LCD vs Plasma in 3D: the verdict
With so many factors affecting crosstalk on 3D TVs, it's impossible to find a definitive winner between LCD and plasma.
However, that doesn't mean both are as good as each other. Indeed, editor of AV trade title Home Cinema Digest and regular TechRadar contributor, Jamie Carter, thinks that plasma has the edge over LCD at the moment:
"3D is a very new technology – when did the first generation of any new tech look immaculate right from the off? It's true that the specification for 3D Blu-ray adopted throughout the industry came from Panasonic, so it has had more time to work on reducing crosstalk, but it's still first-gen technology.
"Crosstalk is basically when the two 3D images don't swap quick enough – your right eye is seeing what was only meant for the left eye, and vice versa. Surely this is mainly down to the speed of the panel - and in that regard, plasma is going to have the advantage for now. From what I've seen, I think plasma has the edge over LCD for now in terms of crosstalk – it's barely noticeable on plasma."
Brightness
Carter agrees with Tack that LCD TV's superior brightness can be an advantage, but when it comes to crosstalk he's not so sure it's a good thing.
"Plasmas are traditionally dimmer than LCD panels," he says, "but on either technology the 3D glasses cuts out a lot of the light. The lack of brightness is arguably safer since crosstalk is most obvious in 3D images that feature a lot of contrast between light and dark colours.
"It's fair to say that only 400Hz LCD TVs can expect to really challenge plasma in terms of reducing crosstalk, especially if 3D gaming becomes mainstream. Panasonic can't afford to sit on its laurels, though – there may be little crosstalk on a 3D plasma, but I've noticed flicker around the edges of moving objects; 3D is still some way from looking 'real'."
Meanwhile, although Panasonic has so far been the only company to release 3D plasma TVs, Carter thinks it could be telling that Samsung and LG have both recently launched 3D plasmas.
"Manufacturers are still testing the water. Until now Samsung and LG have been concentrating on LCD for their 3D sets, but both announced 3D plasmas at IFA – LG's PX990 and Samsung's C680 and C490 plasmas. Is that revealing, and a sign that LCD is being sidelined for 3D? It's more likely a case of sitting on the fence – Samsung, LG and Panasonic are the last three remaining manufacturers with huge plasma TV production plants."
It's not just Carter who believes plasma has the advantage, either. The consensus across the TechRadar team is that LCD has some catching up to do, and in fact we couldn't find any TV journalists at all who would endorse LCD as the superior technology.
So what does this mean if you're looking to buy a new 3D TV? The key thing to remember is that most of the content you're going to be watching will still be 2D. So basing your choice solely on 3D performance would be a mistake.
It's about finding that all-round performance sweet spot, which ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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