When it comes to finding out more about plasma and LCD, there are a number of myths out there that can be confusing. After having spent a morning Googling the web, we came across a great deal of information, however the most enlightening information came from Panasonic, who offer products from both categories. The following information is brutally plagerised from their website, but in truth, it provides good clarity. We hope you find it useful.
The original text can be found here.

Popular myths dispelled

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.

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.

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.

European Research Results

Plasma offer the best all-round viewing.
Recent independent European research carried out on behalf of Panasonic 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)
  
  

Note : Information related to the Panasonic Viera range.
*Source GFK July and August 2006. Screen size above 33 inches

Some places to continue your research:

www.plasma-lcd-facts.co.uk	www.flattvpeople.com
www.which.co.uk	http://tech.yahoo.com/blog/null/3597

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