When it comes to huge TVs, people have always been somewhat indecisive in choosing between Plasma and LCD. When one thinks of better picture and deeper black levels, Plasma comes into mind. On the other hand, when one looks towards their pockets, LCD seems better option. Regardless of price factor, Plasma is indeed a better option as far as performance and picture quality is concerned. After all, you are getting a big screen for enhanced watching experience; then why should you compromise on price? (save a few months more, and you will be able to get your hands on a big plasma)

Today, I am going to discuss a nice (and huge) Plasma TV created by LG, called LG INFINIA 60PK950. As the name suggest, it is a 60” big screen; get prepared for big pictures! Let us have a look at its specs and features.

Specs:

• Display type: Plasma
• Screen size: 60 inches
• Screen size diagonal: 59.8 inches
• Dimensions: 55.5 in x 33.9 in x 2.0 in
• Weight: 92.6 lbs
• Full HD 1080
• Native display resolution: 1920 x 1080
• ED Resolution: 1080p
• Dynamic contrast ratio: 5,000,000:1
• Refresh rate: 600 Hz
• Intelligent sensor
• 4 HDMI ports
• Internet services: YouTube, NetFlix, NetCast Entertainment Access, Yahoo, Vudu, TV Widgets, Picasa
• Wireless HD ready
• Wi-Fi ready
• DLNA certified
• THX certified display
• Seamless design
• Picture, video and music via USB 2.0
• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• TruBlack Filter
• 8 picture modes
• 6 aspect ratio correction modes
• Infinite surround sound system
• Dolby digital decoder
• Special features: Smart energy saving, Freeze Frame, input labeling, Quick View, Quick set up guide, e-manual, Parental Control, closed caption, key lock. SimpLink
• Language: English, Spanish, French, Korean
• Auto tuning, Favorite channel programming, on / off timer, sleep timer
• Accessories: Wireless adapter, Remote control
• Optional Accessories: Slim Wall Mount, Wireless Media Hub

Features:

Let us begin with the design of this gorgeous Plasma TV. This is a decent as well as stylish looking television with transparent edges and a transparent stand. Overall looks are elegant. Remote control of LG 60PK950 is a great hit. This is a “magic wand” kind of remote which is slim and fits in one’s hand easily. Menu button will take you to an on-screen menu which is easy and simple to use. Now, you don’t need to move the cursor up and down with some arrow buttons placed on the remote control; instead moving the remote itself will do the job. That is why it is called Magic Wand.

Another important factor is the TruBlack Filter which gives better blacks in brighter atmosphere. Streaming and other media apps include Netflix, Vudu, Picasa, Yahoo and YouTube.

Product’s Unique Selling Points:

• Deep black levels
• Stylish and slick design
• Wonderful Magic Wand remote control
• Nice picture controls
• Overall accurate color
• Streaming and interactive features

Limitations:

• Few apps than rival TVs

Selecting Plasma, LCD or LED for your TV lounge or bedroom may become hectic or frightening if you do not have much knowledge or understanding with the current TV technologies. What should you buy, LCD HDTV or Plasma HDTV? Alternatively, you should go for luxurious that you feel that this LED will best suit your bedroom decoration. Selecting from plasma and LCD is much debatable topic and complicated too because of advance technology involvement. The tips mentioned below will help you to select the HDTV that is best suitable for you location and depending upon your needs.

Photo by MR. SHEMON

Plasma TV screen is larger and superior in picture quality than LCD. LCDs have done a lot of business in market and these two technologies have captured the market. In this scenario, LED TVs are new comers but draw back is that they are much costly. Just imagine the technology of LED TVs. In upcoming days, LEDs will be as thin as you credit cards are. Most probably LEDs will dangle on you wall like wallpaper. This is not good to buy LED just now. Go for Plasma or LCD because these two have success stories in market. Wait until the LEDs TV become common market electronics and their prices drops too enough to support your treasure.

