LCD vs Plasma

[OnAFly]

So, what are the differences in performance. We are looking to add another TV as my fiance's cousin is coming to stay with us for a while, and I can't sit idly by as two women control the channels. I can only watch about 10 seconds of the Kardashians before I want to gouge my eardrums out.

Is there any performance or life difference between a plasma TV and an LCD TV. I am seeing a deal on a 42in plasma for $460 and a 32in LCD for $400. Why the price difference?

[Nick Kuhn]

Plasma panels are cheaper to make, which is where most of the price difference comes in.

Key differences: Plasma TV's are quite a bit heavier (important if you want to wall mount one), and use more power (so the long term cost isn't all that different). Plasma's have better response time than LCD's (though you probably can't tell the difference with today's improved LCD response times). Plasma's also have better contrast ratios due to not requiring a backlight (meaning black is black). However with the new LED backlit LCD's the contrast ratio is pretty similar. Finally LCD's generally have better resolutions than plasma's. In order to get 1080P you need to buy a pretty large plasma monitor, whereas in LCD's you can get 1080P in sizes as small as 21.5" (if not smaller). Also forgot to mention that plasma's are generally more prone to burn in than LCD's, so if you buy one don't leave it on a menu screen and fall asleep.

[CJH]

Nick's right on the money. The only thing I would add is that Plasmas tend to have more glare, where as LCD's tend to be more resistant to it. Plasma's tend to be great for basements, where as LCD's tend to be better for brighter rooms - say on the main floor where you have more windows.

[LwnmwnMan2]

Your fiance's cousin you say??

Sounds like the start of a post for a different HSOforum....

[OnAFly]

Ha, not going anywhere near that!

[spearchucker]

I think she would look good an a Samsung LCD myself...

[wtp]

I have a 42" plasma in our living room and it's been working great for 4 years. Decided to buy a new one and they had a lg lcd on sale so I bought that. Used it for a week and gave it to the kid to play games on it and moved my plasma back to the living room. I'll stick with my plasma. "I" think the plasma has a better picture.