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What is the Difference between Plasma, LCD, LED, and DLP TVs?

By
Real Estate Agent with Broker 0576813

There are some natural differences between the plasma, LCD, LED, and DLP TVs. In many cases the differences can be minimized through the careful selection of brand and model, but certain aspects, such as thickness or thinness may not be all that malleable. Picture quality is often the result of the basic quality of the technology just as often as it is the a result of the technology itself.

 

Plasma TVs are excellent for allowing a wider than average viewing angle. This is in part due to the fact that the contrast is also better than average. The overall viewability comes from the excellent picture motion and color gamut. If you're looking for a TV that offers reasonable power consumption, extremely crisp contrast, fantastic black levels, and some of the riches colors you'll find outside of the real experience then you probably want a plasma TV. LCD TVs are going to be thinner and more power efficient, and plasma TV are prone to easy screen damage.

 

The LCD TV is going to weigh less than a plasma of the same size. It will also require less power, as it is closer to energy efficient. While the picture quality is certainly very good, it isn't going to deliver that same power punch and color gamut range that the plasma will bring.

 

An LED TV is basically no more complex than the LCD. They are made of the same components with the exception that the LED is used as a backlight. Some models, those with dimming capacity, can actually provide nearly the same picture quality as plasmas with the same fierce black levels. The LED backlight does not change the fact that the plasma still have a quality that is much closer to viewing film.

 

The DLP TV has a larger viewing angle than the others in the competition. The clarity can give most plasma TVs a run for their money. The DLP TV does not offer quite the same quality when it comes to contrast or display sizes.

 

When you're trying to determine which of the four technologies is right for you the first thing you want to consider is the brand quality that you're looking into. Different brands will provide the same technology. It's just that one brand may have tighter quality control standards than another brand. It is all just about how well the components are made and whether they come together in the most effective way. Watch different TVs and you'll soon know which one is right for you.

David Farrell
David V. Farrell Co. - Garden City, NY
Licensed NY State Real Estate Broker

I love the informative Blogs.  I keep asking the home inspectors to load us up with informative Blogs, but I rarely seem to see them.  I know this isn't technically a Home Inspector's domain, but it is very helpful.  By the way, my comment on the 7.1 sound was a little bit tongue-in-cheek.  I am just jealous at 5.1!

 

Sep 05, 2011 04:59 PM
Margo Currie
Exit 1 Stop Realty - Saint Augustine Beach, FL

Great information. Thank you... I will be looking for a new TV, probably any time now. My current television is a 2000 Sanyo from Walmart that cost about $500. My husband, who has the latest huge television, insists I need to upgrade. I thought my decision was almost made, but now I understand there's a "smart" TV. Talk about feeling "dumb." I guess I'll have to re-think!

Sep 05, 2011 05:01 PM