Plasma TV Reviewer|Let's talk about Plasma TV's
Dec
18
Filed Under (Cable And Satellite Tv) by Helen
ryan@thesatellitetvguide.com asked:
Plasma TV Comparisons
If you love television, and you love modern technology, there’s no way around it – you’ve got to have a plasma TV! Here’s an overview of plasma TVs, plasma TV features, and where to go online for plasma TV comparisons to find the best TV at the best price.
What is a plasma TV?
A plasma TV is a video monitor that uses millions of tiny colored fluorescent lights to create an image. The tiny light cells are sandwiched between two plates of glass along with electrodes that trigger the cells to produce colors and patterns. This innovative way of creating images allows plasma TVs to be both flat and very large.
What are the features of a plasma TV?
* Plasma TVs provide high-resolution images. The image quality of plasma TVs is much sharper and clearer than tube TVs. Because of this, plasma TVs can accommodate high-definition HDTV signals, as well as DTV, and other formats.
* Plasma TVs are easy to view from any place in the room. And unlike projection TVs and LCD TVs, the picture on a plasma TV is clear from almost any angle.
* Plasma TVs are completely flat. Not only are they attractive and modern, but there is no distortion from curvature, which can be a problem with tube TV screens.
* Plasma TVs are slim and lightweight. The construction of plasma TVs lets them be hung on a wall and hug the wall. You can put a plasma TV almost anywhere, in comparison with the limits posed by the shape and size of traditional tube TVs and projection TVs.
* Plasma TVs accommodate a widescreen format. You get the full theater experience from plasma TVs because they use a widescreen aspect ratio. In addition to their high resolution, this allows plasma TVs to make the most of HDTV and DVD formats.
* Plasma TVs are lifelike. The picture you get from a plasma TV is the clearest picture around, and there is such a sense of depth, the image almost seems three-dimensional.
Where can I compare plasma TV prices?
All this modern technology comes at a price – plasma TVs aren’t cheap. Most start at $2,000 and can cost up to $10,000, depending upon the size and model.
In order to get the best price on a plasma TV, I recommend going to your local electronics stores to compare the prices and features, then compare prices online before you buy one.
I found an excellent online service that compares prices and provides customer reviews on all models and brands of plasma TVs. Not only does this service provide well-researched price comparisons for the various makes and models of plasma TVs, but it also gives ratings plus detailed product information.
Reviews of plasma TVs are provided by customers who actually own one. It’s like having a network of friends to give you first-hand, unbiased advice on your plasma TV purchase. You can click on the links below to go to this service and comparison shop for yourself.
Visit the http://TheSatelliteTVGuide.com to get more information, to compare prices, and to get consumer ratings for plasma TVs and LCD Tvs.
Huppert
Plasma TV Comparisons
If you love television, and you love modern technology, there’s no way around it – you’ve got to have a plasma TV! Here’s an overview of plasma TVs, plasma TV features, and where to go online for plasma TV comparisons to find the best TV at the best price.
What is a plasma TV?
A plasma TV is a video monitor that uses millions of tiny colored fluorescent lights to create an image. The tiny light cells are sandwiched between two plates of glass along with electrodes that trigger the cells to produce colors and patterns. This innovative way of creating images allows plasma TVs to be both flat and very large.
What are the features of a plasma TV?
* Plasma TVs provide high-resolution images. The image quality of plasma TVs is much sharper and clearer than tube TVs. Because of this, plasma TVs can accommodate high-definition HDTV signals, as well as DTV, and other formats.
* Plasma TVs are easy to view from any place in the room. And unlike projection TVs and LCD TVs, the picture on a plasma TV is clear from almost any angle.
* Plasma TVs are completely flat. Not only are they attractive and modern, but there is no distortion from curvature, which can be a problem with tube TV screens.
* Plasma TVs are slim and lightweight. The construction of plasma TVs lets them be hung on a wall and hug the wall. You can put a plasma TV almost anywhere, in comparison with the limits posed by the shape and size of traditional tube TVs and projection TVs.
* Plasma TVs accommodate a widescreen format. You get the full theater experience from plasma TVs because they use a widescreen aspect ratio. In addition to their high resolution, this allows plasma TVs to make the most of HDTV and DVD formats.
* Plasma TVs are lifelike. The picture you get from a plasma TV is the clearest picture around, and there is such a sense of depth, the image almost seems three-dimensional.
Where can I compare plasma TV prices?
All this modern technology comes at a price – plasma TVs aren’t cheap. Most start at $2,000 and can cost up to $10,000, depending upon the size and model.
In order to get the best price on a plasma TV, I recommend going to your local electronics stores to compare the prices and features, then compare prices online before you buy one.
I found an excellent online service that compares prices and provides customer reviews on all models and brands of plasma TVs. Not only does this service provide well-researched price comparisons for the various makes and models of plasma TVs, but it also gives ratings plus detailed product information.
Reviews of plasma TVs are provided by customers who actually own one. It’s like having a network of friends to give you first-hand, unbiased advice on your plasma TV purchase. You can click on the links below to go to this service and comparison shop for yourself.
Visit the http://TheSatelliteTVGuide.com to get more information, to compare prices, and to get consumer ratings for plasma TVs and LCD Tvs.
Huppert
Comments Off
Jul
16
Filed Under (Cable And Satellite Tv) by Helen
Charles Nelson asked:
Everyone wants the best they can get. Pioneer Plasma HDTVs were the best in the business. But unfortunately, Pioneer has closed down all its operations relating to HDTVs. Although Pioneer HDTV reviews provided the best information about the Pioneer TVs, they will no longer be required as the company closes down. The Kuro line of Plasma HDTVs from Pioneer was among the highly ranked in the world. Although quality also meant a hike in prices, this was the very reason which led to the closure of Pioneer operations. There will no longer be Pioneer TV reviews to read as there will be a stop in production.
