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How Long Do Plasma, LCD, DLP, and Other Flat Panel TVs Last?

When you purchase a television set, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is what type of display to get. Step into any shop that sells the latest televisions, and you will probably find at least four or five different types of displays. The most popular type of TV is the flat panel display, better known to consumers as a flatscreen. Flatscreen televisions are typically lighter and thinner than traditional televisions, which typically make use of cathode ray tubes [CRT]. Some of the most common types of flat panel displays are; plasma, LCD, LED, and DLP televisions.

The lifespan of a regular LCD television

One of the most popular types of display is the liquid crystal display, better known as LCD. The LCD is a solid display that has a relatively low operating cost, decent display quality, and relatively good lifespan. A branded LCD television typically has a lifespan of about 30,000 to 50,000 hours, although prime performance is likely to last around 20,000 to 30,000 hours.

The typical lifespan of a plasma television

Another great flatscreen display choice would be a plasma television. These behemoths are mostly available at sizes over 37 inches, and they tend to cost a lot because of their technologies and size. You do get some good value for your money, though, especially if you plan on using your plasma for a long time ahead. Plasma televisions usually have great contrast and brightness levels, wide and high-quality field of vision, low operating costs, and long lifespans. In fact, a plasma TV is more likely to outlast an LCD, as it typically lasts for around 50,000 to 70,000 hours. Breaking down the calculations, that comes out to about a 20-year lifespan at 6 hours of viewing per day.

The lifespan of LED televisions

If you want to get into specifics, the truth is that light-emitting diode [LED] televisions still fall under the category of LCD TVs. What sets LED TVs apart from conventional LCD TVs, however, is the technology that is used. Most conventional LCD TVs make use of fluorescent lighting for a backlight, while LEDs make use of light-emitting diode backlighting. The result is a display with a longer lifespan, better overall display quality, and a low operating cost. LED televisions usually have a lifespan of around 40,000 hours, while consuming far less energy than fluorescent LCDs.

The lifespan of a DLP Television

Digital light processing [DLP] televisions are a type of display that makes use of either front or rear projection technology. DLP televisions come in different types, and while some of these products may be cheap to purchase off the shelves, they may be quite expensive to maintain. While some manufacturers claim that their DLP TV lifespan can last for up to 80,000 to 100,000 hours, the truth is that many of the DLP TV lamps that power the projection-based television sometimes only last as little as 10,000 hours. Each DLP TV lamp can cost as much as $200 or even $400, which means that these types of displays typically have high operational costs.

Tips on making your TV lifespan last longer

- Opt for a reliable brand. This doesn’t mean you have to go for the most expensive brand, but branded LCDs are more likely to have a better lifespan and display quality than a non-branded television or one with a brand that isn’t well-known.

- Don’t leave static images on the TV screen. Because plasma TVs are prone to burn-ins, leaving static images on the TV screen for more than 7 minutes is always a bad idea. With channels that have static images such as logos, make sure that you surf through other channels every now and then to avoid burn-ins.

- Adjust the brightness and contrast levels. Stick to normal brightness and contrast levels to make sure you don’t age your TV screen prematurely.

- Don’t place your TV set in a poorly ventilated area.

- Unplug your TV set when not in use, instead of having it on standby mode.

- You can save a lot of money by purchasing a replacement DLP TV lamp from a reliable online merchant like LaptopsForLess.com, rather than the original manufacturer’s replacement.