LCD VS Plasma Monitor: Differences Explained and How to Use Them in an Event Setting

According to PC Magazine, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is a flat panel screen that uses liquid crystal technology. This type of screen is usually connected to a computer and laptops use LCD screens almost exclusively.

According to Wikipedia, a Plasma Display Panel (PDP) is a type of flat panel common to large TV displays and the pixels (which determine screen resolutions) rely on plasma cells to bring forth the image.

So which technology is better? As in the case of beauty, it is often in the eye of the beholder. This blog is intended to help you show the technology differences between a LCD and Plasma Display, and possible uses for event meeting services and conference services planners.

Difference between LCD and Plasma Monitors, Feature, Plasma Monitor LCD Monitor, Winner
- Screen Size, 32 to 103 inches, 13 to 108 inches, Tie
- Viewing Angle, Up to 178 degrees, Up to 175 degrees, Plasma ever so slightly
- Screen Refresh Rates, Handle rapid movements very well, such as video Designed for static data, Plasma
- Brightness and Contrast Higher brightness and contrast -- have individual pixels that are either on or off Maintain same brightness and contrast, even in well-lit rooms Plasma Glare Yes, No LCD
- Thickness As thin as 3" As thin as 2" Tie
- Energy Use High Low LCD
- Shipping Need specialty carriers, No specialty carriers required and less expensive than plasma, LCD
- Product Life Span Up to 100,000 hours, Between 50,000 and 60,000 hours, Plasma
- High Altitudes Can affect image because of the gasses in each pixel, Not affected, LCD

If you tallied up the information on the right, you will see 4 clear winners for Plasma, 4 for LCD, and 2 ties. This is why it is so important to look at your event application, the city your hosting it in, total cost of the interactive tool technology rentals, including electricity and shipping costs.

How can you use this technology? LCD and Plasma panels have many uses but here are a few ways they can be used in an event setting:

* At trade show booths, running a product demonstration or video about the company, product or service;
* Digital Signage, posting the event agenda, directions, or video clips about the event or speakers;
* Product Launching Events, creating a buzz outside the event room or at a large meeting having the displays positioned strategically around the room so everyone can see the speakers
* Replacing standard screen rentals, having the image go directly to the monitor vs. running it through a LCD projector and then onto a screen
* For display of videos and presentations
* For entertainment at a large corporate event