Why Pioneer Stopped Production
A statement from the authorities in Pioneer suggests that Pioneer was more interested in expanding their business in car navigation, electronics and audio A/V products. Although this has remained the mainstay of Pioneer, yet its Plasma TVs were very good. The Plasma TVs have set new standards. Any new product will surely be compared with the Kuro line. The Pioneer HDTV reviews were a testimony of the class of Pioneer TVs. But being very expensive has led to the undoing of Pioneer TVs. Due to the recent recession; few people will opt for the highly priced TVs. The Pioneer TV reviews also suggest the same.
What About After-Sales Service?
The closing down of the Pioneer TVs has created a flutter among the people who already own a Pioneer TV. They are afraid that if anything goes wrong with the TVs, there will be no one to turn to. But the Pioneer administration has put all fears to rest. You can continue to get good service from the company. You can also read the Pioneer HDTV reviews and still buy Pioneer TVs till the day it is completely closed down. Pioneer promises to look after the needs of the already sold Pioneer TVs. Those dependent on Pioneer TV reviews can still buy a Pioneer TV for it will be 2010 before all operations are closed down. You can take advantage of all the warranties that you have.
A Change in Trends
With heavy influx of cheaper HDTVs from other manufacturers who provide state-of-the-art technologies for their products, Pioneer has suffered a setback. But it seems like yesterday when Pioneer HDTV reviews fetched great ratings and the TVs won many awards. But with the entry of LEDs and OLEDs, Pioneer HDTVs seem to be taking a backseat and hence the decision to quit. A thorough perusal of the Pioneer TV reviews will give you a good idea about why Pioneer HDTVs are ranked among the best in the world.
Pioneer TVs are the Best In The World
Among the many models, the KRP-500A is among the best. This 50-inch HDTV is an unbelievably 64mm thick and look like a piece of art on your wall. Pioneer HDTV reviews will tell you that with just one cable and a separate media unit, the connectivity options are improved. Yet it maintains its good looks. The contrast ratio and black levels surpass imagination. They are the true reference panels for comparing other TVs. It is truly sad that the world will lose such good quality. We will no longer rave and rant in the Pioneer TV reviews. Here is hoping that Pioneer will once again return to dominate the HDTV world again.
Douglas
Everyone wants the best they can get. Pioneer Plasma HDTVs were the best in the business. But unfortunately, Pioneer has closed down all its operations relating to HDTVs. Although Pioneer HDTV reviews provided the best information about the Pioneer TVs, they will no longer be required as the company closes down. The Kuro line of Plasma HDTVs from Pioneer was among the highly ranked in the world. Although quality also meant a hike in prices, this was the very reason which led to the closure of Pioneer operations. There will no longer be Pioneer TV reviews to read as there will be a stop in production.
Why Pioneer Stopped Production
A statement from the authorities in Pioneer suggests that Pioneer was more interested in expanding their business in car navigation, electronics and audio A/V products. Although this has remained the mainstay of Pioneer, yet its Plasma TVs were very good. The Plasma TVs have set new standards. Any new product will surely be compared with the Kuro line. The Pioneer HDTV reviews were a testimony of the class of Pioneer TVs. But being very expensive has led to the undoing of Pioneer TVs. Due to the recent recession; few people will opt for the highly priced TVs. The Pioneer TV reviews also suggest the same.
What About After-Sales Service?
The closing down of the Pioneer TVs has created a flutter among the people who already own a Pioneer TV. They are afraid that if anything goes wrong with the TVs, there will be no one to turn to. But the Pioneer administration has put all fears to rest. You can continue to get good service from the company. You can also read the Pioneer HDTV reviews and still buy Pioneer TVs till the day it is completely closed down. Pioneer promises to look after the needs of the already sold Pioneer TVs. Those dependent on Pioneer TV reviews can still buy a Pioneer TV for it will be 2010 before all operations are closed down. You can take advantage of all the warranties that you have.
A Change in Trends
With heavy influx of cheaper HDTVs from other manufacturers who provide state-of-the-art technologies for their products, Pioneer has suffered a setback. But it seems like yesterday when Pioneer HDTV reviews fetched great ratings and the TVs won many awards. But with the entry of LEDs and OLEDs, Pioneer HDTVs seem to be taking a backseat and hence the decision to quit. A thorough perusal of the Pioneer TV reviews will give you a good idea about why Pioneer HDTVs are ranked among the best in the world.
Pioneer TVs are the Best In The World
Among the many models, the KRP-500A is among the best. This 50-inch HDTV is an unbelievably 64mm thick and look like a piece of art on your wall. Pioneer HDTV reviews will tell you that with just one cable and a separate media unit, the connectivity options are improved. Yet it maintains its good looks. The contrast ratio and black levels surpass imagination. They are the true reference panels for comparing other TVs. It is truly sad that the world will lose such good quality. We will no longer rave and rant in the Pioneer TV reviews. Here is hoping that Pioneer will once again return to dominate the HDTV world again.
