LCD, LED or Plasma TV? Which is Best?

When considering purchasing a flat panel TV, the decision as to whether to buy an LCD, LED or Plasma HDTV is a common one. All of these types of technology can display High Definition in stunning detail. But there are differences. The top LED and Plasma sets are now 3D Ready TVs.

LED HDTVs – The latest technology in HDTVs is referred to as LED. This type of TV is the most popular today. This actually is an LCD TV with an LED backlight instead of the traditional fluorescent backlights that had been used on almost all LCD HDTVs in the past. LED backlights improve contrast, use up to 40% less power, and allow super thin (1.2 inch thick) TVs. There are two types of LED TVs. One is Edge Lit, which illuminates like traditional backlights. The other is “Local Dimming” which means that the LEDs are behind the screen and can turn off or dim to give the greatest level of contrast. Another type of local dimming is a side lit (leds mounted on the side of the set) set. In 2011 Samsung’s Micro Dimming is a side lit led TV with local dimming. Sony and LG in 2011 also introduced side lit local dimming LED TVs. LED TVs are more expensive than LCD TVs of the same size, but prices have dropped. You will notice that for 2011, all of the high end LED TVs now are 3D ready. We expect this to continue, and 3D eventually will be standard equipment in most larger LED TVs. LED TVs are brighter than Plasma HDTVs and so are better suited in well lit rooms during the day than plasmas.

Smart-Review’s Best “Top-Picks” in LED TVs are the:

Samsung D8000 LED 3D TV Series (240Hz 3D Micro Dimming Plus)

Sony HX820 LED 3D TV Series (480Hz 3D Edge/Local Dimming)

LG LW5600 LED 3D TV Series (120Hz 3D Edge/Local Dimming)

Sony EX720 LED 3D TV Series (240Hz 3D Edge Lit)

Samsung D7000 LED 3D TV Series (240Hz 3D Micro Dimming)

Panasonic DT30 3D Series (240Hz 3D Edge Lit) small screen sizes

Related Article: LED TV Roundup and Comparison

Plasma Displays – Plasma displays are very popular as well. They have higher contrast than LCDs (although that gap is closing), and can display HDTV with stunning clarity. Plasmas have wide viewing angles. Plasma sets also display fast action (sports, action movies) better. The disadvantages of plasma are that they take more electricity than LCDs and LEDs, and can generate more heat (Recent plasmas now use less electricity and generate less heat). Many have built in fans. Plasma screens in the past were susceptible to screen burn-in (new models now have re-formulated phosphors and compensate with various screen-saving methods). Heavier than LCDs. Plasma HDTVs are commonly used for home theaters where outside light is subdued.

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Smart-Review’s Best “Top-Picks” in Plasma are the:

Panasonic GT30 THX Series (3D Plasma 2011)

Panasonic S30 Series (1080p Plasma 2011)

Panasonic ST30 Series (3D Plasma 2011)

Samsung PND7000 Series (3D Plasma 2011)

Samsung PNC8000 Series (3D Plasma 2010)

Related Article: Plasma TV Roundup and Comparison

LCD (liquid crystal display) – LCD TVs were once the most popular technology (now LED TVs are). LCD TVs use Fluorescent lighting for its backlight, LED TVs use LED lights. LCD TVs use more electricity and are not as bright as LED TVs, but use less electricity than Plasma. The fluorescent tubes have a shorter lifespan till they start dimming than LED TVs. LCD has lower contrast than LED or Plasma. Today’s LCD HDTVs have greatly improved on contrast and refresh speed from older models. We expect LCD TVs to disappear over time in favor of LED TVs. Their main advantage today is a cheaper price than LED, but that gap is narrowing. The latest LCD technology is 120Hz and 240Hz anti blur technology for fast moving action such as sports and movies. Most LCDs are silent with no moving parts or fans.

Smart-Review’s Best “Top-Picks” in LCD TVs are the:

Samsung 650C LCD Series (120Hz)

LG LD550 LCD Series (120Hz)

LG LD650 LCD Series (240Hz)

Picture Contrast – The higher the contrast, the bigger the difference between the brightest and darkest images. Whites look whiter and blacks look blacker. The higher the contrast ratio, the greater the ability to show subtle color details. There are two types of contrast. Native and Dynamic. Most manufacturers give the Dynamic contrast ratio, as this is a much higher number. the dynamic contrast ratio refers to the range between bright and dark over time. the native contrast ratio measures the brightest and darkest images a TV produces at the same time.