Innovation

Plasma and LCD - the Facts

When it comes to finding out more about Plasma and LCD, there are a number of myths out there that can be confusing. Here, Panasonic responds to some misconceptions and offers new information.

How do I choose between Plasma and LCD?
Size matters when it comes to making a choice. LCD is at its optimum performance up to and including 32", whilst plasma offers optimum performance at 37" and above. Panasonic Viera Plasma TV is currently the UK's No1 best-selling large screen TV. (see our chart below to help you make a choice).

Which is more energy efficient, Plasma or LCD?
The energy consumption of both is actually about the same in normal operating conditions. An LCD screen consumption is constant whereas with Plasma it fluctuates according to the brightness of a scene, eg when a scene is predominantly dark , a Plasma will use less energy. All in all the energy efficiency evens out for Plasma and LCD.

A popular Plasma myth dispelled
Does Flat Panel TV need re-gasing? No. Plasma gases are inert and sealed within tiny cells that are sandwiched between glass plates. There is never any need to re-charge or refill the Plasma.

Which technology has the longer life span Plasma or LCD?
The life span for both is dependent on viewing habits, but if both are watched for the same duration, one would expect the life span to be approximately the same, 60 000 hours, roughly twice the life span of older CRT technology.

New European Research Findings: Plasma offers the best all-round viewing.
Recent independent European research for Panasonic (the first in Europe into customer preferences for medium to large-screen TVs*) has revealed that after viewing plasma and LCD large screens, 73% rated Plasma as superior.

A majority of two to one rated Plasma as providing the best image quality and 72% felt that the best black quality was created by large Plasma screens. The research replicated the typical viewing conditions found in the home and produced very clear results.

Key statistics include

Sharpness : Plasma was deemed to provide the best sharpness experience by 61% of respondents compared to 22% for LCD.
Colour: Plasma was deemed to provide the best colour quality by 65% of people with LCD at 24%
Response speed: Plasma was earmarked as providing the best quality for response speed by 62% of people, with LCD scoring 15%, nearly a quarter of respondents believe that both technologies provide a similar performance.
Contrast: According to the survey. Plasma has the best contrast performance (61% indicated that Plasma performed best compared to 26% for LCD)

In Summary : don't believe all that you hear

The new European research shown below clearly shows an overwhelming preference for Plasma, citing deeper blacks, richer colour reproduction and critically, the capability to accurately display fast moving action as key drivers.

Note : Information related to the Panasonic Viera range.

*Source GFK July and August 2006. Screen size above 33 inches These findings, coupled with the Fast Facts above, dispelling myths like shorter life, re-gasing and power consumption, conclusively support the case for Plasma when choosing a flat panel TV for the home.