Technology is vast. It is something that is constantly advancing and adapting to fulfil consumer needs. Now in this generation, there is an ever-growing influx of consumers who prefer the smoothest and slickest designs when it comes to their entertainment centres.
Of course, television systems are an intricate part within this concept and within entertainment in general; because, how would an individual entertain guest or themselves without them? On this note, clearly entertainment equipment advances every year and it certainly is nothing like what it used to be specifically with televisions.
Who Favours What: LCD vs Plasma?
Today choosing between purchasing a LCD or Plasma screens is a big issue among consumers. It appears to be split 50/50, with various opinions on “what is most important” having the heaviest impact within this industry. However there are quite a few myths surrounding these two options, but luckily they can be dispelled quite easily. For starters, if you favour LCD over plasma simply because you perceive it to utilise less energy, thus minimising energy costs. Then you’d definitely be an LCD purchase for the wrong reason.
Now, the same could be said for those consumers who favour Plasma screen over LCD simply because they are perceived to have a longer life expectancy. There is no way to accurately determine whether Plasma screen can outlive an LCD television. Basically, it all comes down to how often the system is put to use. Either one of these technologies are pretty close in regards to the life expectancy. So, this can’t be a deciding factor either.
The real truth in determining which technology is better than the other is found within the picture that is outputted in particular. In fact, despite what differing opinions do show this is the quantifying factor that plays the most crucial role in understanding why one system is preferred over the other.
Picture Quality And Viewing Angles
In technology such as this, there is always going to be that one discernible factor that makes the other stand out more than the next. The picture quality and the various viewing angles between these technologies exhibit the accurate differences. For example, a plasma screen has been proven to have a far better viewing angle than an LCD if turned at a right or left angle.
In fact, LCD technology loses picture quality by about 45% when it is angled to the left or right. This is caused by the LCD’s need to have a back-light and a light filtering layer. When this system has to be turned left or right then it impacts how well this filtering can pass through to enhance the picture.
However, the plasma screen is shown to maintain that picture quality 100%. There are no obvious picture quality changes with the Plasma screen when repositioned at these angles, though they might not be preferred angles for most consumers.
The reason is due to the fact that Plasma screens don’t require a back-light because they utilise a technology where each cell is infused with its own light. No matter which direction you turn the television; the picture quality is still radiant.
When it comes to LCD versus Plasma in this respect then plasma screen televisions are going to win out each and every time. Now, when it comes to the hue and overall picture contrast, most experts and consumers will point out no relative difference in the two.
Picture Hue Between LCD and Plasma Screen Televisions
And the competition continues. Of course, the expert opinion on these technologies shows that Plasma televisions do offer the more stunning picture display, while LCD televisions offer improved lighting and other sequential features. In the end and with regard to picture hue these are so similar that there really is no way to find a great difference at all. While Plasma televisions don’t require that back-lighting (as was mentioned previously) this feature can come in handy.
Consumers can see advantages and disadvantages within both of these entertaining technologies. Since purchasing either provides excellent entertainment, the real solution likes with the consumer. Some go with Plasma’s because they are known to be more affordable; while other shoppers choose to spend more for the LCD models because they want something that has the possibility of lasting a little longer. Let’s do a quick comparison of the two and then leave it up to the purchaser with regard to which one is chosen.
LCD Advantages
- The lighting is more favourable when viewing straight ahead, with picture quality crystal clear
- The lighting is thin and relatively unseen by the naked eye, but the visual effect is enhanced
- The motion blur option is perfect for LCD, with no viewing issues
- Suitable for bright room viewing
- More practical to the consumer due to thinner design
Plasma Advantages
- Plasma televisions are found to be around $250 to $300 cheaper than a high quality LCD television
- These offer the best viewing pleasure in a darkened environment, offering a theatrical like effect
- There is no blur of motion when viewing
Individual Consumer Preferences Make the Difference
As was mentioned earlier in this article, the majority of these purchases are just situated around what the individual consumers are looking for at that particular time. Now unfortunately, it normally does come down to the better price value, much more so than it does with any other contributing factor. It’s just a fact that some consumers prefer the backlit feature of the LCD’s while others prefer the Plasma screens unique differences.
If you want affordable and good picture quality plasma televisions might be beneficial for you; however, if you want thinner and sleeker design with more adaptability then LCD might be for you.
All in all, if you’re a consumer who wants a long lasting HDTV that is energy efficient, has decent picture quality, features that are more modern and don’t cost a fortune, and just provides a pleasurable viewing experience, then either one of these are good choices. You can have a great cinematic experience with either one if you do the set up according to each makes specifications.
What we do suggest to consumers when their looking to purchase a new HDTV is to view as many different models as they can, so that they can compare the picture quality and features. If possible they should look to view them in similar conditions as to how they will be viewed in their home. If the television is initially viewed in a darkened home theatre in store then they cannot expect the picture quality to be identical in a full light room once they get their new HDTV home.