Douglas
Comments Off
Jul
02
Filed Under (Cable And Satellite Tv) by Helen
Charles Nelson asked:
When it comes to purchasing an HDTV for your entertainment, you can’t go wrong with your decision when you choose a Vizio HDTV. If you go through the Vizio reviews available online or in the magazines, you will discover that Vizio HDTVs delivers outstanding performance in terms of picture and sound quality. In fact, the HDTVs from Vizio are recognized in the HDTV market for producing the sharpest picture quality. The company has been producing amazing LCD and Plasma HDTV models that have created a revolution in the HDTV market. According to the Vizio TV reviews, the televisions boast unbeatable response time and perform their best in all lighting situations.
LCD HDTVs From VIZIO
The Vizio HDTV reviews present a wealth of information about many existing and newly launched LCD TVs from the company. The latest models of LCD HDTV from Vizio are featured with Vizio’s latest technologies and wonderful designs as well. For instance, the VU series of televisions contemporary styled flat-panel HDTV and cater to the requirement of a special kind of viewers. The Vizio Tvs are also features with wonderful connectivity such as HDMI port. There is a reduction in the pixel noise and a significant improvement in the color quality.
The Vizio HDTV reviews for the VW line of TVs reveals that the models can be easily converted into dedicated game console display or computer monitors. With each successive series of LCD HDTV, Vizio has introduced latest technologies and features to enhance the entertainment potential of the models and provide the consumer with the best quality HDTV in the industry.
Plasma HDTV From Vizio
The Plasma HDTVs from Vizio make the best choice for any Plasma TV aficionado. The reviews of Vizio compare the different series of plasma HDTV models from Vizio to simplify the selection of Vizio Plasma HDTV models for the prospective buyers. For instance, most of the models of VP series feature 720p resolution, 3 HDMI 1.3 inputs along with a piano black bezel. The Vizio Plasma HDTV buyers can compare the features of the series and each model of the series with other models of Vizio or other makes and select the one that is best for their entertainment.
Any discerning HDTV buyer would search for sufficient information about HDTV before investing in one of them. Whatever brand of HDTV you choose, reviews are the greatest source of information and can help you make the most informed decision. Although Vizio is one of the most reputed brand in the HDTV market, the company has produced numerous models with different features and specifications. While selecting from one of those models you have to gather precise information about the distinguishing features of each model. Vizio TV reviews can help you find out the unique features of any model from LCD and Plasma HDTVs.
Reading the online Vizio HDTV reviews is a great way to select the right Vizio HDTV model for your entertainment. The comments of other people along the reviews of Vizio televisions are also useful to collect honest opinion about the models.
Helmut
When it comes to purchasing an HDTV for your entertainment, you can’t go wrong with your decision when you choose a Vizio HDTV. If you go through the Vizio reviews available online or in the magazines, you will discover that Vizio HDTVs delivers outstanding performance in terms of picture and sound quality. In fact, the HDTVs from Vizio are recognized in the HDTV market for producing the sharpest picture quality. The company has been producing amazing LCD and Plasma HDTV models that have created a revolution in the HDTV market. According to the Vizio TV reviews, the televisions boast unbeatable response time and perform their best in all lighting situations.
LCD HDTVs From VIZIO
The Vizio HDTV reviews present a wealth of information about many existing and newly launched LCD TVs from the company. The latest models of LCD HDTV from Vizio are featured with Vizio’s latest technologies and wonderful designs as well. For instance, the VU series of televisions contemporary styled flat-panel HDTV and cater to the requirement of a special kind of viewers. The Vizio Tvs are also features with wonderful connectivity such as HDMI port. There is a reduction in the pixel noise and a significant improvement in the color quality.
The Vizio HDTV reviews for the VW line of TVs reveals that the models can be easily converted into dedicated game console display or computer monitors. With each successive series of LCD HDTV, Vizio has introduced latest technologies and features to enhance the entertainment potential of the models and provide the consumer with the best quality HDTV in the industry.
Plasma HDTV From Vizio
The Plasma HDTVs from Vizio make the best choice for any Plasma TV aficionado. The reviews of Vizio compare the different series of plasma HDTV models from Vizio to simplify the selection of Vizio Plasma HDTV models for the prospective buyers. For instance, most of the models of VP series feature 720p resolution, 3 HDMI 1.3 inputs along with a piano black bezel. The Vizio Plasma HDTV buyers can compare the features of the series and each model of the series with other models of Vizio or other makes and select the one that is best for their entertainment.
Any discerning HDTV buyer would search for sufficient information about HDTV before investing in one of them. Whatever brand of HDTV you choose, reviews are the greatest source of information and can help you make the most informed decision. Although Vizio is one of the most reputed brand in the HDTV market, the company has produced numerous models with different features and specifications. While selecting from one of those models you have to gather precise information about the distinguishing features of each model. Vizio TV reviews can help you find out the unique features of any model from LCD and Plasma HDTVs.
Reading the online Vizio HDTV reviews is a great way to select the right Vizio HDTV model for your entertainment. The comments of other people along the reviews of Vizio televisions are also useful to collect honest opinion about the models.
Helmut
Comments Off
May
31
Filed Under (Cable And Satellite Tv) by Helen
Charles Nelson asked:
The economic slowdown has never deterred the HDTV buyers to invest in new HDTV models. Element, one of the leading brand in the HDTV industry, has been manufacturing new models of LCD and Plasma HDTVs for the new-age viewers and has been introducing advanced technologies with each new models. The Element TV Reviews have shown a significant rise in the viewers’ rating for the newer models of the HDTV. Even, the studies have found out overall increase in the sales of HDTVs from the brand. The Element HDTV reviews provide first-hand information about features and product specification of different models for the buyers so that they can make informed decision before investing in one of the models of Element HDTV.
