LCD Vs. Plasma Vs. DLP

Tap to Read ➤ Rahul Thadani

The ultimate choice of TV lies with the consumer. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of all three types available, that will help you arrive at the best decision.

For consumers who are looking to buy flat screen TVs, there are many options available today. Each of these TV sets offer a very enjoyable and technologically enhanced viewing experience, so a consumer should make a careful analysis about which set to purchase.

There are many factors like image quality, potential problems, price and servicing options that need to be taken into consideration.

Buying a television set is an investment today, because all these sets cost a fair amount of money. Manufacturers of one particular set will obviously point out the benefits of their product over others, but the customer is entitled to be aware about an in depth and detailed comparison.

LCD TVs

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) TVs are those sets in which each pixel on the screen is controlled by a liquid. This enables the pixels on the screen to change colors. Initial LCD TVs were much smaller than those available today, but the demands has led to manufacturers producing larger sizes.

Advantages

These are very good for still images. This is why they are so popular as screens for desktop computers and laptop computers. Their life is around 15 years (if used for 6 hours a day on an average). They are lighter than plasma TVs, and can be mounted on the wall. They have very efficient brightness levels.

Disadvantages

These are not very good with moving images. They leave a small trail during movements, which becomes more noticeable in a bigger sized television set. Viewing an LCD from a slanted view will diminish the image quality.

LCD TVs over 35 inches are much more expensive than their counterparts. Black levels are not efficiently dealt with on LCD TVs. These have the most amount of pixel failures, leading to an inferior image.

Plasma TVs

Plasma TVs are the best in the HDTV (High-Definition TV) segment. These are very similar to old-fashioned color TVs, as they use the old Cathode Ray Tube technology. There are little bits of plasma inside the TV, that are excited in order to cause the pixels on screen to change their color.

Advantages

These can last about 20 years (if they are used for 6 hours every day). There is no delay in the movement of pixels, something which is common with LCD TVs. These can be viewed from any angle, and this will not affect the quality of the picture. These have very good contrast ratios. These can be mounted on a wall. They are relatively cheaper than LCD TVs.

Disadvantages

The problem of plasma TV burn in is the biggest threat. If a still image is left on the screen for a long time, there will be a burn in effect and that spot will be permanently tarnished. The logo of channels is something that affects the television drastically.

These are not available in a size lesser than 37 inches. This means it is not an option for some consumers. Plasma TVs consume far more power than an LCD TV.

DLP TVs

The display in DLP (Digital Light Processing) TVs is produced using a rear projection light, and there are a number of rotating motors that cause the pixels to change colors by changing the amount of light that falls on them.

DLP TVs are not the latest or the flattest models out there, but they have many followers who absolutely love them. Moreover, these are economically priced as well.

Advantages

These are bigger and better than plasma TVs or LCD TVs in the short term. They are cheaper. These screens can be larger than plasma screens or LCD screens, so the viewing experience will be better. DLP power consumption is lesser.

Disadvantages

These take up a lot more space than LCD TVs or plasma TVs. Their picture quality is not as good as other TV sets. Fast-moving objects can leave a trail on the screen. Angled viewing ruins the experience. Very high maintenance costs, because the projector will need replacing from time to time.

Ultimately the choice falls into the consumers hands, and you must make an informed decision after doing enough research. Buy something that suits your budget and your needs, and you will be able to enjoy the very best viewing experience for yourself.