Ok, I didn't see any threads when I made a search for this, and I didn't really think this fit in computing support. I was just wondering what all your thoughts are on the current war between LCD and Plasma televisions. Some of the common questions that arise for me when looking through this:

1 - are Plasmas really more expensive to run?
2 - do Plasmas offer better picture quality?
3 - do Plasmas break down easier than LCD's?
4 - Are plasmas better for movies or computer games?

Looking at prices, LCD's seem to be more expensive, so even if they are cheaper to run, does the different running cost off-set the pricetag?

I'm sure there are more people far more knowledgeable in this than I am, and I was wondering what people's current thoughts are on the different technologies........

Thanks for the replies

I have a LCD monitor for my comp, but as far as TV I still have a CRT I also would be interested in knowing more about this topic, so when I need a new TV, I'll be an educated consumer.

I heard playing video games and/or pausing the picture alot can burn the screen. Thats the reason I went with a LCD in my bedroon.,

I've had an LCD TV (Sharp Aquos) for 7 years now, and we've added a couple others to the bedrooms as well.

I chooes LCD because they're better for interfacing with a laptop or desktop. The picture quality on an LCD is very very good, however, to my eyes, I'd say picture quality is better on Plasma.

It's really six of one, half a dozen of the other. If you want to watch movies and want the best picture possible, go plasma.. if you want it to be multi functional for outstanding gaming, computer extensibility, go LCD.

The other interesting difference between plasma and LCD is that plasma rarely comes smaller than 42"... LCD's go all the way down to 7" or smaller. My Aquos is a 32" ... at the time I bought it, there was no 32" in Plasma. My living room is too small for a 42" TV.

LCD is far superior and will win out. Plasma is more prone to glare issues. Plasma is prone to scree burn in.

Actually, my 32", 7 year old LCD has screen burn in... it's faint, and I don't really notice it very often except when say something very light colored or white comes on. It looks like a big dust smudge.

My LCD doesn't have any glare issues though, but at certain angles it does fade out like your laptop screen might. Mine is old though, the newer ones have better side clarity these days, but it's still not perfect.

Even given that... I still prefer the flexibility of LCD over plasma, and will continue to buy LCD.

An old friend of mine has been in TV sales and repair since they were put on the market so when I have any questions I talk to him. He advised me not to buy plasma because if anything malfuntions on them they are basically garbage. Very little about them can be repaired or if they can parts cannot be bought and they don't last nearly as long as LCD.

Ding ding ding!!

3-punch KO! LCD is the winner, by way of knock out in the first round!

LCDs do not get burn in. It has dead pixels or stuck pixels. There are some methods to attempt to bring those pixels back to life.

so plasma - better picture
LCD - More Durable

That's debatable, plasma nearly died a death a couple of years back because the quality of LCD was far superior.

Thanks for the input folks. Particularly Michelle - that little tid-bit about them breaking down might sway the decision on its own. After doing some further research, people seem to agree taht with smaller screens, LCD is the way to go, but once you go above 40", the colour leakage between the pixels becomes more noticeable and colours start to "mix" (though not very noticeably (eg, a dark night will have shades of grey and blue in LCD while Plasma will be pure black)). Though apparently current technology seems to be making that effect less.

Again, thanks for the input. Despite the extra cost in buying one, I think I'll eventually go LCD for my tv (though it'll be some time before I can officially afford one). All the best, folks

I have the 40" LCD Sony Bravia, the one with the hard drive, I also have a 42" LG Plasma and a 42" Panasonic Plasma that I bought for my son for his online gaming a few days ago... My LCD Sony is by far more superior on qulaity and option choices within the main menu... however I do prefer the colour quality on both Plasma's, although now and again the LG plasma.. seems to have a few snowy bits to the left of the screen?

My Sony also cost far more than the other two and your choice might be dependent on your budget? there are so many options out there, I guess it is personal preference but when you do decide to purchase one, get the surround sound also... that definately makes the TV come alive.

Happy Shopping.

Agreed here! I have an LCD TV a Vizio HDTV and I love it. I cant stand the glare of a plasma screen.