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LCD vs. Plasma: Which Is Right for You?
August 24, 2006
While both LCD and plasma technologies are suitable for high-resolution and wide-screen needs, each has qualities that make it suitable for presentations. So the question still remains: "Which technology should a presenter choose--LCD or plasma?" The experts agree: It depends on your requirements.
By Stacy Straczynski
LIGHTING
Jeff Samuels, the public relations supervisor at Secaucus, N.J.-based Panasonic asserts that for those presenting in a very bright environment, LCD is the way to go, as it is a brighter technology and reflects less light than its plasma counterparts. However, in a darker environment, plasma provides better contrast.
AUDIENCE SIZE
John Taylor, a vice president with Chicago-based LG Electronics USA, says if you're presenting in intimate meetings in boardrooms and classrooms, opt for a moderately sized panel in the 26- to 32-inch category; if you're speaking to a larger audience, go for a panel in the 50- to 60-inch range. Taylor says the largest screens, and those for the best value, are currently still plasma, although LCD is catching up and will soon be comparable.
APPLICATIONS
Rodney Laney, vice president of display technology at the Tampa, Fla.-based Audio Visual Innovations says that if you're going to have motion video with lots of screen changes, then either is a good option, but plasma is recommended due to its faster refresh rates. However, if you will be displaying the same format and colors, with only minor text changes, such as computer displays or PowerPoint applications, then LCD is a better option as there is less of a chance for image "burn-in," an occasional problem with plasma.
COST
LCD and plasma panels are comparable in price up to the 32-inch range, but LCD becomes up to twice the price in the larger models, Samuels says. For example, next month Panasonic is coming out with a 65-inch plasma for around $10,000, while a 65-inch LCD from one of its competitors costs around $20,000. Plasma without a doubt is the best option for a budget.
MESSAGE
A presenter is not only representing himself, but also the organization from which he or she speaks. How does your organization want to be portrayed? "Those who want to portray their company as high-tech and on the cutting-edge would choose the newest, the 103-inch plasma, as it will probably have a sleek look," says Nancy DeBrosse, corporate vice president of marketing and communications at Projection, a nationwide audiovisual and computer rental company headquartered in Washington, D.C. whichever the choice, Bruce Pollack, assistant director of marketing at Mahwah, N.J-based Sharp USA, says that presenters need to make sure of three things: that the product has a good warranty of at least three years, that the company offers on-site service with their warranty, and that the product is bought from a professional commercial brand, since not only do their models have a more rugged design for durability, but also because a brand-name manufacturer can customize the product as needed.
PLASMA
LG 60" Plasma
Model: MU-60PZ95V
Cost: $9,999.95
The LG 60" MU-60PZ95V is a high-definition plasma display with 1366x768p resolution. It features a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 1,000 CD/m2 high brightness, aspect ratio correction, vertical display mode, RS-232 control and discrete IR controls, and video de-interlacing and line doubling.
LG 42" Plasma
Model: 42PX3DCV
Cost: $1,899.95
This 42-inch plasma display has a 10,000:1 contrast ratio with 1,500 CD/m2 high brightness. It features an 852x480p resolution, fan-free operation, front panel control and integrated speakers. The 42PX3DCV has image sticking minimization, pixel orbitor, white wash and inversion features. Side video and audio inputs allow for multiple connections and program capability.
Panasonic ProSeries 50" Plasma
Model: TH-50PH9UK
Cost: $3,995
The 50" TH-50PH9UK is part of Panasonic’s advanced display 9-Series featuring high-performance improvements of video capabilities, flexibility and design. The new series includes three sizes—50-inch, 42-inch, and 37-inch monitors.
LCD
LG 42" LCD
Model: M4200C-BA
Cost: $3,339.95
This truly flat 42-inch LCD monitor delivers 1366x768p resolution to produce extremely detailed imagery with an 1,100:1 contrast ratio and 500CD/m2 high brightness. The M4200C-BA features an improved 178-degree viewing angle, temperature sensor, lamp fault sensor and split zoom. It has multiple inputs for DVD, VCR, computer and game systems.
Sharp 65" LCD
Model: PN-655U
Cost: $29,995
The largest full-spec high definition commercial LCD monitor on the market is the LG PN-655U with a 65-inch diagonal span. A professional 2-megapixel LCD monitor with full 1920x1080p HD resolution, it has a wide range of performance capabilities and can be used for teleconferencing, medical imaging, digital signage, broadcast and production, and CAD/simulation.
LG 55" TFT LCD
Model: M5500C
Cost: $14,999.95
This narrow and stylish 55-inch LCD monitor from LG features 1366x768p resolution, 500 CD/m2 high brightness, a 1,200:1 contrast ratio, a 16ms response time, and multiple input capabilities. The 170-degree viewing angle M5500C has picture-in-picture, picture-out-of-picture, and picture-by-picture functions and has PC, AV and TV connectivity for an array of uses.
Sharp 45" LCD
Model: PN-455
Cost: $8,195
The Sharp PN-455 is a 45-inch professional LCD monitor with full 2-megapixel 1920x1080p HD resolution. It features a wide 170x170 degree viewing angle, high 500nit brightness, an 800:1 contrast ratio, 6ms response time, a true 16x9 aspect radio, and a built-in programmable off timer.
RELATED ARTICLE: Flat Panels at the Forefront
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