LCD vs. Plasma

The window to your multimedia world comes in many sizes, shapes and types.  It’s very important that you do your homework when choosing the type and size of your media display.  I have found that the most asked question regarding screens these days is “LCD or Plasma?”  So here is a quick overview of the differences, advantages and disadvantages.  By no means is this an exhaustive comparison but a very basic overview.

First let’s start with the most basic information.  LCD and plasma screens are the flat panel displays available today (as opposed to CRT or “tube” displays).  These displays have great advantages to CRTs in that they are only a few inches deep and can be very large. 

The technology (very basic).  LCD or Liquid Crystal Displays are basically a liquid crystal layer with fluorescent backlighting.  When the electronic signal runs through the liquid crystal layer, the crystals either allow or disallow the light to show through.  LCDs require relatively little electricity to run.

Plasma displays on the other hand use glass that is coated with millions of gas bubbles in 3 different compartments (red, green and blue).  The glass also contains a phosphorescent coating.  When the electronic signal runs through the plasma it radiates ultraviolet rays that pass through the phosphorescent coating and show the colored image.

The specs (here’s the important stuff). 

Size:  LCD screens range from about 13 inches to 52 inches (at least as of the time I’m writing this).  Plasmas range from 32 inches to over 70 inches (again, these sizes are always growing).

Brightness/Contrast:  Plasma screens display excellent brightness and contrast.  LCDs can vary based on the environment’s ambient light.

Durability:  LCD screens are pretty durable as far as handling and installing them but Plasma displays are very fragile and should be handled very carefully and installed by professionals.

Viewing angle:  The viewing angles of the 2 types of screens are pretty close with LCD edging out plasma (175 degree viewing angle for LCD and 160 for plasma).  The viewing angle is basically how far to the side of the screen you can reasonably see the image.  If you are standing directly in front of the screen, let’s say you are at zero degrees.  If you move 90 degrees to either side of the screen you would be looking directly at the side of the screen with no ability to see the image.  For a plasma with a 160 degree viewing angle, you can move 80 degrees to the right or left and still see the image.

Weight:  Plasmas are pretty heavy for their size.  LCDs are about half the weight of the equivalent plasma.  This is a concern when mounting (and to what you mount).

Lifespan:  The “documented” half life of a plasma screen ranges from 30,000 to 60,000 hours.   The half life is the time it takes for the screen to degrade to half its original brightness.  LCDs typically “live” about twice as long.

Cost:  LCD screens are typically a bit more expensive than Plasma screens, but if, based on the above specs, LCD is a better solution; the extra cost is well worth it.

Usage:  Based on our experience with interactive multimedia and digital signage, it is clear that LCD screens are better for computer generated imagery (graphic screens, web viewing, Flash, etc.).  The reason for this is that Plasmas have the tendency to allow images to burn in to the screen (LCDs do not).  Burn-in appears as ghosted images on the screen that cannot be removed.  Burn-in typically occurs when an image sits still on a screen for a long time or at regular intervals without moving.  An example of an image that would burn would be a logo in the corner of the image, a web browser, or a graphic element that sits still.  That being said, plasma screens are known for displaying moving video better than LCDs.  Moving video typically won’t contain any “burning” elements.

The bottom line:  Far be it from me to make a recommendation without knowing your specific needs.  So for this blog, there is no bottom line.  If you would like a recommendation, give us a call to discuss your specific needs and we’d be glad to help you choose.

If you have any questions, recommendations or additions, please comment by clicking the “Comments” link below.  We’d love to hear from you!!

Chris Meyer

President

CD Meyer, Inc./point2explore

point2explore is product line of customizable touch screen kiosk programs including interactive games and informational programs.  point2explore products are currently running in over 50 museums and have been used in corporate events across the country. Visit our web site at www.point2explore.com.