Samsung PN42C450 42 inch HDTV 720p Plasma HD TV
When you decide to get a new TV, there is more to consider than size and price. First, you must pick a type of television. There is cathode ray tube (CRT), plasma display panel (PDP), and liquid crystal display (LCD).
Consider the environmental—and economical—impact of a bigger, better, energy-sucking set. Some TVs use as much energy each month as your refrigerator. There are steps for eco-friendly viewing after you bring a new big-screen beauty home. However, a key part of an earth-friendly screen is the screen you choose.
For example, CRTs, may have up to five pounds of lead. They use crazy amounts of electricity. So, for this comparison, we’ll be looking at two common television types to see which is the greener screen.
The Samsung Plasma 42 Inch TV.
Plasma TVs are known for a slightly sharper image and more detailed picture, than comparable LCDs. They have wider viewing angles, which is how far off-center you can watch the screen before its picture looks distorted.
The plasma screens have enjoyed a long period as the best big screen choice. This is due to their high contrast ratios, which hold up to even giant proportions. Add to this, plasma prices didn’t balloon the way LCD prices did as size and contrast ratio increased.
Plasmas achieve blacker blacks. This means the image won’t look washed out, faded, or gray the way LCD sometimes does. As far as power use, the Samsung 42 inch plasma has Energy Star ratings. This means it uses about 30% less energy than a non-Energy Star model.
Plasma Drawbacks.
Some plasmas use less energy than older TVs. Yet, for some big plasmas, power use can reach four times that of power-hungry CRTs! This means four times the carbon emissions.
It is so bad, some governments are working toward banning certain big-screen plasmas. They view them as one of the worst energy-draining culprits in modern homes. California has banned certain large plasma TVs and certain large LCD TVs too!
The 42 inch Samsung plasma is not an energy sink, with its Energy Star rating. Just be aware, for a very large set (in the 50-60 inch range), you could be contributing to our climate crisis. Plus, you’ll be dramatically upping your electricity bill too!
The Last Word.
If you want a literally big picture, plasma is the best. Its contrast ratio and potentially lower price are a big plus. But, the energy consumption for a large set will negate a lower purchase price. When you include electricity, price may not be an advantage at all.
For larger plasmas, look to LCDs. Think of your potentially lower electricity bill as a concession to the environment.
For smaller plasmas, remember to find out how long it will last. To make it last longer, avoiding leaving a fixed image on the screen for extended periods. You don’t want burn-in on your nice screen.
The LG 42 Inch LCD.
You can expect LCD TVs to last 60,000 hours or more, while a plasma lasts from 30,000 to 60,000 hours. In an eco-friendly world, longer is better for the environment.
LCDs tend to weigh less and are slightly thinner than plasma screens. Usually, this is part of the in-store appeal which pulls buyers away from plasmas. Even better, you can expect LCDs to use less energy than plasmas.
LCD Drawbacks.
LCD TVs are long-lasting and use less power, than plasmas. But, they’re not a perfect solution. The largest LCDs can be as bad as comparable plasmas in energy use.
The worst part of LCDs is its TV components. They contain mercury and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3). It is commonly known that mercury is a toxic pollutant. But, you may be wondering, what is NF3?
NF3 was created to avoid using ozone-damaging perfluorocarbons. The problem is that NF3 is 17,200 times worse for the climate than carbon dioxide. It is replacing a bad problem with a worse one!
NF3 is a key part of the LCD. In fact, the widespread use of NF3 has added 600 metric tons to the atmosphere. That is 2,064,000 car emissions for a year!
Be Realistic.
Let’s be honest, TVs aren’t good for the environment. Your best hope is to get a set with minimal impact. It is clear LCD TVs use some unfriendly components. However, their long life and lower energy use makes them a good choice for eco-aware viewing.
It is best to buy the smallest screen you can tolerate. Also, don’t get carried away. A flat screen TV is not art. You don’t need to put it on every empty wall in your home.
Popularity: 62%
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
