Which is better: plasma or LCD TV? Or maybe LED? We choose together

Last updated Dec 3, 2022

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Your old TV could not withstand the load and burned out? Or did you just decide to update the appliances in the house, since the funds allow? However, what’s the difference. You are about to buy a new TV, but you do not know which model to choose. Which is better: plasma, or LCD, or LED? Which TV is right for you? Let’s try to figure it out.

Plasma TVs

One of the main advantages of plasma TVs is the excellent picture quality and color depth. This is due to the fact that in the plasma imaging technology, each cell has its own color and works as an independent microscopic kinescope. Several cells together form a single picture, lively and natural, with clearly traced detailed contours. Frames smoothly replace each other, no flickering and unpleasant color "waves".

Advantages:

spectacular slim body;
a wide range of large TVs, with a diagonal of up to 80 ";
modern design;
smooth frame change, no flicker;
wide viewing angle (about 160 – 170º);
due to the absence of electric and magnetic fields, much less dust settles on the screen;
the resolution of the plasma TV is always identical to the resolution of the input channel;
Almost all modern models of plasma devices are equipped with computer connectors. If you wish, you can use the TV as an additional screen for your PC or laptop;
The average life of a plasma TV is about 20 years.

Flaws:

Plasma TVs are by no means cheap. If you would like to avoid unnecessary expenses, then plasma models are clearly not for you;
devices using plasma technology sometimes consume a lot of energy. So, a model with a diagonal of 42 "can consume approximately 350 watts;
If there is a static picture on the screen for a long time, some pixels may fail. They will either stop burning altogether, or will burn constantly. Both are equally unpleasant for the viewer;
some models of plasma TVs have a considerable weight (up to 90 kg). To securely mount them on the wall, you need a strong bracket.

LCD TV (LCD technology)

LCD technology involves the use of liquid crystals as the basis for obtaining images. LCD TVs, unlike plasma TVs, do not experience problems due to a static picture, consume less energy, and are cheaper. At the same time, image quality suffers. A natural question arises: which is better, plasma or LCD TV? If you are an avid movie fan and appreciate the clarity and dynamism of the picture, then choose plasma. If you watch news and other on-air programs more often, then there is no need to spend money, and LCD will suit you.

Advantages:

relatively low cost. In any case, an LCD TV will cost you less than a plasma panel;
small amount of power consumption. LCD TVs are very economical;
confident display of a static image;
low noise level;
The service life of an LCD TV is almost twice that of a plasma (75,000 hours versus 30,000).

Flaws:

LCD TVs are usually smaller than plasma or LED TVs. But manufacturers are not going to put up with this, so now it is quite possible to find an LCD model with a diagonal of 80 ";
reduced contrast. The black color is not saturated enough, more like a dark blue rather than black. This is due to the peculiarities of the technology for the production of liquid crystal screens. However, if you watch TV in a well-lit room, you will hardly notice it;
there is a risk of pixel burn-in;
smaller viewing angle than plasma.

LED TV

So, with LCD-TVs and plasma, we figured it out. And even almost found out which is better, plasma or LCD TVs, based on image quality and cost of the device. And what about the models working on LED technology?

According to their characteristics, these TVs are a cross between LCD and plasma. The image quality is significantly higher than that of the former, and less energy is required than the latter. But the price of LED TVs "bites", and very painfully. Therefore, such a device is not affordable for everyone.

Advantages:

high image contrast. The clarity of the LED TV screen makes the most favorable impression. No worse than plasma;
high quality color reproduction, realism. The picture looks natural, smooth transitions, no flicker;
wide viewing angle (average – 160 º);
reduced energy consumption. LED TV is 40% more economical than LCD;
environmental friendliness. The LED backlight of the LED TV does not use mercury;
the average thickness of an LED TV is only 3 cm;
the screen is very light, easy to mount on the wall;
if desired, you can connect a computer, a DVD player, etc. to the TV. Some models are capable of replacing a PC themselves, as they are directly connected to the Internet. TV becomes not just a TV, but a real multifunctional device, a center for work and entertainment.

Flaws:

high price. In principle, this is almost the only reason why LED TVs have not yet ousted plasma and LCD from the market;
there are few models with a diagonal of less than 40". If you want to buy a small TV, then you have to choose from plasma or LCD TVs.

Summing up

After evaluating the main technical characteristics of each type of TV, let’s sum up and finally find out which is better: plasma, or LCD, or LED?

Image quality: LED and plasma come first. LCD TVs noticeably lose due to insufficiently high levels of contrast and clarity.
Efficiency: models with LED technology are again in the lead. Second place – LCD-TVs. The most “gluttonous" participant is plasma devices.
Price: LCD TVs are the cheapest. The second place is plasma. The third rightfully belongs to inaccessible to many LED TVs.
Durability: the absolute leader is LCD. Second place is shared by plasma and LED TVs.

It turns out that if you need a device that will serve faithfully for almost decades, while the picture quality is not so important, then feel free to buy an LCD TV. If you are a cinephile and an esthete, but there is no “bag of money” at hand yet, choose a plasma model. And if you like watching movies, and your wallet allows you to spend money, then an LED TV is best for you. Yes, not simple, but with the effect of a 3D image. Maximum realism is worth the money, isn’t it?