The Top 4 Things To Look For In A Plasma TV

If you have ever seen a plasma TV screen displaying HDTV programming, you know why so many people are rapidly discarding their old CRT type televisions and getting ready for the digital TV revolution. Plasma TVs produce such sharp, crisp images that they make perfect companions to the new HDTV standards that will be widely used in the coming months and years ahead. So if you happen to be in the market for a plasma TV here are the top 4 things to consider as you shop:

1. Determine if it is indeed a plasma TV, or just a plasma monitor. A plasma TV already has the tuner built in to receive it's own television signals and it usually has it's own built in speakers. Plasma monitors on the other hand, are just simply large display screens without the tuner and speakers. If you subscribe to cable or satellite TV, you can use their tuner for programming, but you will still need speakers. Just understand what you are buying beforehand.

2. Is the set HDTV enabled? Since HDTV promises to be in full swing very shortly, you don't want to miss this great leap in TV viewing quality by not having a plasma TV that is at least ready and able to process the HDTV signals sent to it. Again, if you subscribe to cable or satellite TV you will be able to receive HDTV broadcasts as they make them available, but just make sure that your plasma display can indeed process high definition signals.

3. Choose in advance your mounting system. Will you mount the plasma TV to the wall, or will you use a stand instead? Don't forget that just getting the television is only part of the expense. Since most plasma screens sold are in the larger sizes, they will have to be supported by either a stand or wall mount because of their thin configuration. So make your choice and factor in this added expense beforehand.

4. Consider an extended warranty. Often extended warranties for electronics are not really as cost effective as they may seem, but especially for high cost items, they can be useful. Plasma TVs are not cheap, and they are not cheap to repair either, so buying an extended warranty that will cover you for needed repairs later on can be a good investment in this case.

Using a few simple guidelines such as these as you shop for plasma TVs can help you make better buying decisions and save money as you do.

Find out more about the best plasma tv and getting a plasma wall mount by visiting our HDTV website.

Home Theater - Plasma TV VS Projectors

Many homeowners are struggling with an important, electronic question: What is the ideal display for my home theater? Many people have fought this debate, but I'll try to make clear some important considerations.

The most important detail to consider when deciding between a projector and a large plasma television is ambient light. A room with lots of windows presents a problem for a projector because every little bit of ambient lighting degrades the projected image. The ideal environment for a projector is one where you have total control over the lighting. If your home theater uses a projector, you are limited to using it when you can eliminate other light. A plasma screen can be used anyplace, anytime.

Assuming your home theater has blackout curtains, or exists deep underground; let's examine differences between a plasma television and a projector. One advantage of a projector is that you can get a much larger picture than is available in plasma. Projectors can produce images comparable to an 81-inch screen and larger. This just isn't possible with a plasma screen. However, plasma's have the advantage of not needing any amount of space. A projector must have a long enough corridor to project its image on the wall or screen. To get an 81-inch or greater image, you need a decent distance between the projector and the target. Second, a projector's image is dependent on more than the quality of the projector; you must be projecting onto a specialized surface or you lose detail. A top of the line HD projector with a very high native resolution would be wasted if you were just projecting the image onto a wall. You need an equally high quality screen with features such as a matte finish to eliminate reflection and glare. A plasma display requires no additional equipment.

Overall, a projector has the potential of creating a beautiful image, but it needs too much to work effectively. If you're creating a private movie theater with lighting control and an investment in a screen, mounting equipment, and blackout curtains, then a projector is your piece of equipment. For everyone else, I suggest a plasma television.

Jakob Culver is founder of the website www.plasmatvarena.com providing information, articles and reviews about plasma tv's. To find more articles like this one visit the site http://www.plasmatvarena.com/

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How To Choose A Plasma TV

How To Choose A Plasma TV

If you're in the market for a plasma television, you should be prepared to do some research. This isn't a negative aspect of buying a plasma unit, nor am I implying that the technology and product quality aren't fantastic. As with any large purchase, you should just be aware of your individual needs and how each model of plasma TV may or may not fulfill these needs. Plasma screens are typically selected for their large size. There are no other technologies that can compare to the quality of a plasma television's picture in sizes above 40 inches. So, first off, determine what size best fits your specific needs.

The next issue to think about is location. The location where you will place your plasma unit will affect which unit you will want to buy. The location influences the performance and lifespan of a plasma television, so it's very important. If you are planning to mount your plasma TV in an entertainment center, make sure you take into account the television's need for proper ventilation. Also, the location may help you determine how large of a screen you want. If you'll be sitting fairly close to your television, a large screen may in fact provide a more uncomfortable viewing experience than a smaller unit that better fits the room.

