Over 1 000 Panasonic Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) broadcast monitors were used to
deliver the recent London 2012 Olympics by the official broadcaster.
The debate regarding the relevant benefits of LCD over plasma continues however.
“Generally, LCD is great for data and still images, but plasma has a better refresh
rate and contrast ratio for video when considering large screen televisions,’ says
Panasonic Broadcast Systems’ Sean Loeve. “Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) was always the
leader in the standard definition (SD) world, but I believe the latest broadcast LCD
monitors hold up to any professional CRT.’
There are only a few manufacturers that produce the panels found in plasma
monitors, Panasonic being a leader together with other companies such as Samsung.
These panels are then supplied to other manufactures that build the electronics
around them and brand them.
“It is hard to say which display technology offers the best picture quality,’ continues
Loeve. “It depends on what you intend using the panel for. Panasonic produces
professional plasma and domestic plasma displays, broadcast LCD and professional
large screen LCD displays.
“I think non-CRT technology is being accepted by broadcasters due to several reasons
such as the various sizes available, the pricing, the excellent image quality and the
lack of available CRTs. I must be honest – I haven’t seen a CRT screen for a while
and wonder if they are still available’.
Loeve speculates on the future. “I think we can expect to see panels with “truer’
colour reproduction and less delay coming onto the market in the not too distant
future.’
By Andy Stead
Screen Africa magazine – November / December 2012
