Plasma vs. LCD
Having trouble discerning between plasma and LCD televisions? This handy chart can help you determine which technology is best for you.
PlasmaLCDGeneralScreen sizes
42-65+ inches
5-65+ inches
Cabinet depth
3+ inches
3+ inches
Power consumption
Usually less-efficient per square inch
Usually more-efficient per square inch
Off-angle viewing
Excellent from all angles
Image fades slightly when seen from extreme angles from sides or from above or below
Reflectivity of screen
Glass screens can reflect lots of light, so may be an issue in very bright rooms. Some models have glare-reducing screens that are more- or less-effective
Matte plastic screens usually reflect less light. Some models have screens that are actually more reflective than plasma
FeaturesPC connectivity
Less common but still included on many models
More common than with plasma
Other features
Varies per model
Varies per model
Picture qualityMotion blur caused by display
Negligible
Difficult to discern on most models, although subject to more blurring than plasma. 120Hz models less-subject to motion blur
Black-level performance (depth of "black" displayed)
Varies, although excellent on many models.
Varies, although generally worse than plasma on many models, and better than plasma on best models
Color saturation
Varies, although generally a bit better than LCD due to black level and off-angle advantages
Varies, although the best models can equal the best plasmas
Resolution
Typically 720p, up to 1080p on high-end models. The benefits of 1080p are not obvious at screen sizes below 50 inches to the majority of viewers.
Typically 720p, but 1080p is more common than plasma at more price and size points. The benefits of 1080p are not obvious at screen sizes below 50 inches to the majority of viewers
DurabilityBurn-in (faint after-images left on-screen)
Possible with still images left on-screen with very bright settings for hours, although new models much less susceptible, and most burn-in is temporary and goes away after watching moving images
Does not occur
Lifespan (hours until fades to half-brightness)
Typically 60,000 hours, or about 20 years if used 8 hours per day.
Typically 60,000 hours, or about 20 years if used 8 hours per day.
Program typeHDTV
Excellent
Excellent for HDTV-compatible models.
Standard-definition TV
Dependent mostly on screen size. The smaller the screen, the better standard-def usually looks
Dependent mostly on screen size. The smaller the screen, the better standard-def usually looks
DVD Movies
Excellent given a model with good black-level performance
Very good, although models with worse black-level performance are less desirable
Games
Excellent for most users, although burn-in might deter gamers who leave screens paused for hours or overnight
Excellent, although motion blur might deter the most sensitive gamers
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