LCD Or Plasma Or CRT TV?

LCD or plasma TVs require less electric power and take up less space.
But they are far too expensive and have viewing angle quirks.

CRT TVs are capable and more affordable if image fidelity is your only concern.

My answer would depend on the features of the specific TV models in question.

In Nigeria, I'll probably go for the CRT for three reasons: (1) price. (2) cost. (3) expenses.

LCD vs. Plasma: which TV is right for you?
Take a look at our table to find out how plasma and LCD TVs compare when measured up against each other in different categories. Remember - technology changes all the time, with both plasma and LCD TVs improving in quality, so use this table as a guideline only:


Size and weight :Generally larger than LCDs, with screens up to 71 inches. Plasma TVs are usually around 10% heavier than LCD screens (meaning great care should be taken when mounting on a wall) Usually no larger than 46 inches, though larger TVs are in development. LCDs are often slightly thinner than plasma TVs.

Quality of Picture :Usually plasma screens have better contrast. Both have excellent quality and sharpness. LCD usually has a slightly clearer picture in smaller models and a higher resolution.

"Image Burn" :Nowhere near as much of a problem now as a few years ago, there is still a slight concern that images left still for a long time could be etched into the screen. This is not a problem with LCD screens.

Viewing angle :Plasma tends to have slightly better viewing angles than LCD. Some models have a restricted viewing angle, but many allow up to 160-degree

Brightness and glare: In a fully dark room, plasma TVs have better contrast and brightness than LCD screens. LCD TVs generally reflect less light and glare, so fare better in normal light conditions

Lifespan: Usually, plasma screens last for up to 60,000 hours before they dim by half. LCD TVs usually last 60,000 hours or more before they dim by a half.

Energy usage: Plasma uses slightly more power than LCD screens. LCD TVs often use less power than plasma screens. They can consume 60% less power than a CRT television

Seriously,the advantage of a CRT over plasma or LCD is the pricing.CRTs are too heavy,poor second hand value,consume more energy.But by and large they are a good buy for the price they come out.I had the Samsung 42 inch LCD but it was blurry and I had to change to the Hitachi 50inch Plasma TV.Try getting the play station 3 and you will understand why I spend all day at home.Go for a plasma my friend.You won't regret it.

am kind of more concerned with the difference between the two.plasma or LCD.and then again the are getting cheaper with LG crashing the prices again and again.then what about all this HD ready tv's.
i went for the LCD mainly because of the effect of the glare on the eyes.i there a lifespans for CRT's

Pali,

LCD is better. i was told that PLASMA has expiring date, how true is it?

Somebody to ans me

Thanks

@blueband,
thanks,really appreciate the info.

It is not about which is the best, it is about what you need.
If you are the type that love watching actions movies, or fast moving scenes, then you have to go for Plasma.  If you are the type that like watching ARSENAL type of football or MANUTD, then you go for Plasma. 
But if you are the type that just like watching something smooth not fast moving, then LCD is it for you. Or better still if you are the type that love Chelsea boring playing style, then you wont complain the quality when you watch it with LCD. Just kidding about the Arsenal, manutd and chelsea angle, truth is Plasma is better when watching football than LCD. So it is your option, both are good.
However, if you are the type like me, that has the kids at home, LCD are not the best for you, because the LCD screen can be tampered with, but then at that, you can buy LCD screen cover.

why would you need a plasma or LCD in Nigeria the satellite companies in Nigeria don't have channels that broadcast  on High definition, a lot of movies on DVD are not on HD yet. If you buying  Plasma or LCD  in Nigeria it's just to show off  because you not getting the HD quality pictures the TV was designed for. If you ask me, it's just a waste off money.

Most of them are meant to be used for high definition, widescreen TV viewing.  In Nigeria we have standard definition 4:3 fullscreen.   It's a waste of money.  Most DVDs are mastered at half of SD resolution.  If picture quality and price are your primary concerns, you should go for CRT.

Got 2 LCD tvs (LG 32" and Hitachi 26" for my bedroom). Also got Samsung LCD 32" in Nigeria. If you have to buy a TV forget CRT. Go for LCD or plasma (reputable manufacturers o). I'm not being funny but I've come across some funny brand names in Naija. Just buy a good one and do a search on the internet for owner reviews or independent reviews before you make up your mind. Use a power surge protection adaptor and a good stabiliser. Always turn of your stabiliser off from the main socket. (if you're using it in Nigeria). Good luck!

This is a general tip
you could connect your lcd to a UPS so,PHCN does not affect it with their intermittent power failure

i hope this sorts it out.

True, DVDs are only SD, but upscaling DVD players can upscale the resolution up to 1080i, providing you with an even sharper image. A more cogent reason to get an LCD or Plasma is gaming, with the next generation of gaming consoles supporting HD resolutions for stunning visuals. Until you hook up a PS3 to a HDTV, you won't appreciate it's graphical prowess.
I have a 37'' LCD HDTV, and i can hook up my laptop to it when i'm at home, use a wireless keyboard and mouse and easily get a 37'' monitor for my PC. You cannot dare do that on a CRT!
I agree that NIgerian providers and DSTV do not broadcast in HD yet, but DSTV should be rolling out HD channels by 2009 (so they say). Is it so bad to get a future-proof TV?



You really should be more scientific in your analysis. Contrary to what you're saying, there's little to choose between LCDs and Plasmas, and TVs with similar contrast ratio will have the same level of blacks. LCDs do not have higher resolutions than Plasmas, there are 1080p LCDs and Plasmas out there, and in fact LCDs are easily more expensive than Plasmas when you get into the 1080p territory.
Does it seem logical to you to benchmark two different products from different companies with differing specs and then on the basis of that proclaim that one technoilogy is superior to the other? It's like taking any random diesel car and any random gasoline car, racing them and then saying one is better than the other based on the finish time.

@Adeolu2000: Please do; some of us might just be in the mood to buy our first television sets.

Just to add my 2 cents to the topic, I'll say if u can afford to buy either technolgy i.e. plasma or lcd then go for it as you will be future proofing yourself. As far as I know i haven't heard of any plans to broadcast HDTV signals in Nigeria but if you are into watching DVD's (both standard def & high def HDDVD/Bluray in widescreen 16:9 format), playing next generation games like the PS3 and Xbox 360 then you will definitely appreciate what your tv can do for you. I personally, I'm kind of biased towards LCD's (got 4 of them, 1 1080P and 3 720P) and they work pretty well for me especially watching those HDDVD/Bluray movies and playing PS3 games, the pictures are simply AMAZING.

Also an earlier poster noted you can also connect your laptop/desktop as I do (actually using it to type this) as well as play DVD's from your computer. The computer does a wonderful job in displaying regular standard def DVD's because it works like an upscaling DVD player but just make sure u have a video card that can put out wide screen resolution (most do).

P.S some electronic manufacturer are slowly exiting CRT production and in 5-10 years it is very likely most will stop making CRT's altogether.