• Plasma is a long run ahead from LCD for contrast ratio. Contrast ratio is the divergence between the darkest darks and whitest white. Revision of technology in LCD screens has much increased the contrast ratio but LCD is still behind to beat Plasma.
• Focus your mind that what is you priority? If you want to use your TV for still images or second computer monitor then LCD is the best choice. Keep in mind that flat screen computers monitors are actually LCD based technology and they produce best results to view still images.
• Plasma is successful for affecting images, such as fast scene movies, trail prospect movies. Plasma comes first. LCDs are good enough but they are still behind Plasma. Plasma has definitely edge over LCD. Plasma TV can be viewed from all sides. If your plasma has a small space to decorate then do not worry this did not really matter.
• LCD and Plasma both have same lifetimes. The factor that depends upon is manufacturer. It means that what ever you are planning to buy, must underline the manufacturer rating. Do not run behind the manufacturer comments, some time they are false. To clear your mind read online reviews about the TVs. You must visit to view your selecting choice on local electronics stores.
• Plasma TVs have shown their remarkable presence in large HDTVs. These large HDTVs have a size of 50 inches are higher. For brilliant quality, these big imaging devices have complex electronics engineering. This is good to buy plasma if you have decided for big picture. Manufacturers like LG and Samsung are delivering very large Plasma screen and they are proved good in quality.
• LCDs are used with computer monitors because their power consumption is less. Therefore, those LCDs are popular with CPUs. Why this happens? Quite simple, Plasma TVs uses neon gas inside and more electricity is required to light it up. The consumption of LCD TVs is half than Plasma TVs. This is simply because the neon gas that is inside a plasma TV takes more electricity to light it up. The LCD TVs use about half the power generally.
• Paying $ 2,000 or paying its double definitely makes a difference. Have a little bit survey before spending you money. Spending extra money on any model will show you the enough quality difference.

In the end, choosing the shining display technology depends upon your knowledge. It will better to have knowledge about the pros and cons with respect to you requirements and limitations.

Samsung has brought some of the very remarkable plasma TVs for the international markets and they have captured a huge round of a Claus from the buyers. The series of plasma TVs have always been reported as the top rated products in the international markets and this is because Samsung has always brought some outclass innovative enhancements in its products which have always resulted in the best performance. The TV under review is the latest model in the 8 series “the PS50B850”. This new plasma TV features some very magnificent features like the easy to use widget for the World Wide Web usage, ultra filter bright plus and energy efficient system.

Photo by SamsungTestLab

This new full HD plasma TV by Samsung is having 50 inch display coming with a sparkling crystal design which adds a hint of color into glossy piano black frame. The design has got the dashing looks and other than the design the features are also outclass and they will give you the experience of being more and more closer to the HD videos being played on the TV. If you want to enjoy the purity of plasma screen with the huge blend of colors then go to your nearest store and buy this piece of magic.

Features:

1. This TV features 10 subfields into each frame of the plasma TV which makes the image crispier and sharper.
2. By just 29.5mm thin body it features a very surprisingly sleek and stylish design just to the best suitable TV for your room.
3. The ultra filterBright plus features blocks the impacts of external lights on the TV thus make the picture clearer and brighter.
4. The remote has healthy contents ranging from the video playback controls to various hot keys for major functions like internet TV and also switching between different modes.
5. The best feature is its Media 2.0 suit which comprises of four different elements  like internet@ TV, USB 2.0 playback, DLNA both wireless and wired and content library.
6. The widget based internet TV gives an easy access to YouTube videos and weather reports.
7. The Mega Dynamic contrast ratio brought true cinematic clarity to the plasma TV thus makes it possible to get a cinema experience at home.
8. The USB connection enables you to connect your digital cameras on the Plasma Tv and manage your images, videos and even audio.
9. The energy saving mode adjusts the back light to give you the best ever picture quality and also save the energy.
10. The interface is very user-friendly with the animated icons and useful description of highlighted sub-menus and configurations.

Specifications:

1. Series: 8
2. Screen Size: 50″
3. Resolution: 1920 x 1080
4. Contrast Ratio: 50000 : 1
5. Brightness(cd/m2): 1500
6. Anti Reflection: Yes
7. Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 3000000 : 1
8. Sound Output (RMS): 15W x 2
9. Woofer: Yes
10. OSD language: Europe 25 Language
11. Set weight with stand: 32.5kg
12. Set weight without stand: 26.1kg
13. Set Size (WxHxD) with Stand: 1238 x 815.5 x 277.2mm
14. Set Size (WxHxD) without Stand: 1238 x 751.9 x 29.5mm

This TV has thus brought some surprising new features for the plasma series and the design is also the enhanced one which can suits best for your requirements. If you are looking for a king of plasma with has got plethora of exciting features then this will suit best with your requirements.

The main specs are as follows:

Specs:

• 1080p24
• Three 24pHDMI inputs
• Deep Color/x.v. Color Performance
• PictureMaster HD VI Processor
• Power Swivel Stand

Features:

The most significant feature of this TV is that though it is an HD television; it delivers non HD, standard definition material quite well unlike most of the HDTVs. Mostly, the standard definition material looks really awful on HDTVs. This TV has a great TV scaler and image processor.

