LCD VS LED VS Plasma TV Comparison : TV Buying Guide

Gone are the wonders and confusion when comes the techotv guiding soul to light you up on the screen technology. You do not care about the technicalities of LCD or LED or Plasma unless you decide to buy a new HDTV. So, what is the difference between LCD or LED or Plasma TV? Is the Plasma TV better? Is there a significant difference in LCD or LED TV? Which one should I buy? This article is part of our TV Buying Guide which also gives you details on how to choose the best size for HDTV.

The Technical Difference between LCD, LED, Plasma HDTV

The most advertised TV type is LED one. SO, let us first understand the difference in LCD and LED TV. LED TV is a type of LCD tv but screen here is illuminated by LED (Light emitting Diode) whereas in case of LCD TV, the screen is illuminated by CCFL i.e. Cold Cathode Fluorescent lights. Most of the modern HDTV now use LED-backlit LCD i.e. LED tv. LCD are more of a budget type HDTV. Now, Lets talk about Plasma TV, the phosphors based screen light up themselves without the need of any other lighting.

If the above explanation of the technicalities didn’t earn you any choice, well, read below because now we’re presenting you the comparison from the consumer point of view so as to make your buying decisive and final.

Features Comparison of LCD TV, LED TV, Plasma TV

Image quality is measured by peak black and white levels. When it comes to peak black levels, still plasma TV reigns. That being said, doesn’t mean LED TV can’t compete. Technology has advanced and modern high quality LED TVs come close to it or even match it. When it comes to white level, light brightness output, no other HDTV type can beat LED tv. They are vivid, magnificent, clearer even in brightly-lit rooms. Plasma TV suffers in very brightly lit room. Contrast Ratio in Plasma Tv is better generally but LED TVs nowadays come no closer.

Further, LED TVs are the most thin type when it comes to dimension. LCD tvs are not as thin as LED tvs. When it comes to weight, LED wins here as well. Plasma TV weighs more. When it comes to power consumption, again LED wins. Plasma TV consumes high power and also generate heat. Also, LED TV supporting 4K UD resolution is being launched by several companies. Hence, LED TV has a bright future and prospect for further development and advancement.

Life of TV? Well, this is debatable and views/opinions vary but we assume all these offer good life. Instead of talking about life, you should consider brand i.e. manufacturer support, services quality and reputation.

CriteriaLED TVPlasma TVLCD TV
Size/DimensionThinnest, from small size to as large as 84 inch availableThicker than LED, generally size of 42-64 inch availableThick, in variable sizes available
Quality – Black LevelClose to Plasma tvHighestLowest
Quality – BrightnessHighestLowestRunner-up
Contrast RatioClose to Plasma TVHighestLowest
WeightLowestHigher than LED TVHigh
Power ConsumptionLowestHighestRunner-up
PriceHighestHighLow

The Verdict : Let your budget make your decision.

  • If you’re on high budget, get a LED TV which is priced higher than plasma tv or lcd tv. LED TV is thinnest, consumes very less power, produce great picture quality.
  • If you’re on medium budget, get a Plasma TV which is priced lower than LED TV. It is also thin and it produces great picture quality and there is no need to be concerned about viewing angle but consumes more power.
  • If you’re on low budget, get a LCD TV which is somewhere between LED and Plasma TV.
  • Our recommendation : LED TV – on whatever budget type you are. Get it.

If you’re thinking about projector, let me tell you, projector is good for watching movies but not good for regular viewing. Further projector requires complex setup and appropriate space. So, you may buy a projector if you want to enjoy your favorite movies but don’t buy projector for daily TV episodes viewing.

You may also like check out whether to buy 3D TV or not.

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