Box TV sets are a thing of the past, making way for slimmer, lighter and more interactive televisions. The television revolution has seen the likes of LCD, LED, Plasma, OLED, Smart and 3D TVs, many of which offer high-definition quality viewing. Home entertainment is constantly evolving, and television manufacturers are constantly producing bigger and better models. This guide is meant to give you insight on the differences between TV models, specifically LCD, LED and Plasma TVs.

Understanding the difference between LCD, LED and Plasma TVs

 

TV model Description Pros Cons
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) LCD TVs are one of the most popular TVs on the market, today. The screen is lit from behind with florescent lights, similar to those found in ceiling fixtures.Offers wide-viewing angles, and provides good quality viewing in well-lit areas. Varied price range, sizes and features.Thin, light and can be installed almost anywhere.LCD TVs are more energy efficient that plasma TVs.Offers wide-viewing angles, and provides good quality viewing in well-lit areas. Poor motion quality – leaves rapid movement breadcrumbs on the screen.Picture quality varies depending on the screen.
LED (Light-emitting Diode) LED TVs are lit from the sides with LED strips, resulting in better image quality, colour and slimmer designs. Some of the most eco-friendly TVs on the market. Varied price range, sizes and features.Thin, light and can be installed almost anywhere.LED TVs are more energy efficient that plasma and LCD TVs.Offers wide-viewing angles, and provides good quality viewing in well-lit areas. Poor motion quality – leaves rapid movement breadcrumbs on the screen.Picture quality varies depending on the screen.
Plasma Delivers the most realistic colours, without ghosting or blurring with rapid movement.Plasma TVs have three individually lit plasma chambers for each pixel – red, green and blue. Excellent black levels, as each cell is produced individually.Wide-angle viewing range is much better than LCD and LED.Fast scene change response time. Lacks peak of brightness, because the black levels are already so deep.Prone to plasma flicker.High power consumption.

 

Understanding the uses of various TV sockets:

  • RI Input: Aerial socket.
  • HDMI: High Definition Video and Audio input – used to connect HD equipment e.g. blu-ray players or gaming consoles.
  • SCART input: used to connect DVD recorders and players.
  • VGA input: Analogue VGA input to connect your PC to the TV, should it not have an HDMI input.
  • Digital Audio outputs: used to connect an external surround sound system
  • USB ports: used to view photos and videos on the TV. Can be used to connect external hard drives, too.
  • Ethernet ports: used as a Wi-Fi connection substitute, allowing you to stream content straight to the TV.

 

Different TV sizes

Breakdown of the best viewing distances, depending on the screen size and viewing distance.

Viewing Distance

Screen Size

Over 3 metres

 Over 56 inches

2.5 – 3 metres

46 – 55 inches

2 – 2.5 metres

40 – 45 inches

1.5 – 2 metres

32 – 39 inches
Less than 1.5 metres

Up to 32 inches

The size of screen should be in accordance with the best viewing distance i.e. the size of the room used for viewing purposes.

 

More things to consider before buying a TV:

  • Price vs. Your budget
  • Features
  • Audio and Picture Quality
  • Connectivity
  • Remote control and ease of use
  • Accessories
  • Warranty

With the multitude of TV brands and designs available on the market, these guidelines will help you with making an informed purchase, and a smart investment.