subject: What Is The Difference Between Lcd, Led And Plasma Screens - And Which One Is Right For You? [print this page] Flat Panel TVs have been around for quite a while, but consumers can still be baffled by the choices offered by the various different types of technologies. They may all look pretty similar, but they're very different ways of providing the image. Knowing how they work can help you make the right choice of TV to suit you and your household.
LCD
LCD TVs use Liquid Crystal Display technology. This is a type of crystal like glass which is composed of two layers to transmit or block light, creating images. LCD screens, unlike other types, don't light up, requiring backlighting for their images to be visible. They also do not emit radiation for that reason. LCD TVs run cooler than other types, and use less power.
LED
The confusingly named LED/LCD TVs are in fact a form of LCD TV, using LED lights for backlighting rather than fluorescent lighting. These TVs are to all intents LCD TVs.
Plasma
Plasma TVs operate very much like a fluorescent lights. To produce images they use a gas mixture (usually xenon/neon) which is electrically charged to produce color pixels. Each pixel has three possible colors, red green or blue. Plasma TVs were the first flat screen TVs on the market, replacing the old cathode ray TVs and eliminating the need for the picture tube.
Pros's and Con's of Each Technology:
Plasma's pros are :
Bigger possible screen sizes,
Better colour accuracy,
Better contrast
Better able to render blacks
Plasma's cons:
Can be significantly more expensive than other types of TV.
Heavier relative to size.
Shorter product life.
More delicate when shipping
Generates more heat than LCDs.
LCD's Pros
Generate less heat,
Lighter weight relative to screen size
Increased image brightness compared to plasma
Can be much cheaper
Easier to ship
Easier to service in some cases compared to plasma
LCD's Cons
Less contrast relative to plasma,
Less efficient at tracking motion
Fewer large screen sizes.
LED's Pros
Better power consumption (due to LED backlighting)
