Guide Note

Plasma is one of the primary displays used for flat panel televisions, along with Liquid Crystal Display. Two layers of gas composed of tiny cells within the screen produce light and images when electricity converts the gas to plasma. Plasma screens have many benefits, including bright picture, rich colors, and a higher level of contrast than LCD Televisions.

Plasma televisions are best used to watch programs and films with a great deal of motion and action, based on the good contrast and pixel response time.

Plasma vs. LCD

LCD TV's are lighter, more durable, and frequently more sleek than Plasma TVs. More scenic or panoramic images may look better on an LCD television, as well. For several articles with in-depth analysis of this issue, see our results for LCD vs. Plasma TV.

Fast Facts

1. Invented in 1964
2. Inventor: Donald Bitzer, H. Gene Slottow, Rober Willson
3. 1997: First mainstream consumer model, Pioneer color display
4. Images may become distorted if viewed at sharp angles
5. Neon & Xenon gases used
6. Competing Technology: LCD TV
7. Prices: $700-$4000
8. Leading Manufacturers: Pioneer, Sony, Panasonic, Samsung