CATEGORIES

LCD

PLASMA

GENERAL

CABINET DEPTH

Mostly the same, average is 2-3.5 inches

Mostly the same, average is 2-3.5 inches

POWER CONSUMPTION

Uses less energy per square inch

Uses more energy per square inch

PRICE DIFFERENCE

$0-$300 More if any

$0-$300 Less if any

SCREEN SIZES

5” TO 70”

37” TO 65”

CONNECTIVITY

VIDEO OUTPUT

Video, Composite RGB, Coax, S-Video, HDMI & DVI  outputs will vary depending on model  

Video, Composite RGB, Coax, S-Video, HDMI & DVI  outputs will vary depending on model  

VIDEO INPUT

HDMI, Composite (AV), Component, S-Video, Coax  inputs will vary depending on model  

HDMI, Composite (AV), Component, S-Video, Coax  inputs will vary depending on model  

PC CONNECTIVITY

Most entry to high level models will have PC monitor cable  inputs.

Most entry to high level models will have PC monitor cable  inputs.

AUDIO OUTPUT

HDMI “audio video all in one” RCA stereo, Coax “video & audio”, Optical Audio, 5.1 SPDIF Digital. Depending on manufacture options will vary

HDMI “audio video all in one” RCA stereo, Coax “video & audio”, Optical Audio, 5.1 SPDIF Digital. Depending on manufacture options will vary

PICTURE QUALITY

COLOR SATURATION

Depending on model it is usually equal or less in quality than plasma

Depending on manufacture Plasma has a slight advantage in this arena

RESOLUTION

1080i, 720P, 1080P are the most common resolutions.

1080i, 720P, 1080P are the most common resolutions.

ASPECT RATIO

Most come in 16:9 (Wide screen) but still available in 4:3

Most models come in 16:9(Wide screen)  , very few in 4:3

RESPONSE TIME

GOOD but varies on (ms) rating

Excellent most under .002 ms

REFRESH RATE

Not as good as plasma

Better then LCD

CONTRAST

LCD’s use blocked light to create black, therefore blacks sometimes look gray on lower priced models of LCD’s giving plasma the advantage in this arena. See contrast ratio on model Specs for ratings. Remember the higher the left number the better the contrast ratio.

Plasma TV’s generally have a better contrast, resulting in deeper richer colors. The Blacks are black with little to no gray shading where it’s suppose to be black. This results in spending less money for a better contrast.

VIEWING ANGLE

UP TO 174°

Varies by Manufacture

UP TO 177°

Varies by Manufacture

DURABILITY

LIFE SPAN

Usually Longer life span (see rated hours of use on model Specs) average is between 40,000 - 80,000

Usually Shorter life span (see rated hours of use on model Specs) average is between 30,000 - 60,000 but Plasma is climbing up to 80,000 as technology is advancing.

WEIGHT

Usually lighter (easier to mount on walls) but check specs on various models to compare.

Usually heavier (may need extra wall mounting support which is available) but are getting lighter as technology improves “so check model specs.

DURABILITY

More durable, mounting is easier, shipping is mostly worry free and they are easier to mount due to lighter weight

Less durable due to the fragile plasma (gasses) inside which make them more difficult to handle, mount, and ship. Another words be really careful

HIGH ALTITUDE PERFORMANCE

LCD are not affected by altitude and are desirable in aircraft for this reason.

Plasma are affected at high altitude due to the stress put on the Plasma (gasses), manufactures of plasma TV’s do make models for high altitude use but are usually expensive.

INSTALLATION

LCD’s by far are easier to install, they are generally lighter and less fragile than Plasma’s. You should be able to do it yourself in most cases.

Plasmas Are heavier, and require more breathing space due to higher levels of heating. Reinforced, professional installation is recommended.

SHIPPING

LCD are easier to ship, they are less fragile and can be shipped by most carriers. This will save you a few dollars.

Plasma’s usually require special carriers to give the required care while in transit which can cost you a bit more, this is due to the fragile nature of the gases inside.