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.

Plasma TVs at high altitudes

An interesting factor to consider when planning your purchase of a new plasma television is altitude. Plasma TVs use millions of tiny, gas-filled chambers to create a picture. When you move to higher altitudes, the constant pressure in the chambers and the now lower ambient air pressure create a buzzing sound reminiscent of a halogen beer sign. This buzz is a combined result of the increased power consumption necessary to overcome the pressure differential, and the increase in fan use because the high power consumption heats the unit. This change in noise is really the only difference between operating a plasma television at sea level and one operating at extreme (above 6,000 ft) altitudes.

This noise increase provides a hint as to the more serious reason to avoid using a plasma television: lifespan. The life of a plasma screen is dependent on how hard it works through the course of its life. Operating these televisions at altitudes above what they were designed for puts an excess strain on their various components. Using a plasma TV above 6,000 ft. is more likely to annoy you with additional noise than anything else, but it's a bad choice in the long run.

This pressure change is why airplanes chose to use LCD screens over plasma screens on flights that offer video entertainment. LCDs use crystals instead of gas filled chambers, and are thus indifferent to altitude changes. That said, there are manufacturers who have designed plasma televisions for use at altitudes up to 9,000 ft. You'll pay for this upgraded design, so you must decide if the price difference is worth it. So, check the elevation information for your city to determine if this should concern you, because it's not always obvious. Denver is just under the 6,000 ft. window for operating a regular plasma screen. You may see a slight difference in the lifespan of the unit here when compared to an identical television located closer to sea level, but this is likely to be very small. If you're not sure what your local elevation is, or if you're close, but still below the 6,000 ft. recommended ceiling, do some firsthand research. Go to an electronics store and test out the various plasma TVs on display. Listen closely for a buzzing or humming. You may find that your local air pressure is low enough to affect the performance of a plasma unit.

So you've done your research and planning, and you're ready to buy your plasma television? Now make sure you check your local conditions and, if necessary, invest in a high altitude plasma unit.

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 Avoid Plasma TV Burn-In

If you're familiar with the technology behind plasma televisions, you know that the gas contained in each individual pixel receives a charge from a set of electrodes and produces ultraviolet light photons. These light particles hit a phosphor coating on the pixel's walls. If the same picture remains on the screen long enough the phosphors will age prematurely and they will produce a less intense light and color. The phosphor's continuous light will also burn the screen itself, leaving a ghost of an image. This burning of the screen, and the residual image it creates, is called burn-in. Older CRT monitors, as well as ATM machines, are prone to burn-in. This was the reason behind the invention of screen savers; having a randomly shifting image displayed whenever the picture was constant for a certain period of time helps prevent burn-in.

Burn-in occurs in 2 steps: premature phosphor aging and screen searing. A still image will create an unchanging electrical current in each plasma pixel. The resulting continuous flow of photons forces the television's phosphors to release the same hue of light and this, when maintained for a long enough period of time, will damage the phosphors' ability to produce this color light. They will become conditioned, and will never stop producing a weak shade of that same color light, even when no charge is being sent through the pixel. This affects other images that require a change in the pixel's color. Screen searing is the dim, ghost-like image that literally gets burned into the glass of your screen. During a still image, the screen is bombarded with a specific spectrum of light from the phosphors. Since it's given no time to rest, the screen develops a shadowy copy of the image which was frozen on the screen. We most often see this at the ATM, when remnants of the main menu remain on the screen throughout your transaction.

Now that you have an idea what burn-in is, you should know some ways to prevent it from occurring. The root cause of burn-in is a static image. Most newer model plasma televisions have added functions to automatically prevent burn-in. However, owners of older model plasma televisions should be aware of the danger of burn-in and should follow a few simply tips to extend the life of their television. You can avoid static images by turning off your plasma television when you're not watching it. Also, you should steer clear of pausing a movie or a video game for an extended period of time and leaving the television on.

Burn-in is no longer a serious concern with newer plasma televisions thanks to a technology called pixel orbiter. The pixel orbiter subtly shifts static pictures to continuously keep the plasma screen's phosphors working. By never resting, there is little chance of burn-in. Creating more work for the display may seem like a poor decision with regard to the lifespan of the unit, but keeping the phosphors fresh and changing actually helps the plasma screen last longer.

