| Comparison |
Plasma | LCD |
| Screen Size |
Generally larger than LCD.
Screen sizes up to 60″ or larger.
|
Wide range of sizes, topping out around 45″. |
Viewing Angle
(Refers to how far you can sit to the side of the screen without losing picture quality)
|
Typically has a wider viewing angle than LCD. |
Newer LCD displays with wider viewing angles are making this less of an issue. |
| Brightness/Contrast |
Very Good |
Very Good |
| Motion Tracking | Very Good |
Good to Very Good |
| Thickness |
About 4 inches deep |
About 3inches deep |
| Screen Burn-In |
Moderate Risk |
No Risk |
| High-Altitude Performance |
May be affected by high altitudes. However, some plasmas specifically designed for high altitudes. |
Not affected by high altitudes |
Product Lifespan
(Time it takes the light source to fade to half its original brightness) |
30,000 — 60,000 hours.
Once the light source in the cells is gone, generally not repairable.
|
50,000 — 60,000 hours
When bulb burns out, it can be replaced, but it may be expensive.
|
| Advantages |
- Available in larger sizes
- Truer, natural color
- Superior brightness & contrast (in darkened room)
- Sharp motion tracking
- Lower cost per square inch
|
- Lighter & more durable
- Superior brightness & contrast (in bright room)
- Easily wall-mountable
- No burn-in
- Excellent for use as a TV & PC display
|
| Disadvantages |
- Susceptible to burn-in
- Heavier, so may need additional supports to mount on a wall
|
- Picture slightly less natural than top plasma TVs
- Slower response time: motion not as sharp
|