A second consideration should be the features of the plasma television. Some features, like Anti-Burn in can be considered requirements, but there are options that you'll need to consider. A television may offer advanced DVI or HDMI connections that provide incredible resolutions of op to 1,000 lines, but if you have no devices that utilize this technology you'd be throwing money away for the advanced, but useless, feature. Or, you may want to connect your media center computer system to your plasma screen, in which case you'd prefer a DVI connection to create that beautiful, all-digital picture. Other inputs, when used with a personal computer, create very dirty, blurry pictures.

Finally, what variety of resolution technology are you looking for in your plasma television? If you have very high standards for video clarity, you may need a plasma unit that will display a true High Definition signal. Many models will claim to be HD, but you should look for a resolution of at least 1024 by 720 pixels, otherwise you will be losing quality. This resolution is vital for viewers who use their plasma as an interface for their computer, or to watch HD television programs. Progressive Scan DVD players and new digital television ask for high resolutions, but they only require a resolution around 852 by 480 for an optimal picture. These lower resolution, though still great, televisions will display a High Definition signal, but they will scale the picture before displaying it. This is more than satisfactory for the average user, and you should definitely consider what you will me viewing on your plasma television to better determine your resolution needs.

In general, take some time to plan out how you will be using your new plasma television. Investing some energy in research and planning will help make you make your ideal purchase.

Jakob Culver is founder of the website www.plasmatvarena.com providing information, articles and reviews about plasma tv's. To find more articles like this one visit the site http://www.plasmatvarena.com/

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Shopping for a Plasma Television - 6 Top Things to Look For

To avoid going home with a plasma TV set that you'll want to dump in the trash after one week's worth of unsatisfactory viewing experience, make sure that your plasma TV has the 6 top things that have the power to make all TV viewers relax with a blissful smile.

Plasma Television Shopping - 6 Things to Look for

SIZE - If you're an ordinary person with ordinary TV-watching dreams, you'll surely want a plasma TV set that can dominate the whole room with its presence. You'd want a plasma TV set that makes your guests' eyes pop out at the first time they see it because it's impressively huge. No person can honestly say that he's truly content with a TV set that makes him squint just to see the number printed at the back of a NBA player's jersey. And this is plasma technology, after all. It will be sad if you'll waste all the viewing benefits offered by plasma technology with a reduced screen size!

BRAND - Getting any plasma TV is not enough. You need to think about the brand as well. There's a reason why plasma TV imitations are so cheap, and it's not just because they're made in China. It's because they're inferior in quality as well. Plasma TV imitations also have a shorter shelf life so you might not be saving money in the long-run. If you take a look at the TV market today, you'll notice that Panasonic presently enjoys the lead among all other electronic companies when it comes to making plasma TV sets. But of course you can buy plasma TV sets made by other well-known brands like Sony and Samsung.

ASPECT RATIO - Just because the plasma TV set you've your eye on is huge in size doesn't mean it can give you an equally huge display. This matter depends primarily on the aspect ratio of your plasma TV's screen. If you think this isn't important, think again. What if you're to watch a HDTV movie with subtitles? If the aspect ratio is small, the subtitles will be small as well, and if you can't read those tiny letters, how are you going to understand what the movie is all about?

PERSONAL MAILMAN - Nowadays, no self-respecting TV connoisseur would want a TV set that's only capable of being a TV. You'd want extra features from your plasma TV set as well, and one of those would be its ability to deliver messages at the right time and place. Forget about post-its or pinning notes to the refrigerator. Instead, you can key in your message in the TV screen and your message will be delivered at the time you've set.

SOMETHING WITH OOMPH - Aesthetics count very much in regard to plasma TV sets. Bulky is out, and trendy is in. Since plasma TV sets are manufactured in a number of shades and styles, you should opt for one that would go absolutely well with wherever it's going to be mounted.

SOMETHING SLIM - Size is indeed a factor, but you might not want anything beyond 19? if you'll also use your plasma TV set as a computer monitor. In this case, you should be after slimness rather than wideness. A slim plasma TV monitor would look great on your tabletop rather than any other bulky computer monitor.

Now that you know what the 6 top important things to look for are when shopping for a plasma TV, here are suggestions as to where you can find the ideal plasma TV besides retail outlets in malls and possibly enjoy discounts as well.

Auction Houses - Live or online, auction houses do sometimes auction off plasma TV sets and who knows if you'll get lucky when you go shopping? Of course, be sure that your item is in good condition before making any payment.

Secondhand Stores - If you're working with a very tight budget then consider purchasing your plasma TV from secondhand stores. Granted, you might take home that's obviously not brand new, but with a little creative decoration, nicks and scratches can surely be concealed from the public eye.

One good thing to remember is that prices for plasma TV, as well as other kinds of TV, are dropping and are expected to continue doing so as one new TV innovation after another is introduced to the market. So take your time shopping because costs are getting lower and lower each day!