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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This article may be reprinted for use in websites provided that the information box is kept intact. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required: millenniumonlinemarketing@hotmail.com

Pioneer Leading The Plasma TV World

In today's fast-moving, swiftly-growing technological field, it takes a lot to stay in the lead. But Pioneer is doing precisely that with its plasma TVs. With their sharp images and robust feature packages all rolled up into a sophisticated package, it is no wonder that this company is out-pacing its competitors in the field.

The Pioneer PDP-507HD is commonly considered one of the best 50-inch plasma TV across the board. This incredibly versatile piece of entertainment hardware is ideal for those who list image-quality as one of their highest criteria. Reviewers applaud the rich, thoroughly-saturated colours and the deep quality of the blacks, a hue that has been notoriously difficult to capture for other plasma TV companies. This is not to say that the Pioneer PDP-507HD is not adaptable; it comes with a multitude of features, including a CableCARD slot, an electronic program guide, a USB output and a dual tuner PIP. In addition, for those who demand high performance and then insist on have the tools to achieve it, there are many options for those who like to adjust the picture quality to their own exacting standards.

The 43-inch Pioneer PDP-4360 is another landmark in Pioneer's development. This smaller screen has all the crystalline resolution of the other plasma televisions and once again, the colours, particularly the difficult black, are rendered as faithfully as on a movie screen.

The newest in Pioneer's stellar lineup is the Pioneer PDP 607XD. It is marketed as integrated home entertainment, and with 2 HDMI inputs, a PC input, a digital tuner, there is a much greater ability to take advantage of high definition media. This exciting model features Pioneer's seventh generation plasma screen, with improved brightness and contrast, creating the sharp picture quality and vivid colour that is part of the Pioneer trademark.

One feature that is applauded across the board is Pioneer's consistently sophisticated design. Pioneer has chosen to give its plasma televisions a sleek and streamlined grace, something that blends perfectly with a modern home. The thick, high-gloss frames of the Pioneer plasma TVs create a striking impression. When turned off, the screen goes to a deep velvety black and the effect on a bare white wall is quite striking and you can find suitable brackets on http://www.tv-wall-brackets.co.uk. These televisions accentuate your viewing area, commanding it with ease, and their graceful lines are an excellent addition to any home. Another fun feature is the silver stand that is available if you should choose to make the plasma TV freestanding. The inky bulk of the television in the elegant stand has all the charm of a piece of modern art.

The Pioneer plasma televisions have made bringing home a vivid, theater-quality home entertainment center more possible than ever. Like its namesake, Pioneer strides forward in the development of cutting-edge technology and always delivers on it's well-earned reputation.

Peter Thomas is the marketing manager for http://www.plasma-television.co.uk - the UKs leading plasma & lcd tv price comparison website.

An Introduction To Plasma TV Technology

Plasma TVs have become increasingly available, and their cost is lowering all the time. We have all heard about plasma TVs, and advertising campaigns are constantly telling us that they are the status symbol to have. Adverts are extremely effective at glorifying the benefits of having a plasma TV, so much so that it appears that even our pulling power and popularity will be improved. The one thing that these adverts don?t really tell us is what a plasma TV actually is. Here is a brief guide to plasma TVs to help you appreciate this apparent miracle of modern technology.

Plasma TVs have a higher resolution than other conventional display devices which means that they can display the high definition signals of HDTV and DTV. Also, plasma TVs are compatible with the computer signals SVGA, VGA, and XGA.

Unlike other display devices, plasma TVs have a transistor electrode for every pixel cell which means that there are none of the scan lines that are visible with regular TV sets. The whole image is evenly lit across the display by these electrodes, and not produced by an electron beam which is the cause of scan lines.

Top-of-the-range plasma TVs have display capabilities of over 16 million colours. This ensures that the picture has far more realistic colour than that shown on a conventional TV screen. This is because they are able to show far more shades of colours compared to the lesser quality TV screens.

Plasma TV screens are completely flat which has two benefits. There is no edge distortion, unlike on more curved conventional TV screens, and also there is a far wider viewing angle. The viewing angle of a plasma TV is 160 degrees, and allows the image to be seen properly from more areas of the room where the TV set is situated. This makes plasma TV screens ideal for large groups to view, and lessens the need for more than one TV set to be placed.

