LCD VS PLASMA : WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Best 1080p televisions
Screen resolutions have been stirring up confusion for several years now. Just when you thought it was safe to assume that any screen adorned with an HD Tick logo guaranteed complete high-definition support, the goal posts have moved.
Most recent HD Tick TVs feature a WXGA resolution of 1366x768 pixels. This will display the commonly used 720p and 1080i formats, although 1080i signals will be downscaled to fit. To display 1080i signals in their entirety, you'll need a screen with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, which has been coined 'Full HD' by the marketing men.
If you're interested in devices like Blu-ray or HD DVD players or the PlayStation 3 then finding a screen that supports 1080p is important. So, finding the best screen for you depends on your uses and we've listed five of the best LCDs and plasmas featuring Full-HD resolutions.
Read More about the best of LCD and Plasma TVs.....
Best LCD TVs over 40-inch
In the past 12 months, we've seen a massive increase in both the quality and quantity of LCDs over the 40-inch mark. And while the images they produce are still, in most cases, not up to the level of plasma, they now represent much better value for money.
It may appear a little gaudy to some but the peacock of this bunch is the Philips Aurea 42PFL9900D. In value-for-money terms it's one of the worst, but for performance and pure "wow factor" it's very hard to beat.
Meanwhile, two televisions which are outstanding in their own ways are Sony's premium KDL46XBR and Samsung's budget LA40R81BD. The Sony demonstrates all that is good about current generation LCD, and at a very decent asking price. If "bang-for-buck" is important, the R8 series -- and the 40-inch in particular -- are very good televisions.Rounding out this group are Toshiba's 47WL68 and Philips' non-Aurea 42PFL9632D. Both feature 100Hz capability, while the Philips is also 1080p, and both are very good televisions in their own right.Top 5 plasma TVs
If 2007 is to be remembered for anything it won't be for HD DVD or Blu-ray. No, it should be seen as the year that plasma bounced back.
For years plasmas squandered in SD hell (or worse!), but now -- in the hands of Pioneer and Panasonic -- they are available in full 1080p definition, and for a more affordable price.In the past, the standard line has been: "Choose a plasma if you watch in the dark, and an LCD if you live in a modern, light-filled space." But several new plasmas now boast anti-glare coatings, meaning bright environments are no longer a problem.
For our money, the Pioneer PDP-508XDA is the best of this bunch as it has a superior mix of image quality, features and price. However, all five are excellent TVs in their own right, and should all be available for a lot less on the street.Most TVs here aren't full high-definition, but most are capable of 720p/1080i -- which is the most free-to-air is capable of right now. And while one TV in this list is still yet to be reviewed -- the Panasonic TH-42PZ700A -- it's the first 42-inch TV we've seen which can do 1080p. This makes it an attractive and intriguing proposition for the money.LCD vs Plasma TVs Buying Guide
At first glance, plasma TVs and LCD TVs look the same. Both are thin and stylish. They have totally flat screens and both offer amazing clear pictures. Most have cutting edge widescreen technology. However, there are some key differences between LCD and plasma TVs that might influence your decision about which type to buy.
But first, what are at the advantages of LCD and plasma TVs over traditional televisions:Advantages of LCD and plasma TVsCrisp and clearLCD and plasma screens have more pixels per square inch than a CRT (or "normal") TV, meaning you get a sharper image (it's worth remembering that, as with all TVs, some screens have better clarity than others)They look good - even when turned offOkay, so this might not be your first concern. But LCD and plasma TVs are sleek and slim, easily mounted on a wall or fitted snug against the side of your living room.Wide viewing angleBecause LCD and plasma TVs are totally flat you can watch them from a wide angle
Save space, look sharpLCD and plasma TVs are so compact that a 15" flat panel screen gives you the same amount of viewable screen as a traditional 17" CRT display.Films, as they were meant to be seenPlasma and LCD screens often come with a widescreen aspect ratio. Put simply, this means that you can watch movies and DVDs the way they were intended, and not "boxed" in to fit a CRT screen - perfect for a home cinema set-up.No scan linesLook closely at your traditional CRT television and you can see thin lines. LCD and plasma TVs do not have these.The differences between LCD and plasma TVsAlthough both offer similar advantages over traditional TVs, there are some key differences between LCD and plasma screens:How does an LCD TV work?LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. A network of hundreds of thousands of tiny LCD pixels sits behind the TV screen. Behind these pixels is a fluorescent white backlight. When the light hits the pixels, an electric current determines what colour appears on the screen, and the millions of tiny light variations make up the image that you see on your TV.How does a plasma TV work?Plasma screens are made of two sheets of glass, between which plasma (xenon and neon gas) fills thousands of tiny chambers. Behind each chamber are a series of red, blue and green phosphors. When electricity hits the plasma chambers, they emit invisible UV light, which then hits one of the coloured phosphors. This creates a visible image on the screen.SONY BRAVIA LCD HDTV
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LCD vs. Plasma: which TV is right for you?
Take a look at our table to find out how plasma and LCD TVs compare when measured up against each other in different categories. Remember - technology changes all the time, with both plasma and LCD TVs improving in quality, so use this table as a guideline only:
PLASMA
Size and weight : Generally larger than LCDs, with screens up to 71 inches. Plasma TVs are usually around 10% heavier than LCD screens (meaning great care should be taken when mounting on a wall)Quality of Picture : Usually plasma screens have better contrast. Both have excellent quality and sharpness."Image Burn" : Nowhere near as much of a problem now as a few years ago, there is still a slight concern that images left still for a long time could be etched into the screen.Viewing angle : Plasma tends to have slightly better viewing angles than LCD.Brightness and glare : In a fully dark room, plasma TVs have better contrast and brightness than LCD screens.Lifespan : Usually, plasma screens last for up to 60,000 hours before they dim by half.Energy usage : Plasma uses slightly more power than LCD screens.LCD
LCD
Size and weight : Usually no larger than 46 inches, though larger TVs are in development. LCDs are often slightly thinner than plasma TVs.
Quality of Picture : LCD usually has a slightly clearer picture in smaller models and a higher resolution.
"Image Burn" : This is not a problem with LCD screens.Viewing angle : Some models have a restricted viewing angle, but many allow up to 160-degreeBrightness and glare : LCD TVs generally reflect less light and glare, so fare better in normal light conditionsLifespan : LCD TVs usually last 60,000 hours or more before they dim by a half.Energy usage : LCD TVs often use less power than plasma screens. They can consume 60% less power than a CRT televisionPlasma vs. LCD...Now that you have read about the main differences between plasma and LCD TVs you may have decided which one is right for you. They both have stunning, clear pictures and most models offer amazing widescreen viewing - so you can't go far wrong with either! However, it's worth considering where you are going to watch your TV and for what main purpose you will use it. If you are looking for a smaller screen to put in a TV, bedroom or small living room - LCD is probably your best bet. If you're looking for a home cinema screen, then a larger plasma model may be the one for you.Comments
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