Buying an Element HDTV is a long term investment and hence, it is crucial that you should understand different features of buying HDTVs to purchase the best HDTV for you. The Element reviews are published online with all the necessary information about the technologies used in the models and their features. So what are the features mentioned about the Element HDTV models in the reviews?
Resolution
It is the most essential video feature that the Element HDTV reviews mention about the models. The resolution decides the picture quality of the models. The higher the resolution, the better is the picture quality. In the reviews of the Element HDTV models you will find the resolution and their effectiveness.
Refresh Rate:
The refresh rates of the HDTV models influences the images. The higher refresh rate enables better images. You can get natural flow of images with the pixels that are able to refresh faster. The Element TV reviews compare the refresh rate of the models of a particular series so that you can get better information about the specific feature of the HDTVs.
Engine
Whatever model of Element HDTV you buy, the engine of the model assures you about its durability. Although, the element HDTV engines are designed with same technology, the brand is gradually introducing advanced technologies with its latest models to compete with other brands of HDTVs. You can find more about the engines in the Element HDTV reviews.
Connectivity
This is one of the important features of any HDTV model. Element HDTVs boast better connectivity with HDMI inputs, component inputs, s-video inputs, composite inputs. These inputs allow you to connect to other HD-ready devices so that you can view photos from your digital camera or play videos from your camcorder on the HDTV. To top it all the Element HDTVs are PC compatible. The Element reviews provide comprehensive information about the connectivity status of different models of HDTVs.
Screen Size
Your decision about purchasing an HDTV is incomplete if you are not considering the screen size. You can decide on the screen size depending upon the size of your room. Element TV reviews can help you making a judgment about the screen size of the HDTV models.
Warranty You should not forget the warranty period of the Element TV models.
You can make the best decision on Element HDTV buying with the help Element HDTV reviews. But make sure that you don’t ignore any of the features while selecting one of the HDTV models.
Agnes
The economic slowdown has never deterred the HDTV buyers to invest in new HDTV models. Element, one of the leading brand in the HDTV industry, has been manufacturing new models of LCD and Plasma HDTVs for the new-age viewers and has been introducing advanced technologies with each new models. The Element TV Reviews have shown a significant rise in the viewers’ rating for the newer models of the HDTV. Even, the studies have found out overall increase in the sales of HDTVs from the brand. The Element HDTV reviews provide first-hand information about features and product specification of different models for the buyers so that they can make informed decision before investing in one of the models of Element HDTV.
Buying an Element HDTV is a long term investment and hence, it is crucial that you should understand different features of buying HDTVs to purchase the best HDTV for you. The Element reviews are published online with all the necessary information about the technologies used in the models and their features. So what are the features mentioned about the Element HDTV models in the reviews?
Resolution
It is the most essential video feature that the Element HDTV reviews mention about the models. The resolution decides the picture quality of the models. The higher the resolution, the better is the picture quality. In the reviews of the Element HDTV models you will find the resolution and their effectiveness.
Refresh Rate:
The refresh rates of the HDTV models influences the images. The higher refresh rate enables better images. You can get natural flow of images with the pixels that are able to refresh faster. The Element TV reviews compare the refresh rate of the models of a particular series so that you can get better information about the specific feature of the HDTVs.
Engine
Whatever model of Element HDTV you buy, the engine of the model assures you about its durability. Although, the element HDTV engines are designed with same technology, the brand is gradually introducing advanced technologies with its latest models to compete with other brands of HDTVs. You can find more about the engines in the Element HDTV reviews.
Connectivity
This is one of the important features of any HDTV model. Element HDTVs boast better connectivity with HDMI inputs, component inputs, s-video inputs, composite inputs. These inputs allow you to connect to other HD-ready devices so that you can view photos from your digital camera or play videos from your camcorder on the HDTV. To top it all the Element HDTVs are PC compatible. The Element reviews provide comprehensive information about the connectivity status of different models of HDTVs.
Screen Size
Your decision about purchasing an HDTV is incomplete if you are not considering the screen size. You can decide on the screen size depending upon the size of your room. Element TV reviews can help you making a judgment about the screen size of the HDTV models.
Warranty You should not forget the warranty period of the Element TV models.
You can make the best decision on Element HDTV buying with the help Element HDTV reviews. But make sure that you don’t ignore any of the features while selecting one of the HDTV models.
Agnes
Comments Off
May
15
Filed Under (Cable And Satellite Tv) by Helen
ryan@thesatellitetvguide.com asked:
Plasma TV vs. LCD TV
You know you want to buy a flat-screen TV but you don’t know if a plasma TV or an LCD TV would be your best choice.
This article explains the differences between plasma versus LCD TVs, then shows you how to get the best price for a plasma or LCD TV.
Plasma TV
A plasma TV screen consists of millions of multi-colored gas-filled cells. When electricity passes through the cells they light up and produce a picture.
Plasma TV screens have a much higher resolution than tube TV screens. In fact, the picture is so clear it’s almost like watching a scene through a window.
Screen sizes range from 42″ to 65″ wide and are 3″ to 4″ thick.
LCD TV
LCD (light crystal display) TV screens are made up of a thin layer of liquid crystals sandwiched between two glass plates. When an electricity is sent through the crystals an array of tiny multi-colored pixels light up to create a picture.
LCD TV screens are thinner and lighter than plasma screens. They are the most screens for computers, and are quickly gaining popularity as TV screens.
LCD TV screens are anywhere from 1/4″ to 4″ thick and 2″ to 65″ wide.
Plasma vs. LCD Features
Picture Quality
When it comes to which type of TV screen is sharper and shows more detail, plasma TVs have a slight edge over LCD TVs, though LCD TVs are catching up.
