Plasma TV technology holds a special place in home entertainment history, known for deep blacks, vibrant images, and fast response times. However, plasma TV production ended over a decade ago as LCD and eventually OLED display technologies surpassed what plasma could offer.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore whether there are still compelling reasons to purchase one of these relics of TV history in 2024, or if you‘re better off with one of the many modern display options now available.
A Brief History of Plasma TVs
Plasma display panels utilize small cells coated with phosphor materials that emit light when gas between the cells is electrically charged. This differs from LCD screens that require a separate backlight and filter the light to create images.
While the technology was conceptualized in the 1960s, the first plasma TV intended for consumers debuted in 1997 – the Fujitsu 42-inch model retailed for $17,500 at the time!
Early adopters were rewarded with unmatched black levels, vibrant colors, wide viewing angles, and extremely fast response times well-suited for sports and gaming. Plasma continued gaining traction as prices became more reasonable over the following decade.
However, by the early 2010s, LCD technology had caught up and began overtaking plasma:
- LCD screens were much thinner, used less energy, and didn‘t suffer from image retention/burn-in
- LED backlights and local dimming increased LCD contrast and brightness
- LCD resolutions climbed to 1080p and eventually 4K, outpacing plasma‘s max 1080p capability
The last plasma models rolled off production lines around 2013-2014. Today these TVs persist only on the used/refurbished market.
Why Plasma TVs Are No Longer Recommended
There‘s no shortage of reasons why plasma has been left behind by modern display technologies:
Temporary Image Retention
Plasma screens are prone to retaining remnants of static images displayed for longer periods. This "image retention" fades over time but is unavoidable to some degree.
Permanent Burn-In
If temporary image retention isn‘t cleared and remains on-screen extensively, it can become permanently burnt into the display. This issue plagues plasma far more than modern display types.
Availability & Cost
The plasma TV supply chain has been discontinued entirely. New condition models simply don‘t exist anymore, forcing buyers into used/refurbished condition units with no warranty or guarantee of ideal performance.
Energy Use & Heat
Plasma TVs require significant energy to ionize their gas cells and become extremely hot during use – some models used over 200 watts for a 50-inch screen! This causes higher energy bills than any comparable modern TV.
Thickness & Weight
Even late-model plasmas are thick, heavy beasts compared to sleek modern displays intended for wall mounting. A 50-inch plasma can weigh 80-100 lbs and be 4-6 inches deep without the stand.
Resolution
Plasma never progressed beyond 1080p resolution while 4K has become the new standard for most display technologies. The clarity and detail of 4K content will be lost on a plasma‘s lower-resolution panel.
Simply put, the merits that made plasma TVs so desirable years ago have been improved upon by modern alternatives. Their pitfalls have only become more glaring over time.
When Are Plasma TVs Still a Viable Option?
For most people, we simply can‘t recommend buying a plasma TV in 2024 given the above disadvantages compared to affordable modern solutions.
However, early adopters who still have functioning plasma units likely continue enjoying them even today. The superb contrast and motion performance that wowed us back in plasma‘s prime persist on surviving models.
There remain a few niche cases where seeking out a used plasma TV may be reasonable in 2024:
Retro Gaming
For classic gaming consoles and content limited to 480i/480p resolutions, plasma remains overkill. An aging plasma with some image retention beats paying hundreds for an obscure CRT display.
Secondary TV Placement
A bedroom, garage, or basement television sees less use, mitigating plasma pitfalls like image retention. These are ideal placements where a used plasma can still shine.
Tolerance for Shorter Lifespan
10 years may be the expected lifespan for a used plasma. If image retention or early failure isn‘t a major concern, used plasmas can be purchased cheaply.
Of course, it‘s still preferable to invest a bit more into a budget 4K LCD that will last longer while providing modern features and connectivity. But we won‘t judge those who still have love for plasma!
Plasma TV Alternatives – LCD, LED, OLED, and QLED
Before deciding on any television technology, you need to consider what factors are most important for your needs. Modern display types like LCD, LED, OLED, and QLED each have unique advantages and price points.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
LCD televisions have been around since the late 1990s and utilize polarized liquid crystal cells that block or transmit light from a backlight. Following plasma‘s decline, LCD became the dominant display technology for over a decade.
Pros:
- Very affordable, especially for smaller screen sizes
- Lightweight and thin profiles, ideal for wall mounting
- Don‘t suffer permanent image retention/burn-in
Cons:
- Narrow optimal viewing angles
- Can exhibit motion blur in action scenes
- Require separate backlights that limit contrast/black levels
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
LED TVs are actually a subset of LCD technology, utilizing LEDs for backlighting instead of cold cathode fluorescent lamps. This allows for even thinner profiles and provides higher brightness capabilities. Local dimming helps boost contrast/black levels that LCD has typically struggled with.
