LCD vs. Plasma: Which flat-panel HDTV is right for you?

Both types look superb, but one may work better for your room and viewing preferences.
Fierce competition among flat-panel TV makers means these sets will continue to get bigger, better, and cheaper. Top-notch LCD and plasma models offer picture quality that can please even fussy videophiles. This quick comparison will help you understand the strengths of each technology:

LCD TV Advantages
LCD TVs come in large and small screen sizes, with models to fit your living room, office or bedroom. LCDs have made incredible gains in picture quality over the past two years, and their durable screens are immune to burn-in.

An LCD TV might be a better choice for you if:

  • Your room is relatively bright, or you do lots of daytime viewing
    LCD TVs offer a noticeably brighter picture than plasmas, and most LCD screens have a glare-resistant finish so that image remain crisp and clear even in rooms with lots of ambient light.
  • You often watch material that might cause burn-in on a plasma
    Unlike plasmas, LCD TVs do not use phosphors, so images can't burn in to their screens. If you regularly watch non-HD programs in 4:3 mode, or play video games, and LCD would be a better choice.
  • You want 1080p resolution -- the highest available
    Although some plasma TVs now offer 1080p resolution, you'll find many more 1080p LCDs to choose from, in a wider range of screen sizes. Only 1080p TVs can show all of the detail in every high-def video source.

Plasma TV advantages

Plasmas were the first flat-panel TVs available, and have consistently offered superior picture quality, although LCDs have recently narrowed the gap. Plasma TVs also offer very good value, typically costing less than a similarly sized LCD.

A plasma TV might be a better choice for you if:

  • You love rich, warm colors and deep blacks
    Plasma screens use a phosphor coating like the tube TVs we all grew up with, so their color looks natural and "right". And plasmas typically deliver higher picture contrast and deeper blacks than comparable LCD TVs.
  • You often have friends or family viewing with you
    If your favorite chair is off-axis when you watch TV, or if you often watch with friends or family spread around the room, plasma is a smart choice because it provides noticeably wider viewing angles than LCDs. The picture stays bright and colorful even viewed from the sides.
  • You watch a lot of sports or other fast-action material
    Plasma TVs have faster video response times than LCDs, so on-screen action always looks naturally smooth and smear-free.

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