Plasma TVs are also slightly better when it comes to viewing angle – how far you can sit to one side of a TV screen before picture quality is affected.
Screen Life
Screen life is the number of hours a TV provides before the picture begins to fade. Plasma TVs have a screen life of about 30,000 to 60,00 hours, depending on the make and model, while LCD TV’s have a screen life of 60,000 hours or more.
Plasma TVs are also subject to “burn in.” This occurs when a TV displays a still image long enough for a ghost of that image to be burned into the screen. LCD TVs do not have this problem.
HD TV
Both plasma and LCD TVs display HD (high definition) signals for a sharper, more three dimensional picture. LCD TVs, however, have a slightly higher resolution (more screen pixels) then plasma TVs.
Video Games
Plasma and LCD TVs are both great for video gaming, however because of plasma TV’s tendency toward screen burn in, an LCD TV is the better choice if you play a lot of video games.
Portability
LCD TVs are thinner and lighter than plasma TVs, making them easier to move and easier to mount on a wall.
Plasma vs LCD TV prices
When it comes to which type of TV gives you the most bang for the buck, it depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for a large-screen TV – 42″ or larger – plasma TVs are currently cheaper than than similar-sized LCD TVs. When I recently compared prices on 42″ TVs, the cheapest plasma TV was $999, while the cheapest LCD TV was $1,367.
When it comes to mid-size TVs, I couldn’t find plasma TVs smaller than 42.” The cheapest 32″ LCD TV I found was $619, while the cheapest 27″ LCD TV was $550.
Visit the http://TheSatelliteTVGuide.com to get more information, to compare prices, and to get consumer ratings for plasma TVs and LCD Tvs.
Rona
Plasma TV vs. LCD TV
You know you want to buy a flat-screen TV but you don’t know if a plasma TV or an LCD TV would be your best choice.
This article explains the differences between plasma versus LCD TVs, then shows you how to get the best price for a plasma or LCD TV.
Plasma TV
A plasma TV screen consists of millions of multi-colored gas-filled cells. When electricity passes through the cells they light up and produce a picture.
Plasma TV screens have a much higher resolution than tube TV screens. In fact, the picture is so clear it’s almost like watching a scene through a window.
Screen sizes range from 42″ to 65″ wide and are 3″ to 4″ thick.
LCD TV
LCD (light crystal display) TV screens are made up of a thin layer of liquid crystals sandwiched between two glass plates. When an electricity is sent through the crystals an array of tiny multi-colored pixels light up to create a picture.
LCD TV screens are thinner and lighter than plasma screens. They are the most screens for computers, and are quickly gaining popularity as TV screens.
LCD TV screens are anywhere from 1/4″ to 4″ thick and 2″ to 65″ wide.
Plasma vs. LCD Features
Picture Quality
When it comes to which type of TV screen is sharper and shows more detail, plasma TVs have a slight edge over LCD TVs, though LCD TVs are catching up.
Plasma TVs are also slightly better when it comes to viewing angle – how far you can sit to one side of a TV screen before picture quality is affected.
Screen Life
Screen life is the number of hours a TV provides before the picture begins to fade. Plasma TVs have a screen life of about 30,000 to 60,00 hours, depending on the make and model, while LCD TV’s have a screen life of 60,000 hours or more.
Plasma TVs are also subject to “burn in.” This occurs when a TV displays a still image long enough for a ghost of that image to be burned into the screen. LCD TVs do not have this problem.
HD TV
Both plasma and LCD TVs display HD (high definition) signals for a sharper, more three dimensional picture. LCD TVs, however, have a slightly higher resolution (more screen pixels) then plasma TVs.
Video Games
Plasma and LCD TVs are both great for video gaming, however because of plasma TV’s tendency toward screen burn in, an LCD TV is the better choice if you play a lot of video games.
Portability
LCD TVs are thinner and lighter than plasma TVs, making them easier to move and easier to mount on a wall.
Plasma vs LCD TV prices
When it comes to which type of TV gives you the most bang for the buck, it depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for a large-screen TV – 42″ or larger – plasma TVs are currently cheaper than than similar-sized LCD TVs. When I recently compared prices on 42″ TVs, the cheapest plasma TV was $999, while the cheapest LCD TV was $1,367.
When it comes to mid-size TVs, I couldn’t find plasma TVs smaller than 42.” The cheapest 32″ LCD TV I found was $619, while the cheapest 27″ LCD TV was $550.
Visit the http://TheSatelliteTVGuide.com to get more information, to compare prices, and to get consumer ratings for plasma TVs and LCD Tvs.
Rona
Comments Off
May
12
Filed Under (Cable And Satellite Tv) by Helen
Jeff Lawrence asked:
Introduction
In six short sections, we’ll help guide you towards making informed choices on buying the plasma TV you need for your home theater or living room, tradeshow application, business or retail display, or executive and corporate boardroom.
The sections in this Buying Guide are arranged in an order and progression that we feel is most helpful in imparting key information towards a plasma TV purchase. First, we’ll take a look at the kind of environment in which you are setting up the plasma display. Next, we’ll see what kind of content you intend to watch on the TV and what sort of A/V devices you’ll be using to determine the plasma type for your needs. Then, we’ll check out important plasma specs you should know about and installation issues to pay attention to. Lastly, we’ll take a quick look at pricing and other cost issues that you may want to consider.
Ready? Let’s begin.
The Plasma TV Environment
Calculating the Correct Distance 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.