Of course, the main benefit that most people are aware of with plasma TVs is their space-saving quality. They are extremely shallow, and can therefore be installed in many more locations than a conventional TV set. The depth of a 50 inch screen is approximately 4 inches, and it can therefore be hung on a wall.

John Rivers is the owner of TV Home Center. Find out what you need to know before you buy a plasma tv or video projector.

Plasma TVs And Your Home Entertainment Center

It seems as if everyone these days is showing off their expensive flashy new home entertainment centers. They're linked wirelessly to computers, have more speakers than a Rolling Stone's concert, and cost more than a midsize luxury sedan. They feature DVD players, DVR or Tivo, CD players, MP3 players, and anything else you can imagine. The centerpiece, though, still remains the same: the television.

Plasma TVs have recently been introduced to the market. They are extremely flat television panels which make them very easy to mount on either a wall, in a cabinet or on other specially designed furniture. Plasma TVs are known for their wonderful quality and almost all plasma TVs come already equipped with an HDTV (high definition television) tuner which will allow you to watch all the HDTV channels that have been so widely discussed lately. The quality is amazingly realistic.

As mentioned before, the plasma TV is completely flat. It much more easily manipulated than conventional CRT TVs and won't burn out like rear projection TVs and LCD TVs. Mounting the plasma TV on the wall and adding rows of seats to a home theater will surly add a commercial theater feel to any room. Along with some of the high end sound systems available on the market today, the difference between a well equipped home theater with a quality plasma TV and a commercial theater is hard to distinguish.

If mounting the plasma TV on the wall isn't an option, try commissioning a carpenter to create a custom made cabinet. This may be a better option as it would allow for built in compartments for cords, DVDs, VHS tapes, DVD player storage, and more. Inside the cabinet, a custom mount could be created for the plasma TV. Add to this some remote control doors on the cabinet and one could have oneself a pretty Godfather-esque setup.

In conclusion, if you wish to become the talk of the neighborhood with your brand new home theater or home entertainment center, be sure to have the finest centerpiece available with a large, high quality plasma television.

John Rivers is the owner of TV Home Center. His website offers LCD TV Reviews and Flat Screen TV Buying Advice.

Choosing A Hitachi Plasma TV

In this busy day and age, spending what free time you have needs to be as enjoyable and relaxing an experience as possible. Nowhere is this more relevant than with your TV, whether it's for watching a DVD, or using it to play the latest games on your Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 on. With the features on the latest models, choosing a Hitachi plasma TV can offer the solution that you've been looking for.

With Hitachi's new Platara range of plasma TV's, picture and sound quality has never been better. Even with the largest 42" model, Hitachi has managed to maintain a depth of only 90mm deep, so it won't take up any major space in your living room, whether you let it sit freely or decide to wall-mount it. Despite the relative slimness of the model, it's still fully laden with features.

Using Hitachi's patented ALIS technology, which offers bright yet bold pictures displayed in high resolution, their flagship 42" model, the 42PD9700 contains a wealth of features, including:

? Picture Master HD Technology, for the sharpest pictures yet
? Integrated Digital TV (IDTV), offering digital transmissions from the box, without the need for a separate cable or satellite connection
? High Definition ready, offering future proof upgrading
? Motorized swivel stand

However, if this model appears feature packed, then the new Hitachi Ultravision Plasma HDTV range is the nest level up in plasma TV's. With patented technology, these models offer the ultimate in plasma picture quality. Incorporating the world's first true HD display of 1080i, the 42HDX99 also impresses with:

? Picture Master HD III Video processor, which scans every single frame of movement to provide a crystal sharp image

? Day & Night Picture Memory, allowing easy switching between preferred screen settings

? Film Quality Image Tuning, which improves the detail in both highlight and shadow

? Natural Color Deep Black Anti-Reflective Glass Screen, which reduces the effect of sunlight on the screen and allows far superior pictures

? Digital Color Management III, which automatically re-tunes its settings when attached to a digital camera to match that objects color display

However, even this phenomenal set is outshone by its bigger brother, the 55HDX99 Ultravision Director's Series. With all the features of the 42" model and more, this truly is the pinnacle of plasma TV's and will enhance anyone's living area beyond compare. With intelligent remote controls that allows you to tune your whole home cinema system to your TV remote, and an HDMI interface for connecting superior products such as HD DVD players, this really is the next generation of not just Hitachi's plasma TV's, but any of its competitors as well.

