What is a better TV - Plasma or LCD?

LCD. I recently got one and couldn’t be happier with it. In terms of power consumption and likelihood of “burn-in” images, you’ll be better off with a LCD.

They are about the same. Plasmas have more glare than an LCD but then some people might argue that plasmas can get a better black ratio. I dunno i always liked the Panasonic Plasmas, but LCD seems like a more practical choice for most people

It depends on where you are going to put the tv. Plasmas will render better blacks and have less flicker than an LCD. But LCDs will have better back lighting. So:

1. If you are putting the tv in a room that is consistently dark, plasma will render a better images

2. If you are putting the tv where there are windows or other strong light sources, LCD will be a better choice

3. A Plasma may use up to 30% more power than an LCD. Factor this into pricing decisions.

Extra Tip: If you choose LCD and you have a lot of focused light in the room, consider a screen with a matte finish over a gloss finish to reduce glare.

@arpinum Nails it. Plasma does give you a better picture in nearly all circumstances—especially with fast-moving images. Plasma are cheaper to buy. The glass panel does give glare, and the technology isn’t well suited for bright light.

That said, I just purchased a matte-screen LCD screen, and I’m (fairly) happy with it.

I have lived with both. When you have to move an 80 pound plasma TV, you will wish you bought the 30 pound LCD. The glossy plasma reflects everything in the room, you have to rearrange your furniture and lights to accommodate. There may be measurable differences in the picture, but very few people will ever know the difference.

Whatever you buy, check it out in person. Some TVs are noticeably less sharp than others.

I recently bought a LED, which is the new version of LCD’s. Very nice.

Buying now there is no question: go LCD. The difference in power consumption is so huge that using a plasma TV is irresponsible from a “green” standpoint. The state of California just passed legislation banning use of power hog TVs.

“The California Energy Commission has approved a new set of efficiency standards aimed at regulating televisions sold in the state, according to CNET News. The Consumer Electronics Association has opposed the bill, arguing that the regulations will effectively kill the plasma TV market in California.”

It wasn’t new legislation, is was a new rule by the California Energy Commission.

Lets quantify your “huge” differentce in power consumption. A 200 Watt difference in energy consumption between a plasma and LCD, using the tv for 4 hours every day (quite a bit me be) for a year, at $0.10 KWh will save you $29.50 a year, not exactly huge savings. Now consider how much more expensive an energy saving LCD is and you might make your money back in 10–20 years depending on usage, If you expect to keep your tv that long.

BTW, even the California Energy Commission admits that their new rules are only intended to save $25 a year.

@arpinum Per TV!

@Marina If you have more than one huge TV, you’re Doing It Wrong.

@andrew Not me. But many people do.