The debate over whether plasma televisions are better than LCD (liquid crystal display) TVs – or vice-versa – has been a contentious issue for many. Some industry experts claim that in the below-20-inch arena, LCD TVs reign supreme, while plasma TVs are better for larger sizes. In the recent 2005 CEATEC (Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies) Japan trade show, flat-panel producers Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. and Sharp engaged in a subtle showdown.
According to a report in the online version of the Chicago Sun-Times, Matsushita, the creator of the world-popular Panasonic brand, promoted the advantages of its plasma display panel (PDP) technology over other flat panels by placing a PDP TV right next to an LCD TV. The aim was to make people see that plasma screens showed clearer and better images than LCD TVs. The company also featured a study by an Osaka University professor, in which he said study respondents found watching on plasma TVs easier on the eyes.
Sharp, on the other hand, played up the fact that newer technology made viewing LCD TVs from any angle possible. Previously, a change in viewing angles altered picture quality. Sharp plans to market its upgraded LCDs to television studios for professional use, and not to the residential market.
As the world moves away from traditional CRT (cathode ray tube) televisions towards flat-screen sets, we will probably see an intensification of this debate.