Peter Thomas is the marketing manager for http://www.plasma-television.co.uk - the UKs leading plasma & lcd tv price comparison website.

Plasma TV Be Aware When Buying Online

A plasma TV may very well be the next step in your home entertainment future and the potential sources for the purchase of a plasma TV have never been better. Because a handful of retailers have jumped on the plasma TV bandwagon and started offering these televisions as part of their home electronics line, the cost of a plasma TV has never been lower. The fact that the technology has become well-established has also helped lower the cost of the plasma TV. So where do you go to find great deals on plasma TV sets?

Any retailer or wholesaler that offers a good array of home electronics likely has plasma TV sets in stock or has a source for them. For many people, purchasing from a local retailer is literally the only option they'll consider because they want to check out the set in person. While the cost has started dropping, a plasma TV still represents a major investment among your home entertainment components and you may be playing it safe to shop where you can actually see the set you are about to buy.

For other people, shopping online is a great way to do comparison shopping. You can find several online sources of home electronics that will allow you to conduct side-by-side comparisons of various plasma TV models. While you can do almost the same comparison by shopping retail stores in person, you might find that a side-by-side comparison makes your shopping easier.

Online shopping for the plasma TV of your dreams could net you a great deal, but don't overlook the fact that you're likely going to be paying shipping on top of the cost of the plasma TV. That cost might or might not be sufficient to kill the savings of purchasing online over that from a retailer in your area.

Tom Ace is the founder of Plasma tv Resources a website providing information on plasma televisions

The Facts About Plasma Televisions

Today?s market is filled with different sizes, models and manufactures to fulfill any movie watcher needs in today?s world, there are so many choices that most people are confused. There is a wide range of sizes, manufactures, models and screen choices available which would fulfill the movie bug needs these days, that is why we are so confused about what is the best tv to purchase. If you are one of those people that loves to watch DVD?s you need to make sure you look at the ratio of a plasma television screen, this is very important to consider.

The war between plasma and LCD continues with many people, it is almost like the war between PC and Apple users. The new LCD televisions are High Definition Television ready and digital television ready which will make these types of TV last much longer down the line as the HDTV signal becomes more widespread in homes. LCD televisions are now available at increasingly lower prices, and the smaller units are available for as low as two hundred dollars with several retailers. Many of the large manufacturers of electronics have created technology such as LCD screens, some of these companies are Sony, Samsung, Phillips, Toshiba and Panasonic, even computer system manufactures are getting into the TV market, Dell has created TVs that compete with other electronic giants.

Watching a show on HDTV explains why so many people are switching to this type of technology, you realize how the older type of TV picture clarity is not what you thought it was. HDTV has brought a new way of watching TV, plasma screens are crisp, sharp images and when the HDTV signals becomes more prevalent more and more channels and households will be able to enjoy it. The large size and high definition capability are just a few of those great features HDTV televisions.

The viewing angle in DLP is big. The plasma screen is a streamlined picture-frame screen that has a 160 degree viewing angle, the screen is evenly illuminated across the screen and it has no curvature. These types of televisions provide a much clearer image which will make your investment of this new type of tv a sound one. Bigger is not always better, and a certain distance must be maintained between the plasma TV and the viewing area for optimal viewing experience.

The plasma display is unsurpassed because of the aspect ratio of 16:9 and the incredible resolution of 1366 x 768. They have great resolution and incredible color definition. Using the display resolution of 1024x768 gives the TV a picture that is sharp and crisp and an almost 3D effect. Plasma TV allows you to experience high resolution HDTV and DTV signals with exceptional color accuracy.

As time goes on and the manufacturing costs diminish the prices will start to drop on plasma TVs and the cheap plasmas will be introduced which will cost in the $800 - $1200 range, and as technology get better the screen size will start to grow and the screen will get larger for less. You want the model with the right size and weight to look and fit right into your space. While quality is important size and color are equally important.

In setting up the environment for your plasma TV, a primary consideration is to determine the screen size to match the floor plan or available space where the plasma will be displayed.