But image quality and features can vary wildly depending on the LED TV‘s price tier. Entry-level models suffer many of the same drawbacks as budget LCDs. High-end LEDs rival OLED in performance but cost significantly more.
Pros:
- Very thin and lightweight construction
- Energy efficient compared to older TV types
- Higher-end models achieve deep black levels
Cons:
- Entry-level models still exhibit LCD motion and viewing angle weaknesses
- Susceptible to blooming/flashlighting around bright objects
- Can‘t match OLED or plasma contrast due to backlight limitations
OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)
OLED TVs entered the high-end TV space in the early 2010s as plasma was sunsetting. Each pixel in an OLED display produces its own light, eliminating the need for backlighting. This allows for unmatched contrast and pitch-black levels once exclusive to plasma.
They also offer wider viewing angles than LCD/LED along with a very fast response time. OLED seems poised to remain king of picture quality for the foreseeable future.
Pros:
- Perfect black levels and essentially infinite contrast
- Fast response time reduces motion blur
- Wide viewing angles maintain color and contrast
Cons:
- Susceptible to permanent burn-in, especially on brighter models
- Peak brightness lags behind premium LCD/LED
- Pricing remains very high compared to LCD, especially for large sizes
QLED (Quantum Dot LED)
QLED televisions are very similar to conventional LED-backlit LCD screens but utilize an additional "quantum dot" nanoparticles layer to improve color volume and brightness. Samsung is the primary manufacturer of QLED models.
Pros:
- Extremely high peak brightness levels
- Vibrant, oversaturated color production
- Great anti-reflective qualities for bright rooms
Cons:
- Contrast still dictated by LED backlight technology
- Off-axis color and contrast shift
- QD-enhanced blacks cause "blooming" around bright objects
Recommendations for Your Display Needs
So when should you actually consider seeking out and purchasing a used plasma TV in 2024? Our recommendations:
For Retro Gaming: It‘s hard to beat a nice plasma for throwback gaming content. Their fast response time, vibrant colors, and deep blacks bring retro games to life. Just be mindful of potential image retention.
For Sports Viewing: Modern TV technologies have caught up to plasma‘s famously fast response time. And you‘ll miss out on critical 4K sports content. Go with OLED or high-end LED instead.
For Movie Watching: An older plasma simply can‘t compete with the pure blacks and excellent motion clarity of OLED. And you‘ll sorely miss modern 4K high dynamic range content.
For Modern Gaming: Low input lag TVs optimized for gaming are abundant today. And they provide crucial features for modern consoles like 4K 120Hz support, variable refresh rate, and HDMI 2.1 connectivity. No plasmas offer these.
On a Budget: Even entry-level LED TVs today outclass used plasmas in features and longevity for similar used prices. Go LED instead.
For nearly any conventional TV placement and use-case, it makes more sense to purchase one of the affordable LED-LCD televisions widely available rather than hunting down a questionably performing used plasma.
The only persuasive reasons to get a plasma TV today are nostalgia and maintaining a retro gaming setup. Even then, how much longer will used plasmas from 10-15 years ago continue functioning decently?
Responsible Plasma TV Disposal
Should you happen to inherit or otherwise acquire an old plasma TV, do NOT simply throw it out with normal trash! Plasma displays contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium that require special handling.
When disposed of irresponsibly, these toxic compounds eventually leak out of broken TVs in landfills and contaminate soil/groundwater.
Instead, look up television recycling centers in your state or area. Some will even pick TVs up from your residence for free before safely processing and separating hazardous components. This prevents environmental impacts and allows proper materials reclamation.
I know it‘s tempting to sneak that 100+ pound plasma beast into the trash. But please consider its effect on the planet and handle disposal appropriately. This will prevent nefarious plasma TVs from rising out of landfills someday to exact vengeance!
Okay, perhaps I‘m being a tad dramatic. But seriously – recycle them properly.
The Next Evolution of Display Technology
OLED appears poised to dominate the high-end TV space in the coming years. And LCD/LED will continue serving budget-conscious buyers well with 4K models starting below $200!
Exciting technologies on the horizon like microLED and QD-OLED promise to combine the best aspects of existing display types too. Televisions are sure to continue getting bigger, brighter, and sharper in the coming decade.
And who knows – maybe we‘ll all be projecting 8K holograms onto the walls of our living spaces before too long!
But even as display tech progresses, plasmas deserve appreciation for ushering in an era of large, flat HDTVs with true cinematic qualities. The enduring enthusiasm around these obsolete TVs pays homage to their continued impact.
So while plasmas may never reclaim their lofty status, a loyal fanbase ensures the iconic screens live on forever.
