Any consumer who is venturing out into the television market will quickly notice that there’s a lot of information to digest. As televisions have evolved, they’re also grown more diverse — not only in size, but in the technology behind these crystal-clear images. And with prices ranging widely according to these differing specifications, it’s all the more important that you understand what you’re paying for — or, conversely, what you’re giving up.
And not every consumer will be happiest with the same TV. How you plan to use your TV will be a major factor in helping you narrow down your ideal unit.
While LCD and plasma televisions might seem similar at first blush, they actually have a number of differences that will endear them to different types of consumers. Here’s a quick breakdown of these TVs and how they might be attractive or uninteresting to different TV buyers based on their preferred activity.
Quality concerns for gamers
Serious gamers typically seek out the most exceptional quality in all of the media involved in their gaming experience, and the visual elements serve as the centerpiece. When it comes to exceptional quality, plasma leads the way. But plasma also comes at a much, much higher cost than LCD, which can make it a turnoff to non-gamers and even casual purveyors of video games.
And while some image retention and burn-in can still occur with plasma TVs, these risks have largely been nullified by newer models, making burn-in in a thing of the past. For gamers whose screens are in constant motion, there’s virtually no reason for worry. So when money is no obstacle, plasma is the way to go.
Striking a balance for movie-viewing pleasure
However, few TV shoppers will be operating without a budget. The good news on that front is that, if you can stomach a slight downgrade in visual quality, an LCD TV can deliver high-performance visual quality at a much better price. And the outlook for LCD TVs is pretty optimistic, with newer models having significantly closed the once-large gap between plasmas and other TV types. Where plasmas used to deliver a picture quality that LCDs couldn’t hold a flame to, the differences between the two TV types is much more subtle. And compared to the type of TV you are currently using, the upgrade might be so drastic that you’ll be perfectly content with what you’re settling for.
That compromise of still-excellent picture quality at a vastly reduced price could be a great middle ground for rabid movie watchers and casual gamers. And, of course, buyers who simply want to watch television.
Other TV considerations
There are some other differences that might sway consumers toward one TV type over the other. For one, LCD televisions use less electricity and won’t impact your utilities bills as much as a plasma unit will. They are also lighter, making them easier to safely mount to a wall, and they’re easier to transport, which matters for buyers who plan on moving one or several times in the near future.
No one can tell you what TV is best for you. But after reviewing the pros and cons of each option, you should be able to see which option is better suited to your TV viewing style, your budget and your other personal preferences. And, of course, take a good look at what’s available on the market and what’s coming out in the near future. Innovations in TV are coming so quickly that it might be worth your while to wait for the next big thing to hit the shelves!
Lindsey is a professional writer living in the Indianapolis area and she writes on behalf of Sears and other deserving brands. She specializes in writing guest posts on social media and education. Currently, Lindsey is completing work on her master’s degree.
