Today the leading television technology has revolutionized the market of flat-panel TVs by successfully replacing tubes as the direct-view televisions of choice of millions. Now you can enjoy the latest flat screen technology by hanging flat sets on the wall or on the ceiling or right above the mantle instead of a trophy buck. The two major players in this field are plasma and LED. So, we will try to identify the difference between a Plasma TV and an LED TV.
Working
Plasma: In a plasma display, there are millions of individual pixel cells which allows electric pulses (produced by electrodes) to excite rare natural gases like Xenon and Neon. Once fully excited, these gases glow and produce light. This light then illuminates a proper balance of red, green, and blue phosphors contained in each pixel cell to produce the correct intensity of light and display a proper color sequence from the light. If you take a closer view of a Plasma TV you can actually see the individual pixel cell coloration of red, green, and blue bars each separated by black ribs.
LED: In a LED display, hundreds of tiny LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are responsible for illuminating the LCD pixels to produce back light for the LCD panel. The LEDs are equally distributed around the back of the television’s panel or are placed at the edges of the screen to create a very thin display chassis. Basically, LED backlit TVs are the newest creation in LCD TV technology which contains an LCD display element (front panel). LED TVs are predominantly available in two types one based on conventional rear (back) and the other on the latest edge lighting. LEDs has become stroke of luck for all LCD TV manufacturers cause it gave them strength and confidence to compete with the picture quality of plasma TV.
Picture Quality
Contrast or Black Levels: Though plasma technology has achieved quite higher contrast ratios still they apply maximum power to produce full white or lighter image. As opposite to plasmas, due to the new LED back lighting there have been tremendous improvements in black levels and contrast. Advantage: Plasmas.
Color Accuracy: Plasma TVs due to their richness in color information and more natural coloration are best suited for the rooms with lower to normal lighting. However, LED TVs have closed this gap through manipulation of the new back lighting system. Surprisingly colors are more vibrant on an LED TV and more subdued n plasma. Advantage: Both.
Viewing Angles: Off-angle viewing of plasma is excellent from all angles as each individual pixel being lit however the image starts fading slightly when seen from extreme angles from sides or from above or below (i.e. off-axis). Usually it occurs after around 45 degrees off center. Advantage: Plasmas.
Functional Concerns
Computer Use: LED TVs response time has increased up to 120Hz and 240Hz refresh rates which in itself are dramatic improvements in this area whereas plasma technology still has to improve on screen burn-in as well as computer and static signal handling related issues. Advantage: Both.
Fast-Moving Video Playback: Plasma can easily display refresh and handle rapid movements in video as per the standard most viewers expect. Many new LED TVs have 120/ 240 refresh rates which has reduced motion related blur to some extent. Advantage: Plasmas.
Screen “Burn-In” or “Ghosting”: Plasma TVs suffer from burn-in produced by static images left on-screen with very bright settings for hours, which produces an after-image ghost if burn-in is prolonged. This burn-in or ghosting thing is temporary and goes away after watching moving images. LED TVs don’t have any image retention concerns due to their LCD screen technology “twisting crystals”. Advantage: LEDs.
Read exclusive reviews on Panasonic, Philips, Sharp, Beko Plasma TVs and compare prices on latest LED televisions at LCD TV reviews website.
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