Plasma monitors are measured diagonally across the screen, just like any other television set. You can typically choose from the following sizes: 32″, 40″, 42″, 46″, 50″, 61″, or 63″. Bigger is not always better, and a certain distance must be maintained between the plasma TV and the viewing area for optimal viewing experience. Sitting too far away diminishes the overall impact. Sitting too close, however, could also present its own problems as when you start seeing the screen’s “structure”; i.e., the dots or pixels that make up the plasma display. The right distance depends on the size of your TV.
- For 32″ to 37″ TVs, 6 to 10 feet from the screen is needed.
- For 42″ to 46″ TVs, 10 to 14 feet from the screen is needed.
- For 50″ TVs, 12 to 16 feet from the screen is needed.
- For 60″ and larger TVs, at least 15 feet of space from the screen is needed.
In determining the appropriate TV size for you, you should also consider the space required to install the unit itself. When recessing a plasma display unit, allow at least 3 inches of open space at the top of the unit and adequate ventilation space of at least 2 inches behind it as well. Remember, too, that most plasma displays do not have built-in speakers, so you’ll need to allow space enough to attach speakers.
Viewing Angles: More on TV Placement Viewing angle is another factor that affects the viewing experience. Today’s plasma TVs offer viewing angles approaching (and sometimes exceeding) 170 degrees. This is much better than viewing angles for LCD displays and rear-projection TVs, and the wide viewing angles for plasma displays translates to a bright, clear picture for anyone in the room no matter where they’re sitting.
Room Lighting and the TV Picture Lighting is also important in the area where your plasma TV is set up. Plasma TVs generally do a fine job in rooms with regular indoor lighting, but optimal viewing may not be possible in areas with too much direct sunlight. Thus, windows that let in direct sunlight should have easily adjustable blinds or curtains that can eliminate reflections off the screen. Light from a window behind the TV also makes it difficult for the eyes to adjust to the very brightness of the screen, and window treatments are recommended in such cases. A little bit of controlled background lighting could also be helpful, as the background light gives the black portions of the picture a deeper, darker look.
Altitude May Increase Noise Levels If you live in Denver, Santa Fe or other areas above 6,000 feet, be aware that some plasma displays may start exhibiting operational noise. This is due to increased pressure on the gases contained in the glass substrate of the plasma, a phenomenon that makes the unit work harder to cool the display element. Check to see if the manufacturer has a maximum altitude rating if you are setting up the plasma in high-elevation areas.
What You Can Watch on Your Plasma TV
You can choose between HDTV (High Definition TV) and EDTV (Enhanced Definition TV) for your choice of plasma display. Which type you prefer depends on the kind of material you intend to watch on the plasma.
EDTV is the perfect entry point into digital television, with a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio and an image resolution that is 200% better than today’s analog televisions. On the other hand, HDTV has up to four times the resolution and colors compared to EDTV, offering the ultimate visual and sound experience.
At present, only a limited number of programs are broadcast in true high-definition format (all major networks broadcast HD counterparts to their regular analog-signal broadcasts). In fact, if you plan to use a plasma HDTV for regular TV programming, you may be surprised to find that regular TV programming may even appear slightly worse, as the big screen exaggerates the flaws in standard TV programs. DVD images from most of the currently available DVD titles on the market today also do not fare as well on true HD plasmas. In fact, these DVD images appear better on EDTV plasma units, because the image resolution of a widescreen DVD (nominally 740 x 480) more closely matches the actual resolution (852 x 480) of the EDTV plasma display.
Why bother with a High Definition TV at all, you may ask? Because HDTV, paired with a true High-Definition or high-quality source, can produce truly stunning images. With a progressive-scan DVD player paired with, say, any of the recently released HD-DVD or forthcoming Blu-ray DVD titles (encoded in true HD format), your plasma HDTV can come to spectacular life and bring out unrivaled image quality. And as more TV programming becomes available in High-Definition format with the looming of the FCC deadline for switching to all-digital broadcasting, plasma HDTV sets will have more TV content to show. One thing’s for sure: Your HDTV won’t be obsolete anytime in the next few years.
Devices for your Plasma TV
With today’s plasma TV models, almost all of them will have multiple inputs that allow connection of various devices, with 32″ or larger screens having inputs for connecting six or more different A/V components. Which video components do you have now, and which do you plan to add in the future?
At the very least, you’ll probably want to connect your antenna or cable box, plus a DVD player and perhaps a VCR. Other possibilities include a satellite TV receiver, video game system, or TiVo hard disk recorder. And if you use a camcorder, you will definitely want a set of front-panel A/V inputs on your new TV.
The newer plasma TVs will include digital inputs such as HDMI or DVI, which can accept HDTV signals from your cable box or satellite (and even some DVD players) in an all-digital format. Some plasma TVs also include a VGA or DVI PC input, which allows your plasma unit to pull double-duty as a PC monitor.
Connection tip: If you route your video signals through your home theater receiver, you can connect even more video sources. Most home theater receivers provide Composite Video inputs and outputs to enable video switching, making it easy to choose from among your video sources. If yours does, you may be able to connect your video components to your receiver, which will then send the selected video signal to your TV. Many receivers have S-Video connections as well, and some even include Component Video switching.
Plasma TV Specifications When comparing plasma TV sets, it’s important to know what to look for to make sense of the specifications you’re presented with. Below is a quick rundown on the necessary specs that you need to weigh before making that all-important purchase decision.
