Plasma Televisions buying guide

Plasma Televisions

Are you techie consumer who is itching for a TV with higher resolution and a clearer, less pixilated screen? Do you want a perfectly flat, slim, space-saving, 40" to 50" screen on which to enjoy your movies in widescreen format? Then a new Plasma TV has your name written all over it. If you simply can't resist the urge to buy. estimate spending a decent chunk of change one of these, and be prepared to fall in love.

Solid Picks (Spring '09)

Panasonic 42" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Samsung 42" 720p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Pioneer 50" 1080p Plasma HDTV

Insignia 50" 720p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

How Big to Go?

The thinner the plasma screen, the fatter the bill.
The smallest available flat-screen plasmas are 32" , but you can go as big as 63". Flat panel televisions smaller than 32" are LCD TVs.
You need at least 7 feet of viewing distance for anything larger than 32".
If your living room is big enough to provide at least 12 feet of viewing space, you can upgrade to a 42" .
For 63" TVs you need a minimum of 15 feet. between you and your plasma screen.

High Def or Enhanced Def

High definition (HD) is always more expensive than enhanced definition (ED), simply because it costs manufacturers more to make the plasma display element.
When you shop for televisions you will see a resolution rating like 1024x768 or 853x480.

The number on the right lists the vertical resolution and the number on the left is the horizontal resolution.

Vertical resolution number must be more than 760, in order for a plasma television to qualify as an HD model.
There is no guarantee that a high-resolution monitor will offer a better quality picture than an EDTV. It is dependent upon the input signal, as well as the quality of the Plasma TV and, of course, the model.
Generally, if you were to compare an HDTV to an EDTV from the same manufacturer, an HDTV will perform best (remember: that's with an incoming HDTV signal). An EDTV plasma will perform better with lower-end video signals (regular cable or satellite TV).

Mounting

Wall Mounting

Tilting or Articulating mounts allow more height, because it angles downward so you can see it at a decent distances.

Good over fireplaces, in bedrooms, studies and commercial locations.

Ceiling mounts allow you to lie on your back and stare at your screen without a neck cramp.

Make certain if you hang it over your fireplace that the temperature does not exceed 90 degrees when lit.

There are various style mounts out there: tilt, swivel, flat. Decide what will be best suited for you and your viewing needs before purchasing.

Table Stands

Place your newfangled TV on an old fashioned tabletop or in a TV stand .

A smaller plasma screen will fit into a TV cabinet .

There are many options out there, many with additional storage nooks. Check out these and decide which best fits your needs.

A mantel can be a good location to place a plasma TV stand. It will need to be deep enough (typically at least 6 inches) to accommodate the holder.

The good thing about stands is that, like most media centers, allow you to stash your DVD player, DVR box and more near the television.

Other Considerations

Plasma TV manufacturers have tried successfully to reduce the screen burn-in problem. The problem still persists in certain models. Check before you buy!
The Problem of Ghosting/Burn-in and How to reduce it:

All phosphor-based display systems (CRT direct and rear view and plasma) are susceptible to image retention also known as "ghosting, image shadowing, image burn in." This is due to physical properties of phosphor and how it reacts to light and electric impulse.
Do not leave static images on your plasma TV screen for more than an hour. Turn off your unit when you are not watching it. Do not pause DVDs for more than 20 minutes at a time.
Know that plasma screens are more prone to burn-in during their first 200 hours of use.
Adjust the CONTRAST setting at or below 50% on your new plasma TV
When displaying video games and other content with static images, use your burn-in protection features like power management settings, full-time picture shift (both vertical and horizontal) and automatic screen-saver functions. Check your Owner's Manual for further information.
Plasma TV burn-in is not an issue that should cause undue concern in the average user. With a modicum of caution, most plasma TVs will probably never have a problem with image retention. A viewer may experience temporary ghosting, but this is not cause for alarm.

Not all plasma TVs come with built-in speakers or even a tuner. Some monitor-only plasmas require extra purchases that will up the costs. However, there are some that come with all the components.
Plasma TVs produce a glare off some models when there is sunlight or any other bright lights around. LCDs eliminate glare, but they are also more expensive and don't have as big of a viewing screen.
Plasmas create a lot of heat and need decent ventilation. They also use a lot of electricity.

Top Rated Products*

*from Cnet.com .

Best of Innovation: Digital Display 2006*

LG 50PB2DW 50-inch Wireless Plasma Television

*At CES 2006 .

Related Buying Guides

External Links

PlasmaTVBuyingGuide.com -- Nine misconceptions about plasma TVs. You can also check out why plasma TVs are better here .
PlasmaTVScience.org -- Plasma FAQs.
eDistiller -- Plasma TV rankings based on user reviews.
Howstuffworks.com -- How Plasma Displays Work.


Panasonic 42" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV	Samsung 42" 720p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV	Pioneer 50" 1080p Plasma HDTV	Insignia 50" 720p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV