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This episode of the Casual Tech User discusses the differences between LCD and LED technologies and offers a list of 10 criteria you might want to consider before deciding on the perfect plasma, LCD or LED flat-screen for your situation and viewing habits.
Alphabet Soup: LCD vs. LED
This episode begins with a brief explanation of the similarities and differences between the LCD and LED TVs in today’s marketplace. Basically, both are the same type of panel but with different types of light source. LCD uses a form of fluorescent lighting commonly known as CCFL, while LED uses light emitting diodes or LEDs.
Almost all of today’s TVs using this technology are LED rather CCFL LCD, and some companies have stopped making CCFL LCDs all together.
LED Lighting Systems
Edge-lit LEDs have the bulbs placed around the edges of the TV, while backlit LEDs use an array of bulbs place behind the panel. Edge-lit LCD TVs are the most popular, least expensive models. Very few backlit LED TVs are on the market today mainly due to cost and thickness requirements.
Check the following links to learn more about the strengths and weaknesses of LCD and LED TVs.
10 Criteria
This Casual Tech User series began in Episode 2 with a discussion about developing criteria to help avoid mistakes when purchasing a new TV. This episode continues the theme with a list of 10 criteria you might want to consider when deciding between LCD, LED or Plasma flat panels.
The criteria include:
Price: LCD typically cheaper then LED or Plasma for same size
Size: LCD and LED available in greater size range with plasma typically found in the 42” to 65” range.
Weight: LCD and LED typically weigh less than Plasma.
Thickness: LCD typically the thickest with LED thinner than plasma.
Ambient light: LCD and LED better in a bright room. Plasma is usually considered better when ambient light can be controlled.
Viewing angle: Plasma has widest viewing angle off optical center. LED is getting better, and LCD is considered to have the smallest viewing angle off center.
Energy savings: LED and LCD require less energy than plasma.
Fast action, sports, etc.: Plasma has the best, most natural refresh rate of fluid motion, while some viewers report seeing motion blur on LED and LCD. You might want to spend some time talking to a TV specialist to learn more about LCD/LED panels and their 60 hz, 120 hz and 240 hz refresh rates.
Image retention: Burned-in image residue is not considered a permanent problem for modern plasma TVs when turned on under normal viewing habits.
Picture Quality: Plasma is considered to have the best overall picture, especially with black levels viewed during darker scenes. LED is considered to have superior black levels over LCD.
“Plasma TV technology is still as viable as ever and generally provides a better picture in darkened rooms, a faster refresh rate, a wider viewing angle and other qualities that LED and LCD TVs generally can't match.”
“Overall, plasma TVs produce greater picture depth, more realistically textured images, and richer colors. ”
Transporting the New TV Home
After purchasing my plasma TV, I was approached by a TV rep who said it was best to keep the panel upright during the trip home. I also found research on the internet suggesting that to avoid damage you should transport plasma and larger LCD and LED panels in the upright position.
Previous episodes in the “Avoid Mistakes, Plan Before You Buy New TV” series include:
- CTU Episode 2 (Part 1): Planning Can Help Avoid Unexpected Costs
- CTU Episode 3 (Part 2): Simple TV vs. Home Theater Setup
- CTU Episode 4 (Part 3): Cheap Solution to Improve Sound Quality
- CTU Episode 5 (Part 4): Soundbars, Theater-in-a-Box or Home Theater Surround Sound Experience
Episode Links:
(Click under Guest Appearances, Scott Wilkinson in righthand column)
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Thanks for listening.
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