Better TV: LCD or Plasma ?

[Ian of Lugarno]

I have been looking at purchasing a Sony LCD TV (KLV30MR1)or a Plasma TV (PFM4282S). Both are about the same size, look great in terms of picture quality and are closely priced at around A$10k and A$11k, perspectively (Sydney). The Plasma TV needs a seperate receiver & speakers to operate which isn't a problem as I already have a Sony HT system.

My question is which type of screen will give me better service over the longer term? Say over the next 5 to 7 years.

Would greatly appreciate your advice.

Regards
Ian

[TheAmazingJosh]

Plasmas dim over time. With LCDs you just replace the lamp and you're good to go.

[jeskibuff]

Plasmas dim over time. With LCDs you just replace the lamp and you're good to go.
LCD is flat-screen technology similar to plasma. There are no lamps involved with LCD displays.
But plasma is an array of gas bubbles which will probably eventually lose their charge. LCD works a bit differently, but has been around for a while, and based on the fact that manufacturers have had decades to improve the technology, plus the nature of the technology itself (see http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/lcd1.htm), LCD theoretically should last longer.
Projectors (front or rear) require lamps. Backlit LCDs do have fluorescent lamps, so perhaps that's what you're referring to (http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/lcd3.htm). I'm looking at it more from the perspective of the primary pixel technology.

[TheAmazingJosh]

LCD is flat-screen technology similar to plasma. There are no lamps involved with LCD displays.
But plasma is an array of gas bubbles which will probably eventually lose their charge. LCD works a bit differently, but has been around for a while, and based on the fact that manufacturers have had decades to improve the technology, plus the nature of the technology itself (see http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/lcd1.htm), LCD theoretically should last longer.
Projectors (front or rear) require lamps. Backlit LCDs do have fluorescent lamps, so perhaps that's what you're referring to (http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/lcd3.htm). I'm looking at it more from the perspective of the primary pixel technology.

My Sony Grand Wega is a rear projector and it has an ultra high pressure arc lamp. That's not fluorescent either. Thanks.