Are Plasma TVs Still Made? Current Status & Facts (Explained)

Plasma TVs were once the pinnacle of home entertainment, boasting impressive picture quality and sleek designs. However, as technology evolved, new contenders like LED and OLED emerged, raising the question: are plasma TVs still made today?

In this article, we’ll explore the rise and fall of plasma televisions, revealing the reasons behind the decline of their production.

When did Plasma TVs go out of production?

Plasma TVs began losing popularity around 2008 due to various factors such as high production costs, heavy weight, and larger energy consumption compared to other emerging display technologies. Today, smart TVs weigh very little (here are some Smart TV weight numbers) compared to older plasma TVs.

By 2012, Panasonic, a major plasma panel manufacturer, reported a massive $10.2 billion loss on plasma technology, which led to a substantial decline in the production of plasma TVs.

In 2013, Panasonic officially announced the end of its plasma TV sales and ceased production.

This decision had a domino effect on other plasma TV manufacturers as well. In 2014, after a final series of plasma TV models, both Samsung and LG announced they would stop producing plasma TVs by the end of the year, marking the complete phasing out of plasma TV technology from these major companies.

During their time, plasma TVs faced competition from other types of flat panel displays like LCD and LED. While plasma TVs offered better color accuracy and natural image reproduction, their disadvantages ultimately outweighed their benefits, leading to their discontinuation in the market.

Current State of Plasma TVs

Production Status

Major manufacturers such as Samsung, Philips, and Panasonic have ceased production of plasma TVs, pivoting instead towards OLED and LED TVs that offer superior performance in many aspects.

The decline of plasma TVs can be attributed to various factors.

One primary reason is that OLED and LED TVs can provide brighter displays, which gives them an edge in well-lit environments such as retail spaces. Additionally, plasma TVs struggled with achieving fine pixel densities, making it difficult for them to compete with the rapidly improving picture quality of their counterparts.

Availability

Although no new plasma TVs are being manufactured or released, it is still possible to find older models in select stores or through online marketplaces.

However, these models may be outdated and might not offer the same level of performance as newer OLED and LED TVs. For example, the LG OLED C2 and Sony OLED A90J are both excellent options if you’re looking for a new television with the deep blacks and uniform screen performance reminiscent of plasma TVs.

Many consumers have already transitioned to other television technologies, such as OLED and LED, which are more readily available and offer a range of options in terms of features and price points. As the market continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly less likely that plasma TVs will see a resurgence.

What are the best ways to get a plasma TV today?

The first option to consider is looking for a used or refurbished plasma TV from online marketplaces, such as eBay or Craigslist.

These platforms can offer a variety of models and screen sizes at different price points. Just be sure to check the seller’s ratings and reviews, and inquire about the condition of the TV before buying.

Another option is to search for remaining stock in local electronics stores or warehouse retailers.

Some stores may still have unsold plasma TVs in their inventory. It’s a good idea to call ahead and ask if they have any available, as this will save time and effort.

Enthusiast forums or social media groups dedicated to plasma TVs can also be a valuable resource. Members may be selling their own plasma TVs or have information about where to find them. Additionally, these communities can provide advice on which models are worth considering and potential issues to look out for.

Lastly, it’s worth considering other types of television technology that offer similar benefits to plasma TVs.

Remember, when looking for a plasma TV today, patience and persistence are essential. The options may be limited, but with some effort and luck, it’s still possible to find a plasma TV and enjoy its unique viewing experience.

Pros and Cons of Plasma TVs

Picture Quality

One of the significant advantages of plasma TVs is their superior picture quality. Plasma TVs produce deeper black levels, better color accuracy, and a wider viewing angle compared to LCD TVs.

Additionally, plasma TVs have a faster refresh rate than LCDs, which reduces motion blur in fast-moving scenes.

However, plasma TVs struggle with fine pixel densities and can look washed out in brightly lit environments. With the emergence of newer display technologies like OLED, which also offer deep black levels and high contrast, plasma TVs have faced tough competition in terms of picture quality.

Energy Consumption

A significant disadvantage of plasma TVs is their energy consumption.

It’s one of the biggest problems also with Plasma TVs.

They consume more power compared to LCD and LED TVs, making them less energy-efficient. This added energy consumption can lead to higher electricity bills over time, which might be a concern for some users. Additionally, the higher power usage generates more heat, which can be an issue in smaller, enclosed spaces.

Screen Burn-In

Screen burn-in is a common issue faced by plasma TV users.

Burn-in occurs when static images are displayed on the screen for an extended period, causing the phosphor cells to degrade and leave permanent ghost images. While this issue has been reduced in newer models, it is still a concern for many potential plasma TV buyers. Conversely, LCD and LED TVs are less susceptible to screen burn-in.

In summary, plasma TVs offer some benefits, such as better picture quality, color accuracy, and motion handling.

However, they also have drawbacks, including higher energy consumption and susceptibility to screen burn-in. As a result, plasma TVs have been largely replaced by newer technologies like OLED and LED TVs in the current market.