better option when it comes to computer functionality, as they don't have the burnout problem. That is one of the major difference between plasma and LCD.

These were the main factors which will help you decide which is better, plasma or LCD. However, there are many more factors like power consumption (where LCD gets a nod) and the value for money award goes to plasma TVs, especially with regards to larger size TVs. Plasma TV lifespan and LCD lifespan is also amongst the factors for comparison between the two.

Overall, it actually depends on what you think is better and what is suited for your home environment. Here, there was just a description of what is the good bad and (d-uh) ugly in both these TV types. After going through all this, what do you think? Which is better plasma or LCD?!