what is the difference between an LCD/HDTV/PLASMA?
imhyosuk asked:
i am trying to buy a tv, but i am having issues. I am buying it online since i am in Germany(military) and the military store seems more expensive than say Tigerdirect. can someone tell me what the difference is and what they would recommend?
GET YOUR 42″ VIZIO PLASMA HDTV
i am trying to buy a tv, but i am having issues. I am buying it online since i am in Germany(military) and the military store seems more expensive than say Tigerdirect. can someone tell me what the difference is and what they would recommend?
GET YOUR 42″ VIZIO PLASMA HDTV
Tags: Germany Military, Hdtv Plasma, Lcd Hdtv, Military Store
February 21st, 2010 at 1:44 pm
In a nutshell.
HDTV is High Definition TV, simply means it uses a 16:9 aspect ratio and NOT a 4:3 (or 12:9) and supports a higher definition picture.
HDTV is required for the new Blue-Ray discs, and many cable/satellite operators now have HD broadcasting, as well as the current generation of gaming consoles (PS3, Xbox, Wii). This has NOTHING to do with Digital TV (or DTV). Any HDTV will support Analog or Digital TV that you buy today. In the future you probably will not be able to find a Analog TV.
LCD TV’s are essentially flat screens not unlike a computer monitor except they are built for TV. Some are dual-purpose and many folks like the simple interchangablility, but many (especially cheaper) are JUST TV’s that have a flat screen LCD display. Models vary and so does quality, always a good idea to view one before you buy it, and understand the policy of the store if you are not happy with it’s looks when you get it home. They are typically in the smaller range of TV sizes (under 40″), and costs are anywhere from cheap to pricey.
Plasma TV’s are the best of the best in flat panel TV’s since they provide the truest colors, and hands down a real black (something that is very hard for an LCD to create, hence you’ll see ‘contrast ratio’s comparing like 2000:1 or 8000:1. for LCD’s which are good, but plasma’s can easily be 30,000:1 or better.) These are typically larger (greater than 40″) TV’s since cost is much higher.
On average a Plasma will outlive a LCD 3:1. I have seen LCD’s die after a couple years and plasmas should literally last 10 or so years.
So far I’ve only seen a couple die of old age.
Downsides are that LCD’s are cheaper and won’t last as long, plasma’s are prone to ‘burn-in’ if you leave images on it too long, however if you watch TV on it and not display static advertising you should never worry about burn-in that much. Plasma’s are also known to produce a LOT of heat and do not like to operate in sunshine. So if your main room is all glass walls without curtains a plasma wouldn’t be very good choice for there, but for a home theatre room, this is perfect choice.
Cost is the other downside, LCD’s are typically very cheap (tho beware of too cheap…) and plasma’s tend to be pricier tho the prices have come down in the last two years.
Thoughts on the future may be that prices will go up in the near term, so some say now is the time to spend that money if you haven’t yet, and assuming you’ve got the money to spend.
February 21st, 2010 at 11:01 pm
These sites should best describe things:
LCD:
Plasma:
HDTV:
As for what is best, it depends on you and what you want from the TV! Plasmas have the best picture quality and are recommended for sports and fast motion content. LCD’s are best for well lit rooms and mounting on walls!
For sizes 42″ or larger…Plasma! For 40″ or less, go with LCD!