Resolution: Resolution is a determining factor in selecting a plasma TV. Do you want HDTV or EDTV? HDTV, with a resolution of at least 1024 x 720, is the ultimate visual and sound experience, but what is available for viewing on HD is currently restricted to a few HD channels on cable, as well as the newly emerging and necessarily few DVD titles from the HD-DVD and Blu-ray DVD formats. On the other hand, most of the currently available DVDs actually play better when viewed on EDTV, because the image resolution of a widescreen DVD (nominally 740 x 480) more closely matches the actual resolution (852 x 480) of the EDTV plasma display. Choosing the type of plasma TV that you want, therefore, is a question that should be considered along with the type of content you frequently watch or will be watching on your plasma.
Inputs: A plasma television should work with any existing video component with standard A/V, S-Video, or Component Video outputs. In addition, most plasma TVs have DVI or HDMI connections for use with high-definition sources. Some plasma TVs also have VGA input connections that allow them to be used as monitors for a PC. At the minimum, look for the following specifications on a plasma connection: DVI-I or DVI-D, Component, RCA or Composite, and S-Video. Take into consideration your current component set-up such as your satellite system, cable box, DVD player, and external stereo components and see what kind of inputs or connectors they use.
Tuner: Check your plasma to see if it is HD-ready or HD-integrated. An HD-ready plasma TV is essentially a monitor that needs an external tuner source before it can function as a TV. An HD-integrated panel has a tuner built into the set and is ready for use. If you receive your HDTV programming via cable or satellite instead of over-the-air, you may not need a tuner at all, as you will be using the set-top boxes provided by your cable/satellite service to receive HDTV programming. Check with your cable or satellite providers for more details. Some cable/satellite companies do away with set-top boxes and provide their subscribers with cable cards instead. Check with your cable/satellite provider if they provide cable cards and the cable-card type that they offer, and then check the specification on the plasma for cable card slots.
Contrast Ratio: Contrast ratio is the measurement that determines the variation between the whitest and darkest parts of the image. This is an important specification, since plasma TVs with a low contrast ratio will make dark images look muddy and gray while making light images look washed out. A good measure of contrast ratio is 1,000:1 or higher. Anything less than 1,000:1 especially on a set that is 42″ or larger may not provide optimal viewing experience.
Brightness: Without sufficient brightness, your image will look muddy and soft even in a dark room. Viewing distance, screen size, and ambient room light will also affect the need for more brightness capability. A brightness rating listed at 550 cd/m2 or higher is good, but don’t get bogged down with the technical number listed. Instead, make sure that the screen is bright enough for your needs as you conduct your own visual inspection.
Panel Life: Look for a minimum of 60,000 hours of panel life in your plasma specifications. This is the rating on how long it would take before your panel has half the brightness compared to when it was new. A 60,000-hour spec translates to approximately 20 years of viewing at 8 hours per day. (This approximation may vary, depending on the source and type of content, settings, environment, and use of your plasma TV.)
Anti-burn-in/Pixel Shift: Burn-in refers to the remnants burned on to the screen after a static image has been left on the plasma for a long period of time. To minimize or prevent burn-in, determine if the plasma panel utilizes burn-in protection, such as power management settings, full-time picture or pixel shift (both vertical and horizontal) technologies, or automatic screensaver functions.
Speakers: If you plan to use an external surround sound system, you won’t need audio speakers, but most plasma TV sets include speakers that rated anywhere from 7-12 Watts Pre-amp which is much better than that of conventional TVs and sufficient for most viewing. Check your plasma’s specifications to see if it comes with speakers and if the speakers are removable.
Universal Remote: A universal remote can take the place of having one remote, so that it controls all the various components of your TV system, such as the DVD player, audio, cable/satellite etc. If you plan on buying a universal remote, check to see if it’s supported by the plasma set of your choice to make sure the plasma accepts universal remote devices.
Power Consumption: Power consumption for plasmas range from 240 watts to over 500 watts, If you’re concerned with how much energy a plasma set may use, check its specifications to determine power consumption. Units tend to have higher wattage requirements as the screen increases. A good rule of thumb is to compare similar-sized units together; units with higher wattages tend to use inferior components as a rule.
Installation and Mounting Options
There are basically two options for installing a plasma TV: Displaying it on a table stand, cart, or similarly equivalent horizontal surface; or hanging the Plasma TV (on a wall or from a ceiling, using wall mount fixtures).
One of the major benefits of plasma TV is the flexibility of mounting and installation options that are available. However, because of the sheer size of the TV, mounting presents its own sets of issues that need to be taken into account.
For wall (or ceiling) mounting, you will need two people (ideally), with at least one having enough experience to determine the strength of the wall, what is behind the wall, and the proper hardware to use; e.g., anchors, screws, etc. The last thing you need is to have your new Plasma TV fall off the wall and smash into bits because of improper wall mounting. Professional installation is highly recommended in this case.
