Ask Focus on Energy

It’s a little complicated. Read on for the details.

Both plasma and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) use different picture-generating technologies than the standard CRT, making them lightweight and super-thin in comparison. However, the term “flat screen” can be confusing because CRTs can also have flat screens.

• Plasma TVs are known as “emissive” displays because the panel is actually self-lighting. Basically, the gas (plasma) causes the pixels to glow, which creates the TV image.
• LCDs are known as “transmissive” displays because the light isn’t created by the liquid crystals themselves. Instead, a light source (bulb) behind the panel shines light through the display.
• Flat Screen Display strictly refers to the flat surface of the TV screen. It does not necessarily refer to plasma TVs or thin, flat-paneled LCDs. Flat-screen CRT sets are available and are usually less expensive than other flat-screens such as plasma and LCDs, but tend to be more expensive than conventional CRT models. Flat-screen CRT TVs have reduced glare, but not necessarily the enhanced picture of a plasma or LCD display.

In general LCD TVs use less energy than do plasma screen TVs of the same size. Make sure you look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying a new TV for your home.
 

Published Sunday, April 19, 2009