Plasma Secrets - Quick Tips When Researching, Buying Or Installing A Plasma TV
Plasma technology has existed for quite a long time, but originally plasma TV displays were available only for commercial or business use.
They were at first unavailable in stores, and then early consumer sets were extremely expensive for homeowners.
They were in the ,000 range early on. Totally unaffordable then... But the picture on those sets seemed absolutely magical.
Prices for plasma TV's are currently in free fall, but naturally, some budget models are built for performance and value.
If You're buying a plasma TV, it's important you find out how can you pick a model with the size and features you can afford. You don't want a set that will be out of date too soon, you want to enjoy your purchase, and be pleased with it, not feel like you were sold a lemon.
Though I have nothing against lemons, if I want lemonade.. Let's try to get a bit of champagne, instead.
With prices starting around ,000 for the least expensive models, plasma TV's around 42" and 50" are currently the price value leaders in flat panel sets.
Therefore, a plasma TV is within reach of most shoppers.
Therefore, there are some details to consider before you buy...
1: Consider where your new baby will go when you get it home. In bright rooms, the display of plasma TV panels can be ruined by external light. By this, I mean you will note that some plasma screens have a shiny surface.
Some sets have an anti reflective filter that cuts that problem down. If the front of the screen is shiny, meaning it has no coating, this can produce annoying reflections, especially in brightly lit rooms. Also, some sets are monitors only; they don't include speakers or a tuner for any type of analog (old style) or digital (new style) TV signal.
Most new High definition sets should have a built in digital and analog tuner and may have quality, if small, speakers.
So, there is no chunky set-top box with these sets, perfect for a wall-mounted plasma TV.
Like conventional televisions, you can also choose to mount plasma TV's on a desktop stand.
2: Or on your wall. However, a plasma TV is a heavy unit to trust to bolts in drywall or sheetrock. Weighing in at 50 pounds or more, plasma TV's need adequate support and lots of ventilation because of the heat they generate.
Naturally, you may want to check with a building pro if you are mounting one on your wall. Even placing the set on a table or A/V stand can be problematic. I have seen one go through the toughened glass of a unit that was rated much higher than the weight of the plasma that was placed on it. This did not happen until some months later. Go figure.
3: Picture quality varies considerably between different makes and models of plasma TV's, so be sure to read reviews before you go and lay down your hard earned. The high pixel count of a High Definition plasma display provides fine detail for outstanding HDTV reproduction.
The widescreen or 16:9 aspect ratio lets you enjoy DVD movies with a big theatre feel.
4: How does a plasma display panel work I hear you cry...
In a plasma TV, the individual pixels or picture elements are filled with an inert gas such as neon or xenon. The effect is like a bunch of incredibly tiny red, green and blue neon signs, which through a trick of the eye, can produce a really beautiful picture. Of course, your regular TV does a similar thing. But it can't be made as large or as thin as plasma, at the moment.
Though plasma manufacturers have improved consumption requirements they consume a bit more power than your current old school set.
It is wise to study reviews of the models you want, to learn the facts about Plasma TV before you consider making a purchase.
5: And don't forget ask about warranty, and call your insurance company to insure your new Plasma TV in case it is stolen or accidentally broken.
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