In today’s competitive marketplace, purchasing a new television set can be puzzling and full of factors to consider. Currently, the leading technologies in television are LED, Plasma, and LCD sets. Each of these technologies has its own advantages and disadvantages that may sway you in one direction or the other. For this reason, it is important to educate yourself about each of these technologies before making a purchase so that you know which television set would be the best match for your entertainment needs.
LED
While LED televisions are the latest technology in television to be pushed onto consumers, they are actually LCD TVs that use LED backlights to illuminate the display, which use less energy and do not contain harmful chemicals, such as mercury, unlike plasma and LCD televisions. LED televisions provide a better image quality and contrast ratios than LCD televisions, but still don’t quite challenge the colors that plasma televisions are able to produce. Since LED televisions are the latest technology, they are also generally more expensive than plasma and LCD televisions and don’t really save you any money on your electricity bill, despite what commercials and other advertisements may claim.
Plasma
Plasma televisions have been around for a while and still hold the top placement on gadget experts’ shopping wishlists. Plasma televisions pass electricity through bulbs that contain positively-charged gases in order to create plasma that produces different wavelengths of color depending on the amount of electricity passed through them. Plasma TVs are known for their exceptional picture quality because of the vibrant colors they produce and the fact that they are able to keep up with fast-moving films. However, plasma TVs use a lot more electricity than LED televisions and contain harmful chemicals, making them a less eco-friendly option. Plasma TVs are also more prone to image burn-ins, in which individual pixels on the screen can get “stuck” on a specific color or simply stop working, which leaves little black dots across your monitor.
LCD
LCD TVs, as was mentioned earlier, are the primary technology behind LED televisions. Without getting into the complicated science behind LCD televisions, they basically use channels to direct electricity to pixels on the monitor. While LCD televisions provide a decent picture quality, they don’t produce any light on their own, which is why they must use backlights, such as fluorescent lamps or LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). With that said, they have been on the market longer than both LED and plasma televisions, making them quite a bit cheaper than either of the other two technologies.
While you’ll probably be satisfied with any of the three television technologies that are currently on the market, each type obviously has its pros and cons. If you’re looking for a cost-effective option, an LCD television will probably be your best option. If you’re looking for an impression picture and plan on using your TV for a lot of action-packed movies or video games, a plasma TV may be the way to go. If you’re feeling particularly eco-friendly, but want something that will keep up with your day-to-day entertainment, an LED television will be your new best friend.
About Author
Chris White is head buyer for an electronics retail chain in Melbourne. He spends most of his hours testing new gadgets and home equipment before deciding which ones to carry in the stores. He is currently on the lookout for the best 4k tv.