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Difference between LCD TV and Plasma TV
TV, Television, is a very common electronic device used to display audio-video content on a screen. Based on the display technology used, several types of TVs available, such as LCD TVs, LED TVs, Plasma TVs, CRT TVs, etc.
In this article, we will discuss the important differences between LCD TV and Plasma TV. But, before going to discuss the differences, let us first have a look into the basics of LCD TV and Plasma TV individually.

What is LCD TV?
LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. A type of television in which liquid crystal display technology is used for displaying graphics, images, text, etc. is referred to as an LCD TV.
In an LCD TV, the images are formed on the screen with the help of a backlight and a layer of liquid crystals. In this type of TV, the light from the backlight panel passes through the layer of liquid crystals. These liquid crystals can twist and align to regulate the amount of light, so that different colors and shades can be displayed on the screen.
LCD TV was first launched in the early 2000s and became popular due to their compact size as compared to CRT TVs. The main advantages of LCD TV include smaller size, thin design, low power consumption, high screen resolution, etc. However, nowadays, LCD TVs are replaced by modern LED TVs.
What is Plasma TV?
A type of TV in which plasma cells are used to illuminate the display screen is referred to as a Plasma TV. Plasma TVs were introduced to general public in 1995 and became very popular in the early 2000s. However, later on these are replaced by LED TVs.
Plasma TVs have several drawbacks such as high-power consumption, shorter lifespan, more heat generation, larger size and screen thickness, etc. However, Plasma TVs are less expensive and are available in larger screen sizes. The important point to be noticed about plasma TVs is that they are suitable to use in dark rooms only, we cannot use them in rooms with windows.
Difference between LCD TV and Plasma TV
The following table highlights all the major differences between LCD TV and Plasma TV −
Parameter |
LCD TV |
Plasma TV |
---|---|---|
Definition |
A type of television that uses liquid crystal-based display technology to show images on the screen is called an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) TV. |
A type of television that uses plasma cells to illuminate the display screen is referred to as a plasma TV. |
Display technology |
LCD TV uses liquid crystal display technology. |
Plasma TV uses plasma panel technology to produce images. |
Power consumption |
LCD TVs consume less power than plasma TV. |
Plasma TVs consume comparatively more power. |
Screen size |
LCD TVs are available in smaller screen sizes, typically between 13 inches to 57 inches. |
Plasma TVs are available in larger screen sizes, typically 40 inches and above. |
Lifespan |
LCD TVs have an average life span of around 100,000 hours. |
Plasma TVs have an average life span of around 60,000 hours. Hence, they have a shorter lifespan. |
Burn-in problem |
There is no problem of burn-in in the LCD TVs. |
There can be a problem of burn-in in plasma TVs, which means an image can be permanently burned into the screen. |
Weight |
LCD TVs have less weight in comparison to plasma TVs. |
Plasma TVs are heavier. |
Cost |
LCD TVs are less expensive than plasma TV. |
Plasma TV are comparatively more expensive. |
Contrast ratio |
LCD TVs have a lower contrast ratio that is up to 350-450:1. |
Plasma TVs have a higher contrast ratio than LCD TVs that is up to 3000:1. Hence, plasma TVs are capable of displaying a wider range of colors and shades than LCD TVs. |
Viewing angle |
LCD TVs have a viewing angle up to 165°. Hence, pictures are not clearly visible from the side view. |
Plasma TVs have a much wider viewing angle. |
Brightness |
LCD TVs have high brightness which makes them suitable for rooms with windows. |
Plasma TVs have low brightness; hence they are suitable to use in dark rooms. |
Heat generation |
LCD TVs generate comparatively less heat. |
Plasma TVs generate more heat than LCD TVs. |
Thickness |
The minimum thickness of LCD TVs can be of 1 inch. |
The minimum thickness of plasma TVs can be of 1.2 inches. |
Backlight |
LCD TVs require backlight. |
Plasma TVs do not require backlight. |
Response time |
LCD TVs have a slower response time. Hence, they can not display fast moving images. |
Plasma TVs have faster response time, making them suitable for displaying fast moving images. |
Unique features |
Brightness and sharpness are the unique features of LCD TVs. |
The capability of displaying rich colors and deep blacks are unique features of plasma TVs. |
Conclusion
The most significant difference between LCD and Plasma TVs is in their display technology, i.e. LCD TVs use liquid crystal technology to produce images on the screen, while Plasma TVs use plasma cells to produce images on the screen.