David Marc Fishman is the owner of http://www.priceriot.com. Priceriot is a new online auction where prices drop as people shop for iPod

Plasma Television Screen Size Ratios -- How to Decide Which TV Viewing Size Is Best for You

If you frequently watch DVD's and you are purchasing a plasma television, plasma television screen sizes ratios are an important consideration. This is one of the features you should investigate prior to making a final decision on which TV you are going to choose. The ratio will affect television viewing.

Aspect Ratio and HDTV

Today's conventional regular television signals are transmitted with an aspect ratio of 4:3 (the nearly square TV picture to which you are accustomed). All HDTV and some SDTV signals will be transmitted with an aspect ratio of 16:9 in the near future. This means that you will either lose part of the picture with a square television, or need a converter.

HDTV broadcasts are now being delivered in the wide-screen format, the same aspect ratio in which movies are made. Most plasma televisions and big screen televisions are manufactured in the widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio.

However, since television programs are made to fit a square television, you may get some distortion on a wide screen format. So if you do choose a wide screen format, make certain that you get a television smart enough to know the difference.

Screen Size Factors

There are a number of factors to consider when determining your plasma television's screen size. Like all televisions, plasma monitors are measured diagonally across the screen. Plasma television screens start as small as 5 inches and increase in size up to 63 inches or larger. The typical sizes are 24 inches, 32 inches, 40 inches, 50 inches and around 60 inches. The most popular plasma television screen sizes are 32 inches and 61 inches.

Be aware that the larger your plasma television screen, the heavier it will be and the harder it will be to mount. The smallest screens can be taken just about anywhere while the 60 inch screens require their own carpentry supports!

Distance from the Screen

The next factor to help you find the right plasma television is how far you will sit from the screen. If you are going to be sitting close to the screen, like 6 to 10 feet away, then you probably want a medium sized monitor (32 or 36 inches).

You will get the best picture from a 42 inch plasma television if you can sit at least 10 feet back. And for a really big picture, you will need at least 15 feet. Of course, you can just try out different distances in the show room to determine if it is a good match for you.

Conclusion

Size is not everything, but in some things it does not hurt. So approach your plasma television experience with the view to get the most versatile piece of equipment that you can.

Ready for plasma? Louis Zhang provides jargon-free, relevant information on plasma televison technology, selection and installation as well as a guide to consumer reviews. For more on plasma television selection tips, go to Plasma TV Screen Size

Plasma Televisions

Now a status symbol among the rich and wealthy, a plasma TV is a high-definition (HDTV) alternative to the standard cathode-ray televisions sold today. It gives viewers sharp images and vibrant colors, particularly when used in conjunction with high-definition broadcasts. A quality plasma TV, however, does not come cheap. Its price ranges from $4,000 to $15,000 plus.

One of the main attractions of a plasma TV is a flat screen, which can be mounted directly on a wall. Manufacturers often employ surround-sound theater speakers and high-end receivers to complete the feeling of luxury. No wonder plasma TVs are such a craze these days.

In terms of science, 'plasma' refers to inert gases like neon and xenon that glow when in contact with an electrical field. Televisions usually rely on thousands of small 'picture elements', abbreviated as pixels. A bundle of three distinct colors, usually red, green and yellow, constitute one pixel in a color TV. Properly controlling the level of each color, all of the other colors of the spectrum can be produced in each pixel. The distance between the viewer and the screen is usually such that the individual pixels blur into each other and the illusion of motion is created as they change color. Plasma or not, this holds true for any television system.

The individual pixels in a plasma TV are made from three tiny containers of an inert gas like neon or xenon. There are thousands of these tiny tubes on an average plasma TV screen. All of them are sandwiched between two electrically charged plates. And plasma glows when exposed to an electrical current. A cable or broadcast antenna dispatches signals to a computer-processing unit. The antenna instructs the unit how to reassemble the entire picture hundreds of times per second.

A plasma TV screen contains more pixels than a standard television, so the image is noticeably sharper. If light conditions are ambient, a plasma TV will perform at its best. As flat screens have a viewing angle of 160 degrees, one can watch TV from almost any position in a room.

Plasma Televisions provides detailed information on Plasma Televisions, Discount Plasma Televisions, Wholesale Plasma Televisions, Plasma Vs Lcd Televisions and more. Plasma Televisions is affiliated with LCD Televisions.