The black is 400 times darker than white on a 400:1 contrast ratio. LCD models have the blackest blacks but a lower contrast ratio than Plasma.

A plasma display is made of a glass sandwich that traps a a mixture of gases like xenon in vacuum surrounded by phosphor coatings and transparent electrodes. This glass sandwich also traps that gas in little pockets formed by etched ribs at each tiny pixel. The display’s thin glass panels are bonded around the edges and at the boundary of each pixel by the thin ribs that define each pixel’s area. There is no room for movement so the displays are made so the glass sandwich can't bend or crack, this also makes them very heavy.

Into the future as LCD prices fall they should take the lions share of the sub 40 inch market, the quality and response time is always improving. LCD is around 15% lighter on average than the same sized Plasma they are often thinner in construction too.

We recommend you get the longest possible warranty (whatever the cost) on your Plasma display and check the Pixel Policy, (See our FAQ's) we believe where there is more heat there is more expansion and contraction and more chance for more pixels to go bung than you'd be happy looking at.

I'd be less than honest if I didn't say Plasma technology is impressive for a big TV, (Home Theatre is a PROJECTOR) trouble for me is the horror stories regarding total reliability. Reading between the lines you may have gleaned that I'm not a Plasma fan. I guess this all started when I noticed dead pixels on one that was on display in a large "Expert in everything" store. They seemed to not notice it?

I thought if it breaks down this early, what must happen in the longer term? While writing this I was talking to a friend who's business purchased a Plasma 6 months ago and they've already had the serviceman out several times. This doesn't mean you're guaranteed to have problems either, it's the luck of the draw as any electronic device can break down. How you look after it and how often you use it can have a large influence too, I'd say as long as you're aware of the traps and go in with your eyes opened you won't be upset whatever happens.

When you think about the voltages and heat involved in a Plasma display it's like having a few hundreds thousand micro fluorescent lamps running in a confined space. It's no wonder they can suffer problems, especially if allowed to overheat.

On a larger screen where the pixels are easy to see would you be happy with just one dead? It won't be right in the corner either if Murphy's law has any say in it.

Have a good warranty/pixel policy and be prepared to use it. That's twice I've given you the best tip.

The final caution is be prepared for the blame being put onto you for "misuse" of your Plasma screen because you let an image "Burn-In". The first 200HRS are the worst, whatever you do, beware of the following trap during this running in time.

I doubt they will replace the screen because it's been fried by you, even if all you did was leave a cable news or stock channel on too long or connect up the X-Box or Playstation and forgot to tell the kids to turn it off.

The sharp LCD TV's don't act like a mirror that reflects the light coming in from the larger windows found in most apartment buildings. Unless you have blockout curtains, for day time viewing there is a clear winner..

Upon Reflection..

Same room, Same time..
Same image used in example..
.
Sharp 37 inch LCD

42 inch Plasma..

Actual Picture with reflected background..

 

Steven Brown

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