Flat-panel TVs: plasma, LCD, and how they compare

Having trouble discerning between plasma and LCD televisions? This handy chart can help you determine which technology is best for you.

	Plasma	LCD
General
Screen sizes	42-65+ inches	5-65+ inches
Cabinet depth	3+ inches	3+ inches
Power consumption	Less-efficient per square inch	More-efficient per square inch
Price	Similar to LCD for same screen size	Similar to plasma for same screen size
Features
PC connectivity	Less common but still included on many models	More common than with plasma
Other features	Varies per model	Varies per model
Picture quality
Motion blur caused by display	Negligible	Difficult to discern on most models, although subject to more blurring than plasma. 120Hz and 240Hz models subject to less motion blur
Black-level performance (depth of "black" displayed)	Varies, although excellent on many models.	Varies, although generally worse than plasma on many models. LED backlights with local dimming offer significantly deeper blacks.
Color saturation	Varies, although generally a bit better than LCD due to black level and off-angle advantages	Varies, although the best models can equal the best plasmas
Resolution	1080p is standard in all but entry-level models.	1080p is standard in all but entry-level models.
Off-angle viewing	Excellent from all angles	Image fades slightly when seen from extreme angles from sides or from above or below
Reflectivity of screen	Glass screens can reflect lots of light, so may be an issue in very bright rooms. Some models have glare-reducing screens that are more or less effective	Matte plastic screens usually reflect less light. Some models have screens that are actually more reflective than plasma
Durability
Burn-in (faint after-images left on-screen)	Possible with still images left on-screen with very bright settings for hours, although new models much less susceptible, and most burn-in is temporary and goes away after watching moving images	Occurs only in extreme circumstances
Lifespan (hours until fades to half-brightness)	Typically 60,000 hours, or about 20 years if used 8 hours per day.	Typically 60,000 hours, or about 20 years if used 8 hours per day.
Program type
HDTV	Excellent, although the rare EDTV models can look a bit softer because of lower resolution	Excellent for HDTV-compatible models.
Standard-definition TV	Dependent mostly on screen size. The smaller the screen, the better standard-def usually looks	Dependent mostly on screen size. The smaller the screen, the better standard-def usually looks
DVD Movies	Excellent given a model with good black-level performance	Very good, although models with worse black-level performance are less desirable
Games	Excellent for most users, although burn-in might deter gamers who leave screens paused for hours or overnight	Excellent, although motion blur might deter the most sensitive gamers