TV Comparison Charts
You have many TV technologies from which to choose: LCD, plasma, CRT, CRT rear-projection, and LCD, DLP and LCOS microdisplays (or rear-projection TVs). A useful way to learn about the technologies is to weigh their important features in side-by-side comparisons.
Please print this chart and take it with you when shopping for a TV. In the chart, stars represent performance ranging from poor (one star) to best (five stars).
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LCD |
LCD with Vikuiti |
Plasma |
| Longevity1 |
|
|
|
| Brightness2 |
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| Moving Images3 |
|
|
|
| Still Images4 |
|
|
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| Viewing Angle5 |
|
|
|
| Computer Use4 |
|
|
|
| Cost |
$$$ |
$$$ |
$$$ |
| Energy Consumption3 |
Low |
Low |
High |
| Available Size |
10" - 46" |
10" - 46" |
36" - 65" |
|
LCD with Vikuiti |
Plasma |
CRT |
Rear Projection |
| Shape & Form |
Thinnest, typically 2.5" to 5" thick for a 15" monitor. |
Usually 4" - 6" thick |
Thick, typically 12" - 18" thick, which limits placement option. |
Bulky, typically 18" |
| Screen Size |
10" - 46" |
37" - 70" |
CRT Projection TV is 40" - 60" |
40" - 80" |
| Picture quality in real life lighting conditions |
High performance in ambient light.
LCD absorbs ambient light, glare is minimal, and contrast is superior to all other TV options in regular indoor lighting and daylight. |
Diminished performance in ambient light. |
Low performance in ambient light.
Ambient light produces glare which affects the color and contrast on traditional CRT TV, making pictures appear washed out. |
Diminished performance in ambient light. |
| Burn-in |
No Burn-in. This means that when you're not watching TV, you can display your favorite picture (a work of art, family photo, etc.), and leave it on all day. |
Burn-in is a problem: permanent impressions on your screen from games, analog TV shows, TV network logos, using the internet. |
Not much of a problem. |
No Burn-in |
| Weight & Installation |
Lighter and more portable than all other TV options. Professional installation not required. |
Thin but heavy. Much heavier than LCD. |
Large & heavy |
Big, but not very heavy. |
| Price |
$$$ |
$$ to $$$
High Definition costs about twice as much as Enhanced Definition |
$ |
$$ |
1Computer Times; November 26, 2003
2Comparison between LCD with Vikuiti and LCD with no display enhancement films determined from 3M Company data; comparison to Plasma from Sound & Video Contractor, June 1, 2004
3Consumer Reports, March 2005, pages 12-23
4Still images should not be displayed on Plasma TVs to prevent burn-in; Consumer Reports, March 2005
5USA Today, December 10, 2004, page B.6
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