3D HD TV sets can operate in 2D or 3D mode with the use of specialized LCD 3D glasses that create a stereoscopic image from the screen. The 3D technology utilized by these televisions is the same whether the set has a plasma screen or an LCD screen.

So which is better, plasma screens or LCD screens? There are a few differentiating factors, including what you intend to use your 3D HD TV for, the screen resolution, and the price. Barring these slight nuances, the choice is mainly personal preference.

Almost all of the major television manufacturers are producing or have plans to produce plasma or LCD televisions that utilize 3D technology. And this technology will go into some of the most advanced television sets, with high resolution and refresh rates and tons of extras like HDMI inputs, internet or computer connectivity, and much more. Having decided to go with a flat-screen 3D HD TV, there is one major question that needs answered, plasma screen vs. LCD screen, which one is best?

Other than the thin profile and the neat 3D glasses, there are very few similarities between the two. Plasma screens utilize millions of tiny gas plasma cells, while LCD screens utilizes liquid crystal sandwiched between two glass plates. Varying amounts of electrical current are applied to each to produce the 3D image.

Use ends up being a large deciding factor when deciding on plasma vs LCD. For basic home theater use, plasma screens give a slight advantage over LCD screens because of their ability to display blacks better, resulting in higher image quality and resolution in dark scenes. Plasma screens also offer wider viewing angles, meaning more people can see the image clearly from where they are sitting in the room. LCD screens have a tendency to blur fast-moving images like sports games. Price is also an important deciding factor, and again plasma has LCD beat, but only marginally and the gap is closing.

However, LCD screens should not be rejected outright as a new 3D HD TV. They tend to have a higher native resolution than plasmas of the same size. LCD screens with 3D technology also consume less power than plasma televisions, and are generally lighter in weight as well. LCD screens tend to have a longer life and less chance of screen “burn-in”, but like price mentioned above, this gap is quickly closing as well. And specifically for 3D TVs, LCD seems to have the plasma competition beat on large-screen price.