LCD TV Reviews UK

The world is not flat, but the TV world sure is. Gone are the days when television was considered to be 'the big fat box that heated up' after a few hours of viewing. They have evolved to a great extent that some of them, OLED TVs to be more precise, are almost of the width of a pound coin! It's just a matter of time for such flexible TVs to take over our homes, but its the flat-panel TVs that have the reigns right now. But the question 'Which one shall I buy, an LCD or Plasma?" seems to be perpetually following us around. So, what exactly are these tellies all about? How different are they from each other? We have the answers right here.

In simple terms, a Liquid Crystal Display television uses LCD technology for the purpose of producing images. The most significant aspect behind the technology is liquid crystals, that were discovered over a hundred years back. A liquid crystal display panel basically consists of an arrangement of pixels that are filled with liquid crystals that is placed in front of a backlight (typically cold cathode fluorescent lamps). The liquid crystals regulate the light that passes through the panel when current is passed, resulting in brilliant images.

CRT Televisions employ a vacuum tube and a beam of electrons to produce images. Though known for their affordable cost and multiple resolution capabilities, CRTs are bulky and have an increased power consumption and emission of heat on repeated usage over a period of time. Flat-panel TVs are much slimmer and better-looking than CRT TVs, they consume lesser power, occupy less space and also come with a multitude of features. No wonder, these slim stunners have booted out the chubby CRTs!

Key differences between LCDs and Plasmas:

Conceived way back in 1964 at the University of Illinois, the technology behind Plasma TVs is completely different from that of LCD TVs, but then they still bear traces of the traditional form of television (CRTs). Similar to CRTs, plasma TVs employ phosphors for emitting light. Fundamentally, plasma TV displays consist of an array of tiny cells (pixels) that are compiled of three sub-pixels for the primary colours namely, red, green and blue. The term 'plasma' arises from the fact that gas in plasma state is made to react with phosphors, thereby producing images.

Though plasmas produce crystal-clear images that do no fail to stun the viewer, they do have their disadvantages. Here are the major differences between the two:

• The screen size of Plasma TVs start from 32" where as LCD TVs as small as 10" are available.
• Though both are known for their svelte looks, LCD TVs can actually be even slimmer. LED TVs (LCD TVs with LED backlights) as thin as 3.9 millimeters are in the making.
• The problem of 'burn-in' produced by static images has always been taunting Plasmas ever since they were introduced. However, their vis-à-vises have the pleasure of being free from them.
• Plasma TVs can display over 16.77 million life-like colours with a brilliant life-like quality about them. Their liquid crystal mates on the other hand do render true-to-life colours, but its the Plasmas that win the game when it comes to colours.
• Motion again speaks in favour of Plasmas. Though their liquid crystal competitors of the recent times handle motion with the best possible technologies, Plasmas win here again!
• Plasma TVs are defeated hands down when it comes to contrast ratios. Some LED TVs quote contrast ratios as high as 1,000,000:1.
• The lifespan of Plasmas is much shorter than their liquid crystal contenders. Also, the fact that their backlight can be replaced makes them nearly immortal.
• Plasmas are significantly heavier than their flat-panel counterparts.
• The power consumption of LCD TVs is also less than that of Plasma TVs.
• LCD TVs don't let you down even in high altitudes; whereas Plasma TVs can tend to emit a buzzing sound at high altitudes.

Indeed, both of these tellies have their pros and cons. Ultimately, it all comes down to you. If you tend to watch a lot of TV during the day then an LCD TV could be the one for you. But then again, the choice is yours. Pick the one that you feel will suit your requirements the best.