LCD vs Plasma
The Diiference between LCD, LED and Plasma TVs
So what is the difference between LED TVs, LCD TVs & plasma TVs? More importantly, which technology is best for you. Before you read any further, know one thing, there's a lot of mis-information on the Internet and the date of the article you're reading is imperative as this technology changes rapidly and without up-to-date information, you're reading about old, redundant technologies.
LCD TV (liquid Crystal Display) - LCD Tvs are slowly on the way out. Manufacturers are now adopting the newer LED TV technology and the LCD TV has been left for the cheaper end of the market.
LED TV (Light Emitting Diode) - LED TVs actually use an LCD with LED lighting behind the display which is much more accurate and detailed than the traditional LCD TV. The LED lighting behind the display allows for a very small point source of light to be turned on and off relative to the colour that is display on your screen. From the fully on position to the fully off position, LED lighting offers much faster refresh rates and much more dynamic range or contrast which results in an extremely accurate representation of the incoming picture.
Plasma TV - Plasma TV is not as accurate as the LED displays, but it does impart a pleasing character on the picture that is displayed to the eye. Like a valve amplifier in high end audio systems, the valve imparts particular tonal qualities that are pleasing to your ears. It isn't accurate, but at least it sound/looks good.
Deciding Factors
Viewing Angle - LCD and LED TVs generally have poorer off-axis viewing, meaning if you're viewing your TV from anywhere but straight in front of the TV, then LED/LCD TV may not be your best option.
Reflection - Plasma TVs generally have a highly reflective glass screen. This almost acts like a mirror. If there's light entering the room from behind you, then it very likely you see this light reflected strongly in the plasma tv screen.
Viewing Content - Are you watching freeview / pay tv or DVDs? Digital TV and Pay TV services are compressed enormously in order to be transmitted through the air and received by your TV antenna. Blu-ray and DVD does not need to be compressed in the same way. In fact with a quality HDMI cable, you have a direct digital connection from your DVD to your TV with very little processing in-between.
As LED TVs are so accurate displaying the TV picture, it shows all the flaws in the compressed picture. Manufactures have worked hard in the last few years to overcome this, and recently TVs like the Samsung series 8 pictured above is now our recommended TV for all purposes.
