Televisions have come a long way from the bulky CRT (cathode ray tube) to the modern day thin LCDs (liquid crystal display), LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) and plasmas. The latest sales report revealed the fact that Plasma television, which is the first flat TV system, are going flat in sales graph, while LEDs and LCDs are showing escalation in sales.
The tech bigwigs Samsung and LG both have confirmed that the flat TV segment is growing at rate of 119% and growth drivers are LCDs and LEDs, not the plasma.
A recent report illustrating the recent scenario is the launch of 26 models of LCD TVs, 18 LED TV models, while only 7 plasma TV models by Samsung.
Overall, television market stats suggests, Plasma TV accounts for just 2%, while LCD holds 85% and LED TV holds 13% of market share. As a result, many newer entrants in the flat screen TV terrain (like Akai, Videocon, Godrej and Onida) start staying away from the plasma TV segment.
Also, plasma TV makers like LG, Samsung and Panasonic are looking for LED TV as their future growth driver. A recent illustration is the launch of 26 models of LCD TVs, 18 LED TV models, while only 7 plasma TV models by Samsung.
Here, a question arises why Plasmas are losing its sheen? Let’s try to find the reason:
Vital reason responsible is the availability of most Plasma TVs only in gigantic sizes (almost the 85-inch and 105-inch screen sizes). Even, Plasma screens are cheaper than LCDs. But if users need to opt for smaller screens like 15” to 42”, then LCD is the right option. Currently, LED TVs cost about 20-30 % more than an LCD TV, while LCDs costs about 10-15 % higher than Plasma TV. Despite having lowest prices; consumers are not accepting Plasmas well.
The next thing that matters is the full HD support. Many available types of Plasma are not full HD enabled and not completely future proof. The Plasma screens are susceptible to “burn in” and also they have glassy and reflective screens.
Besides these, LCDs have the longer life. Compared to Plasmas, LCDs run for longer without getting dimmer whereas Plasmas get dimmer over a course of time.
In addition, LCDs have a higher native resolution than Plasma of the same screen. This means that LCD has more pixels on a screen. Even LCD screens consume less power than Plasma screens. LCDs cut off energy consumption as much as to 30% as compared to Plasma. Even LCD screens enjoy the longer lifespan than Plasma screens.
Even, most of the flat panel display manufacturers like Sony, Samsung, Sharp, CMO, and AOU etc. are investing more on LCD panel, used mostly in mobile phone, laptop and desktop monitor, calculators and digital signage.
Not to forget, since plasma TV entered first, customers start taking it as an out dated technology. So, it is clear that it lacks good promotions.
All these factors combined together as a force to push Plasma TVs to an unpredictable future, perhaps not so pleasant.