For more information now go to: http://www.qualityplasmatelevision.com/index.html http://www.qualityplasmatelevision.com

Plasma Television: With Maturity Has Come Greater Dependability

During the holiday season of this year, millions of consumers will be considering the purchase of a new television. Those beautiful plasma screen displays will scream at shoppers from the display floor with their vibrant, life like colors and detail. But undoubtedly, wary shoppers will have heard the rumors or perhaps have known someone who bought a plasma television in 1999 which has already moved on to television heaven just seven short years later. It seems to a prudent shopper that perhaps a new plasma TV isn't the choice for them if a long term relationship is desired.

But are the rumors false? Has plasma undergone a bit of reinvention? Was this lack of longevity a symptom of a fledgling technology that has now perhaps matured? Is a plasma television now more reliable, a screen to be around for the long haul?

In a word...yes.

With lower power usage and changes with the mix of gases in the panels, the longevity of plasma televisions has been significantly enhanced. The lifespan of a television display is measured in "half life"; the hours of use before the screen has dimmed to only 50% of its original brightness. In recent years, plasma television manufacturers have been touting a half-life which is equivalent to that of other screens such as the higher priced LCDs; around 60,000 hours. From this, consumers can see that the lifespan of a plasma screen is dependent upon how much it is viewed. For instance, if a plasma television is on for 6 hours a day, 365 days a year (2190 hours per year), it should last just over 27 years.

Knowing this, it becomes clear that the life of the screen on a plasma television can be significantly influenced by how it is used. Turning off the television when no one is viewing it could certainly extend its life. Adjusting the brightness is important as well; maximum levels are seldom required or recommended and can unnecessarily cause pre-mature aging of the phosphors.

Additional changes over the years for plasma televisions include technologies aimed at reducing the risk of "burn in"; another significant concern about the "character" of plasma displays that developed during its youth. Features such as pixel shifting, pixel orbiter, and motion adaptation all describe methods of moving the image on a plasma screen which is imperceptible to the human eye but effective in reducing the risk of burn-in. With these added features, many plasma manufacturers now claim their screens have no greater risk of burn in than the traditional CRT, "tube" televisions.

As with anything, consumers need to compare brands as they aren't all created equally. Reviewing the facts from the manufacturer is important. In general, it is best to stick with the more reputable and well known brands as a bargain "off-brand" in the long term may not save money if the quality and dependability are lacking.

There are many excellent technologies to choose from when buying a new television. Which type of display is best is dependent upon each individuals wishes, but plasma televisions certainly deserve the full attention of buyers as they do not warrant the negative reputation developed during their formative years in regards to longevity.

Christine Peppler believes that consumers shouldn't have to possess a technology degree to be able to choose home electronics and entertainment devices. Take advantage of the wealth of simple to understand, useful information and shopping available on her website at http://www.homemedias.info/.

Mounting Plasma Television Sets

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Looking for more options to position your television? You may want to consider investing in a plasma type of television set. Mounting plasma television sets is relatively easy. You have a variety of ways of locating your television including hanging it on a wall.

Location, Location

Where you want to put your plasma television set will be influenced partially by the television that you buy. Before going shopping for your plasma television, first determine where you would like to mount it.

For example, if you wish to do something specialized, like hang it over a bed, or have it installed over your fireplace, you will need carpenters do the work.

Television Dimensions

No matter where you wish to mount your new plasma television, always carry with you the dimensions when you go to the store. And if you can, take pictures of the space where you wish to mount your plasma television.

How To Mount It?

Once you have determined where you want to place your new television, you will need to decide on how you want to mount it. Unlike a normal television, gravity just will not work with a plasma television. If you need to ask why, have your plasma television professionally installed.

You will need to mount your television to a wall, a piece of furniture or a stand. The great advantage is that cords used can easily be hidden. The disadvantage of installing it yourself is that if by accident something were to happen to the plasma television, the manufacturer will try to blame it on your installation.

Hence, you will not be covered by the guarantee. A plasma television is a large, heavy and delicate piece of equipment. In fact, it might not be a bad idea to encase it in glass. You want this television as secure as you can get it. It costs way too much to take chances.

Shopping for a Television

Now that you know how and where you want to mount your plasma television, it is time to go shopping.

Go to a store that specializes in electronics. You do not want the largest or most expensive model. You want the model with the right size and weight to look and fit right into your space.

Also, if you want to mount your plasma television upside down, there are only a few models that can do that without voiding the warranty. With all this information in hand, you are ready to go shopping.

Conclusion

There are several ways of mounting plasma television sets. Depending on the type of set up you have in the room where you plan on having your television, you can choose from any number of means. Wall mounts and specially designed TV stands are among the most popular mounting forms.

Ready for plasma? Go to http://www.cool-plasma-television.com for Louis Zhang's plasma television reviews, selection and installation tips plus HDTV updates.