On the one hand Plasma Televisions offer "hang-on-the-wall" desirability consumers have been promised since the invention of television. Plasma television technology also contributes to its lighter weight, extremely wide viewing angle, and ability to provide a consistently focused, color accurate, and properly proportioned image no matter where on the screen you are looking.
On the other hand, full 1080p Plasma Televisions can be expensive. A rear projection 1080p capable DLP television is much less expensive, when comparing the same size screen. In addition, there are very few Plasma televisions available is screen sizes larger that 61 inches.
Plasma vs LCD
An alternative to Plasma Television is an LCD television. Appearances are deceiving when comparing LCD and Plasma televisions. Both types of televisions are flat and thin, but employ different technology to deliver similar results. LCD flat panels have both advantages and disadvantages in comparison to Plasma televisions.
Plasma Television Advantages
For Plasma televisions, advantages over LCD, are: Better contrast ratio, better ability to render deep blacks, more color depth, better motion tracking (response time), and more availability in very large screen sizes.
Plasma Television Disadvantages
However, disadvantages of Plasma vs LCD include: more susceptible to burn-in (although this is not as much of a factor now, due to technology improvements in the past couple of years), more heat generation, does not perform as well at higher altitudes, and shorter display life span (although this too is changing due to technology improvements - many plasmas have a 60,000 hour or longer life), heavier weight, and more delicate to ship.
LCD Television Advantages
LCD television advantages include no burn-in susceptibility, cooler running, less screen glare, more functional at high altitudes, longer display life (although improvements are being made in Plasma screen life), looks better in brightly lit rooms.
Also, LCD televisions have made strides in upping-the-ante in native pixel resolution, with a growing number of sets offering a full 1080p (1920x1080) display capability at affordable prices in screen sizes ranging from 37-inches and up. On the other hand, the number of Plasma Televisions offering 1080p native pixel resolution, although increasing, are not as common. counterparts.
One factor in favor of LCD over Plasma (at least for the near future) is that if you are planning to purchase a Blu-ray Disc, HD-DVD, or Upscaling DVD Player, LCD may be a more cost-effective option as you can get a 1080p LCD set from 37-to-42-inches at a lower price than and 42-inch size Plasma set that has 1080p resolution. 1080p Plasma sets are typically more expensive in comparison to 1080p LCD counter parts in the same screen sizes.
Another factor to consider is that LCD televisions are typically lighter (when comparing same screen sizes) than their Plasma counterparts, making wall installation easier.
LCD Television Disadvantages
LCD televisions do have drawbacks in several areas vs Plasma televisions: Lower contrast ratio, not as good rendering deep blacks, not as good at tracking motion (although this is improving), and not as common in large screen sizes above 42-inches (although the number is growing).
Also, although LCD televisions do not suffer from burn-in susceptibility, it is possible that individual pixels on an LCD televisions can burn out, causing small, visible, black or white dots to appear on the screen. Individual pixels cannot be repaired, the whole screen would need to be replaced at that point, if the individual pixel burnout becomes annoying to you. Finally, LCD televisions are more expensive than an equivalent-sized Plasma television (especially in sizes above 42-inches), although the price gap is closing.
The LCD Mercury Issue
Also, one argument that Plasma Television manufacturers are making about LCD Televisions is that they use mercury as part of the chemical makeup of the florescent lighting used to illuminate the screen surface.
However, this is a red herring with regards to choosing a Plasma Television over an LCD Television. In LCD sets, the amount of Mercury used is not only small, it never comes in contact with the user. Also, most common high-efficiency florescent lamps also use Mercury.
Also, you are probably in more danger eating Fish, that may contain traces of Mercury, a couple of times a week than watching, touching, or using an LCD TV. Also, with the development of LED lighting sources for both Plasma and LCD sets, which is Mercury-free, this issue will resolve itself in the years ahead.
LCD and Plasma Televisions - HDTV Reception
On the HDTV part of the equation, both LCD and Plasma sets are now equipped with both analog (NTSC) and digital (ATSC) tuners for reception of both standard and high definition televisions signals. However, both LCD and Plasma offer monitor-only configurations with require the addition of an external tuner, such as HD-Cable or HD-Satellite box for reception of HDTV programming. When shopping for either an LCD or Plasma television, make sure you are aware of sets that have onboard turners and those that don't.
For answers to basic questions about LCD Televisions, check out my LCD Television FAQs
My advice; compare all types of televisions in order to see what will work best for you. First of all, make sure the image on the screen looks good to you. Also take into consideration how and where the television will be used, and how it will fit into your decor. Also consider additional costs to get up and running, such as the addition of a tuner, sound system, mounting fixtures, and other components. Also, make sure it is easy to use. Lastly, make sure the television and everything you need with it fits into your budget...and don't forget the service plan offered by the dealer, just in case...
