LCD or Plasma?

If this issue appears a little slanted toward LCD TVs, you’re not wrong, though the slant was accidental, not intentional. That said, US consumers also seem to be slanting toward LCD TVs over their plasma cousins. Recent data show that LCD TVs are gaining significant market share on plasma and a JD Power study even shows that electronics retailers tend to recommend LCD more than plasma.

If you had asked me if this was possible two years ago, I would have thought it unlikely. First, being a more mature TV technology, plasma has historically been cheaper, per inch, than LCD. They still are in most instances, but that margin is closing. LCD factories have been springing up in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China. Pioneer, one of the original leaders in the high-end plasma TV market, is ceasing it’s own plasma production to source panels from Panasonic. Of the manufacturers that produce both technologies, most (Samsung, LG and Hitachi) have more LCD models than plasma.

Does all that mean that LCD is the superior technology? Absolutely not. In fact, in most picture quality categories, plasma still reigns supreme. LCD does have some distinct advantages. First, there’s the (often exaggerated) plasma burn-in issue (I’ve yet to burn in any plasma TV). LCDs do run cooler and can use less electricity than a same-sized plasma, though Panasonic has made significant progress on energy efficient plasmas. LCDs tend to be brighter, making them better for brightly lit rooms.

Retail sales staff are also sometimes confused when recommending LCD TVs. The fact that LCDs now incorporate 120Hz processing doesn’t make them superior to plasmas (plasma doesn’t require 120Hz processing). Sales help have also been known to tell customers that 1080p resolution can only be found on LCD—not true. I’ve even heard sales associates say that LCDs have better contrast (the opposite is true).

I tend to be a big fan of plasma TVs and have one in my home. I hope plasma manufacturers don’t give up on the technology simply because the popular trend is shifting away from it. That said, the best LCD TVs (including the ones covered in this issue) offer incredible picture quality, features and design. Any TV decision shouldn’t be based around picking a technology. It should be based on weighing a combination of factors leading up to the product that will all-around be best for your home or family. Unlike an iPod or laptop PC, a TV will likely be in use for 10 years or more. There are few other purchases that last as long, so take it seriously. Have an opinion on this? Share your thoughts in our online forums at http://forums.e-gear.com.