Plasma

• Plasma TVs are considered to be emissive displays, which means they are self-lighting. These include two transparent glass panels with a layer of pixels made up of gas-filled cells in between. When a plasma TV is turned on, electrodes send an electric current to the cells, which causes them to ionize, and that gas produces high frequency ultraviolent rays, causing the screen to glow to the color needed. The technology produces highly accurate color and light output. The typical plasma TV ranged between 37 inches and 65 inches diagonal, and prices range between $800 and $7,000 for mainstream models, as of 2011.
  
  

LCD

• An LCD is considered a transmissive display, which means that light passes through the screen from a light source behind the LCD panel, either a fluorescent light for conventional LCDs or a light-emitting diode light for LED models. As the light shines through the display, a diffusion panel distributes the light to the screen. LCDs are made up of two polarized transparent panels and an LCD solution in between. The liquid crystals themselves act like shutters, allowing or blocking light to form the correct image. LCD TVs are sold in smaller sizes and the price points are competitive to conventional TV sets. LCD screens range in size from 15 inches to 65 inches, and prices range from as little as $400 to several thousand dollars, as of 2011.
  
  

Differences

• According to "PC World," plasma TVs hold an edge in picture quality over LCDs. One reason is that LCDs tend to have a lower contrast ratio -- a measure of the range of light a TV can produce -- than plasmas. In addition, LCDs have lower response times than plasmas, which can lead to blurry images during fast-moving scenes. However, LCDs tend to be a better option for viewing in rooms that are well-lit, and aren't prone to heating up like plasmas, which reduces the need for a cooling fan. In addition, plasma TVs are prone to burn-in, where an after-image is retained on the screen.
  
  

Considerations

• According to Crutchfield, LCD TVs are a better choice for consumers who want a thin TV, who watch TV in rooms with bright light, and who prioritize power consumption because LCDs tend to be more energy efficient than similarly sized plasmas. On the other hand, consumers who want deeper blacks and richer, more intense colors, and who want a wider viewing angle, and want smoother motion during fast action sequences, will prefer a plasma TV.