| If you are making an LCD/Plasma HDTV comparison then it’s interesting to know a bit of the background development of the two types of screen. When they were introduced a few years ago digital LCD screens became popular when people recognised them as lighter, slimmer alternatives to CRT (cathode ray tube) computer monitors. LCD's produce an image by projecting a light onto a series of 'liquid' crystals sandwiched between glass rectangles. |
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Designers have taken advantage of the physics that cause the liquid crystals to pass or block light as they twist internally. This is one of the main advantages and at the same time a disadvantage for the manufactures attempting to produce great pictures at affordable prices.
The rectangles making up the screen are arranged in rows of pixels ('picture elements') and are actually composed of three, colored sub-pixels which are colored red, green, and blue, respectively, by additional
filters (pigment, dye and metal oxide filters). Each
sub-pixel can be controlled independently to obtain thousands or millions
of possible colors for each pixel. That close spacing and the precise control of twist allow designers to produce an image with great resolution, excellent color reproduction and amazing clarity.
| The rectangles making up the screen are arranged in rows of pixels ('picture elements') and are actually composed of three, colored sub-pixels which are colored red, green, and blue, respectively, by additional filters (pigment, dye and metal oxide filters). Each sub-pixel can be controlled independently to obtain thousands or millions of possible colors for each pixel. |
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That close spacing and the precise control of twist allow designers to produce an image with great resolution, excellent color reproduction and amazing clarity.
To make any clearly visible color each pixel contains red, green and blue, which in turn gives a very realistic color image. Not only are they realistic, they are bright, thus in the LCD/Plasma HDTV comparison the LCD's have the slight edge for color. The downside is that as they get older the backlight can change color or dim.
Both types of screen are good in a darkened room but LCD's keep their clear, bright image in brighter conditions better than Plasmas. The size has a bearing on their performance too. For several years, plasma dominated the upper reaches of size, while LCD often outperformed in the smaller (13" to 37") range.
LCDs retain that bright, clear image better than most Plasmas even under varying light conditions. Both types perform well in darkened rooms, but LCDs have a slight advantage under brighter conditions and more room arrangements. Inherently anti-glare, these sets look great in almost anyone's setup.
For several years, plasma dominated the larger sizes, while LCD often outperformed in the smaller (13" to 37") range. With improved technology, both types do well, with LCDs now available as large as 65". Though, of course, you pay a premium for the larger size.
During those same years, plasmas held the advantage in viewing angle. The nature of LCD panels makes them lose some contrast and the ability to project deep blacks as the viewer moves to the side. Images can look gray and 'washed-out'. Even colors can shift subtly.
LCD's offer a wide range of uses. Older models struggled with motion blur (games and some films or shows require 12-15ms response times to avoid streaking), but current offerings have largely overcome that limitation.
The LCD/Plasma HDTV comparison has levelled significantly in the last few years. Today, except for the extreme sizes, the choice comes down primarily to price, reliability and that ever-elusive 'best picture' quality. Although you can buy online, be sure to 'test drive' any set you are considering under good lighting conditions with a quality source.
Now you've made the LCD/Plasma HDTV comparison, check out the Buyer's Guide
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