How Plasma TVs Work

Plasma TV technology is loosely based on an incandescent light bulb.

This example contains cells.

Inside each cell, a small gap containing an insulating layer, an address electrode, and a display electrode, separates two glass panels. In this process, neon-xenon gas is injected and then sealed in plasma form during the manufacturing process.

When a Plasma TV is used, the gas is electrically charged at regular intervals. The charged gas then strikes the red, green, and blue phosphors, creating an image on the screen.

Each group of red, green, and blue phosphors is called a pixel (an image element — the individual red, green, and blue phosphors are called sub-pixels). Since Plasma TV pixels emit their own light, they are called "emissive" displays.

Plasma TVs can be made lighter. However, while the need for the large picture tube and electron beam inspection of those old CRT TVs is unnecessary, Plasma TVs still use explosive phosphors to create an image. As a result, Plasma TVs suffer from some of the disadvantages of CRT TVs, such as heat and possible burnout of the still images on the screen.

How LCD TVs Work

LCD TVs use a different technology than plasma to display images.

LCD panels are made of two layers of material, which are polarized, and "glued" together.

A special polymer that traps water crystals coats one of the surfaces.

Current passes through the individual crystals, allowing them to pass through or block light to create images.

LCD crystals do not emit light, so they require an external source, such as fluorescent (CCFL/ HCFL) or LEDs, for the image generated by the LCD to be visible to the viewer.

As of 2014, almost all LCD TVs use LED backlights. Since LCD crystals don't emit light, LCD TVs are called "transmissive" displays.

Unlike a Plasma TV, since there are no fluorescent phosphors, less energy is required to operate, and the light source on an LCD TV produces less heat than a Plasma TV . . . . No arrows are emitted from the screen.

Advantages of Plasma Over LCD

Better contrast ratio and ability to show deeper blacks.

Better color accuracy and saturation.

Better motion tracking (less or no delay in fast moving scenes due to Sub Field Drive Technology).

Wide side viewing angle.

Disorders of Plasma vs. LCD

Plasma TVs are not as bright as most LCD TVs. They work better in a dimly lit or dark room.

The screen surface is more reflective than most LCD TVs, which means they can be brighter — the screen surface reflects nearby light sources.

Plasma TVs are particularly vulnerable to static burnout. However, this problem has lessened in recent years due to "pixel orbiting" and related technologies.

Plasma TVs produce more heat and use more power than LCD TVs, due to the need to light phosphors to create images.

Plasma TVs don’t work as well at high altitudes.

Potentially short display life. Early models had 30,000 hours or 8 hours of viewing per day for nine years, which was less than LCD. However, screen life has improved and the 60,000-hour life span has become the norm, with some sets rated up to 100,000 hours, thanks to technological improvements.