THIS GUEST POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY MARKS & SPENCER.
A lot of serious gamers are fairly ignorant when it comes to the differences between flat screen televisions. We have all heard the basic terms, such as “plasma” or “high definition,” or “LCD”; but shockingly few people actually look into the true meanings of these terms, or the differences between them. Of course, for some people the basic knowledge that each of these types of televisions brings an enhanced picture and higher quality viewing is enough, and the nuances and small differences are not important. However, if you are more particular about your television experience, or if you are looking for a television that will offer you the best possible gaming experience, you may want to find out a bit more before ordering a plasma screen online or picking up an LED TV from Marks & Spencer. With this in mind, here is a brief comparison of the three leading types of flat screen TVs:
Plasma – Plasma screens essentially led the way in the flat screen market, and were the first high definition flat screens to be sold widely. Aside from being physically flat, these televisions provide a clearer, sharper image than standard televisions, and are generally praised for extremely realistic and pleasantly vibrant colour displays, which can be great for game play. Basically, the way that these televisions work is that the display is made up of many small pixels, or chips, which light themselves and comprise the image that you see.
LCD – LCD televisions eventually emerged as the chief competitor for the Plasma screen market, and use a slightly different method to bring about a display that is usually as sharp or sharper than that of the average Plasma screen. In an LCD television, the pieces that make up the image are not capable of lighting themselves, but are instead lit by a backlighting system. It’s often said that the end result is a display that is a slight improvement on many plasma screens.
LED – Contrary to popular misconception, LED televisions are not competitors with LCD televisions. The acronym ‘LED’ actually refers to a specific type of backlighting technology that is used in certain LCD televisions. So, technically, LED televisions are merely particular types of LCD machines. In most people’s opinions, the LED LCD option is the very best on the market, and brings about the very highest quality picture – whether for television, movies or gaming.
These are just a few brief descriptions and comparisons to help you to understand some of the basic differences between flat screen options as you look for your next gaming television. Ultimately, if you are just now making the upgrade from a basic television to a flat screen, any of the above listed options will seem to you like significant improvements. However, if you are particular about your choice, it is a good idea to research and understand the subtleties and differences between different options.
Guest author: Jason Forrester
As this is funnily enough a gaming site (who knew right?)
Plasma is an option that should be last on any gamers choice cause as far as I know they are prone to image retention or screen burn, where a still image has left behind well, an image of itself.. like when you pause a game or are in a menu screen for a significant period of time. I’ve never seen it as I own an LCD TV and I’ve left it for 10 minutes or longer with a still image from my ps3 and haven’t seen any ill effects (touch wood, rabbits foot, black cat(no!))
I’d recommend either a LCD or LED, I’ve had mine for 4 years now and I really wished I’d waited for 3D LCD/LED TV.
Curse my friend for talking me into buying it.
I agree with Oni-Samurai, Plasma is really a last option TV. I have one LCD and one LED. LED is better and I can definitely tell a difference but if you don’t want to shell out the extra cash for a LED then LCD is a high quality tv as well. There both really great TVs depending on what brand you go with. I personally like the Sony TVs.