The setting up is made easier with the help of setup wizard and on screen TV Guide. By pressing the remote’s Guide button, and the full screen menu that will appear bears the TV Guide logo, too. The remote is completely backlit, and is programmable. Navigating through channels is quite easy, and it will remind you of a future show when the time comes, if you have set a reminder. Sound system of this HDTV is pretty fine, though the higher notes are not easy to listen. Thus, decreasing the volume fixes this problem.

This TV shows to some extent blurry images, which also lack details on the edges. Colors look dull, and the TV lacks contrast. The Swivel factor is a plus point of this HD television and allows you to turn the screen towards you or at another angel remotely. The settings range is great, as you can personalize almost every feature on this TV.

Product’s Unique Selling Points:

On screen TV guide
Backlit remote control
Mute button turns on closed captions
Flexible picture adjustments
Nice Standard Definition Picture

Limitations:

Not so great HD image quality
Very expensive
Not very impressive speakers

Final Words:

Though this Plasma TV shows fine images, the high price tag and the not very awesome picture quality doesn’t make it a fine choice.

Display Size:

You will find two options in flat screen HD TVs; LCD and Plasma. If you are going for a TV having less than 37” screen, you have no choice but an LCD. But if you plan for something bigger and greater than 37”, you can choose between Plasma and LCD; comparing their respective features and attributes.

Plasma:

Plasma is expensive; this is the biggest fact about it. It is a plane and flat panel display, used for huge screens mostly. These displays are brighter and more vivid than LCD displays due to difference of working and substances used in them.

There are two plates of glass used in Plasma’s working which hold countless minute cells inside. These cells are full of two gases; neon and xenon. Between the glass-plates on both sides of these tiny cells, there are placed long electrodes. A potential difference is caused by charging these electrodes. When a difference in voltage happens, ionization of neon and xenon occurs and creates plasma. These ions start moving towards the electrodes resulting in collisions, which give birth to photons.

The pixels of Plasma display consist of three sub pixel cells which are red, blue and green colored phosphors. Variation in the current which flows through these phosphors increases or decreases the concentration of these colors. This is the rationale behind rich color display of Plasma TV. Plasma range begins from 37” and extends to 65”, costing about $800 to $15000.

Plasma’s Drawbacks:

1. Plasma Displays are prone to burn-ins.
2. It consumes way more power than LCD.
3. It is pricier than LCD.

LCD:

Liquid crystal display consists of two glass-plates holding inside them an arrangement of liquid crystals. Two glass-plates hold thousands of pixels filled with liquid crystals, and there is a source of light at the back. There are two transparent electrodes and two polarizing filters also; between them is present a layer of molecules. Liquid crystal molecules are lined up in a certain direction before an electric charge is applied to them. When an electric charge is applied, variation results in construction of different levels of grey.

Same three colored sub pixels are present in LCD too. Colors are subtracted from white light and thus, color elements are displayed. LCD models vary in size, starting from 15” to 65”. It is not a very expensive choice, yet it is a nice one.

LCD’s Drawbacks:

• It is beaten by Plasma when it comes to contrast ratio, color accuracy, and deeper blacks.
• It can not produce pictures as large and bright as Plasma.
• Sometimes, moving objects are smudged in LCD.
• Single pixels of LCD can burn out, which we see as black spots.

Now when you have the plus and minus points of both technologies, you can decide according to your own choice that what you should bring in to your home.

Contrast Ratio:

It refers to the brightest and darkest light values that a display can generate at a time. The higher the contrast ratio is, the better the TV’s quality is. LCD has a low quality contrast ratio (starting at about 600:1) as compared to Plasma, which offers very high contrast ratio (starting at about 1000:1). Unfortunately, there is no authentic method to identify a TV’s contrast ratio. Plasma offers deeper blacks than LCD.

Aspect Ratio:

It is the relationship of screen’s width to screen’s height. Usual TV sets have an aspect ratio of 4:3, and the modern wide screen ones have an aspect ratio of 16:9. You should go for the wide screen TVs because HDTV is a wide screen system and also, DVDs look way better on wide screens.

Video Inputs:

It determines that what kind of and how many sources you can use with your TV. The most widely compatible is the Composite Video, though it has the lowest quality. It is present in every device that has video output sources. S-video offers better than Composite quality, and is present in all devices else than the standard VCRs. Component video is the minimum standard for connecting HD cable, satellite set top boxes, and progressive scan DVD and Blu-ray Disc players. VGA is primarily used for computer connections. DVI is one of the highest quality inputs that can connect to devices with HDMI outputs and computers. Today, the dominant digital connection interface for HDTVs is HDMI, which is a DVI plus input.

Resolution:

Apparent picture details are determined through resolution and contrast ratio. Plasma and LCD have fixed pixel display. Basically, there are five types of resolutions used these days; 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. 480i is used for analog standard TV; 480p for DVDs; 720p and 1080i formats are used by satellite, cable, and over-the-air-broadcast HD content providers, plus some advanced DVD players; and 1080p is used for Blu-ray players. List down your priorities, and choose one. But we would advise you to invest in a model that supports 1080p, as your Flat Screen HD TV is a long term investment.

Now when you have major points clear in your mind, we are going to provide you with some tips, which will surely help you in long turn.

1. Get a TV set with at least some HDMI inputs; the next era is of multi-connectivity. Look into for those which have more side and front ports and rear.
2. Compare different TV displays using various input sources, mark the difference, and make your decision.
3. Take with you a DVD with dim-lit scenes, and check the displays with the DVD. Look into the displays that show deeper black.
4. Very important: try to check the remote control before buying a TV. A non friendly complex remote can destroy your state of sheer joy.
5. Check the video settings before buying a TV.

Now that you are well equipped with pre-shopping knowledge; you must be confident to head towards the shopping area of your city, inspect all those trendy HDTVs like an expert, and buy the one that suits you best.

Written by “Seemab”

1. In year 1926, J.L. Baird first displayed television which had only 30 lines and gave coarse image. Currently the digital signal of the television sends pictures with 1080 lines.

2. A 103-inch plasma TV from Panasonic is the largest plasma TV currently available in the market, costing approximately around $70,000 .

3. By the time the American child reaches 14, on an average they have seen around 11,000 murders on television.

4. The television advertisement first broadcasted on 1st July, 1941 in New York. The advertisement was for Bulova Watch for 20 seconds. It was aired before a game of baseball played between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Brooklyn Dodgers. The cost of air buy during that time was only $9.

5. In 2008, the cost of 30 seconds advertisement was $2.7 million in the Super Bowl broadcast. It is the world’s most costly airtime.

6. NASA has announced that they have lost all of their original tapes of Apollo 11’s TV transmission in August, 2006.

7. The Late Late Show of Ireland which started in 1962 and The Tonight Show which started in 1954 are the longest running talk show in the world.

8. Sony began selling VCRs in 1970 that was capable of recording the television shows. However, Sony was sued by the film studios for copyright piracy. Later on, the Supreme Court backed Sony.

9. Queen Elizabeth II has launched her own YouTube channel after fifty years when she first address for the Christmas to the public of UK.

10. Nearly 36 percent mobile phone users can now watch the video beamed straight in their phones and the trend is still rising.

What is Plasma TV?

It is a plane and flat panel display, used for huge screens mostly. These displays are brighter and more vivid than LCD displays due to difference of working and substances used in them.

Working of a Plasma TV:

There are two plates of glass used in Plasma’s working which hold innumerable tiny cells within. These cells are full of two gases; neon and xenon. Between the glass-plates on both sides of these tiny cells, there are placed long electrodes. A potential difference is caused by charging these electrodes. When a difference in voltage happens, ionization of neon and xenon occurs and creates plasma. These ions start moving towards the electrodes resulting in collisions, which give birth to photons.

The pixels of Plasma display consist of three sub pixel cells which are red, blue and green colored phosphors. Variation in the current which flows through these phosphors increases or decreases the intensity of these colors. This is the reason behind rich color display of Plasma TV.

What is an LCD TV?

Liquid crystal display; LCD display consists of two glass-plates holding inside them an arrangement of liquid crystals.

Working of an LCD TV:

Two glass-plates hold thousands of pixels filled with liquid crystals, and there is a source of light at the back. There are two transparent electrodes and two polarizing filters also; between them is present a layer of molecules. Liquid crystal molecules are lined up in a certain direction before an electric charge is applied to them. When an electric charge is applied, variation results in construction of different levels of grey.

Same three colored sub pixels are present in LCD too. Colors are subtracted from white light and thus, color elements are displayed.

Plasma vs. LCD:

1. Plasma has a larger display than LCD.
2. Plasma displays better contrast ratio, enhanced color accuracy and deeper blacks.
3. Plasma can produce large sized and brighter pictures as compared to LCD.
4. There is no light source in Plasma; rather every pixel produces its own light.
5. Plasma displays better motion tracking capabilities than LCD; which smudges the moving objects sometimes.
6. Plasma Displays are prone to burn-ins whereas LCD has no such threat.
7. Single pixels of LCD can burn-out.
8. LCD consumes about 25% less power than Plasma.
9. LCD is much more affordable than Plasma TVs.

Here is the comparison between both technologies with their pros and cons. Now, the decision is up to you solely.