Below are various TV mounting options you might consider:
Table Stands are popular for displaying plasma units. These units, however, are not one-size- fits-all appliances. Sometimes one is included with the TV itself; other times you have to purchase the stand separately. Most consumer-oriented plasma TVs come with their own matching table stand, used whenever there is enough tabletop space to support the TV. These units are custom-made to manufacturers’ specifications, as each plasma display has its own requirements on how the stand fits the plasma. The table stand allows for maximum flexibility, as nothing is permanently affixed to the wall. (Add graphic)
Plasma TV Carts are typically used in business applications for trade shows and in-house presentations. Table carts are often used in a courtroom setting or to mobilize up to the edge of a boardroom table for maximum visual presentation. The table cart may include a platform for placing a DVD player, laptop computer, or VCR. (Add graphic)
Flat Wall Mounts maximize the space-saving benefits of plasma technology. This is generally the least expensive option, and it adds less than two inches to the total depth of the plasma unit. It is used in home theaters, living rooms, or company boardrooms to achieve and maximally offset the sleek appearance that plasma displays are known for. (Add graphic)
Tilt Wall Mounts let you place your plasma TV above eye level, keeping the unit out of the way but allowing it to be readily viewable from anywhere in the room. A tilt wall mount typically allows 15 to 20 degrees of tilt (depending on the brand of the wall mount). This option is often used to install plasma displays above fireplaces and in bedrooms, and is also used for overhead displays in retail or industry (with or without an attached ceiling bracket). The tilt wall mount adds from 4 to 6 inches to the depth of the mounted display. (Add graphic)
Articulating Wall Mounts use swivel arms to render the plasma unit flush with the wall and out of the way when the unit is not in use. Pulled out, this mounting device allows you to turn the display 120 degrees to either side and as much as 10 degrees up or down. It adds between 3 or 4 inches to the depth of the plasma mount (depending on the manufacturer of the wall mount), and is used for maximum flexibility in sports bars, library studies, and commercial display operations. (Add graphic)
Ceiling Mounts enable you to mount your plasma TV where you want it in case a wall isn’t available. This option is generally coupled with a tilt mount, so that the display can be adjusted downward for easier viewing. Lengths of ceiling mount poles vary according to customer needs, but standard lengths are from 24 to 43 inches. Ceiling mounts are usually used for airport displays, checkout counters, hospital rooms, and bedrooms. (Add graphic)
Pricing and Other Costs
Plasma TVs are expensive, but they do fall into a few distinct categories. Below is a rough guide to retail and online pricing for plasma units (current as of this writing, May 2006).
- $1,000 to $1,500 buys you a plasma TV up to 42″
- $1,500 to $3,000 buys you a plasma TV up to 50″
- More than $3,000 buys you a plasma up to 65″
Also: – Under $1,500 buys you a refurbished EDTV plasma
- Under $2,000 buys you an EDTV plasma
- More than $2,000 buys you an HDTV plasma
In addition to the cost of the plasma TV itself, you may want to factor in the price of accessories, such as cables, surge protectors, additional audio equipment, furniture, and room treatments to arrive at a realistic cost outlay for your plasma TV purchase.
Lastly, be aware of “standard” charges that apply to your purchase: a sales tax when the TV is bought at a brick-and-mortar establishment; shipping charges (especially if the TV is bought online); and delivery and/or set-up charges. Check and compare the manufacturer warranties for various plasma TV brands; extended warranties are always extra.
Ardelis
Introduction
In six short sections, we’ll help guide you towards making informed choices on buying the plasma TV you need for your home theater or living room, tradeshow application, business or retail display, or executive and corporate boardroom.
The sections in this Buying Guide are arranged in an order and progression that we feel is most helpful in imparting key information towards a plasma TV purchase. First, we’ll take a look at the kind of environment in which you are setting up the plasma display. Next, we’ll see what kind of content you intend to watch on the TV and what sort of A/V devices you’ll be using to determine the plasma type for your needs. Then, we’ll check out important plasma specs you should know about and installation issues to pay attention to. Lastly, we’ll take a quick look at pricing and other cost issues that you may want to consider.
Ready? Let’s begin.
The Plasma TV Environment
Calculating the Correct Distance 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.
Plasma monitors are measured diagonally across the screen, just like any other television set. You can typically choose from the following sizes: 32″, 40″, 42″, 46″, 50″, 61″, or 63″. Bigger is not always better, and a certain distance must be maintained between the plasma TV and the viewing area for optimal viewing experience. Sitting too far away diminishes the overall impact. Sitting too close, however, could also present its own problems as when you start seeing the screen’s “structure”; i.e., the dots or pixels that make up the plasma display. The right distance depends on the size of your TV.
- For 32″ to 37″ TVs, 6 to 10 feet from the screen is needed.
- For 42″ to 46″ TVs, 10 to 14 feet from the screen is needed.
- For 50″ TVs, 12 to 16 feet from the screen is needed.
- For 60″ and larger TVs, at least 15 feet of space from the screen is needed.
In determining the appropriate TV size for you, you should also consider the space required to install the unit itself. When recessing a plasma display unit, allow at least 3 inches of open space at the top of the unit and adequate ventilation space of at least 2 inches behind it as well. Remember, too, that most plasma displays do not have built-in speakers, so you’ll need to allow space enough to attach speakers.
Viewing Angles: More on TV Placement Viewing angle is another factor that affects the viewing experience. Today’s plasma TVs offer viewing angles approaching (and sometimes exceeding) 170 degrees. This is much better than viewing angles for LCD displays and rear-projection TVs, and the wide viewing angles for plasma displays translates to a bright, clear picture for anyone in the room no matter where they’re sitting.
Room Lighting and the TV Picture Lighting is also important in the area where your plasma TV is set up. Plasma TVs generally do a fine job in rooms with regular indoor lighting, but optimal viewing may not be possible in areas with too much direct sunlight. Thus, windows that let in direct sunlight should have easily adjustable blinds or curtains that can eliminate reflections off the screen. Light from a window behind the TV also makes it difficult for the eyes to adjust to the very brightness of the screen, and window treatments are recommended in such cases. A little bit of controlled background lighting could also be helpful, as the background light gives the black portions of the picture a deeper, darker look.
Altitude May Increase Noise Levels If you live in Denver, Santa Fe or other areas above 6,000 feet, be aware that some plasma displays may start exhibiting operational noise. This is due to increased pressure on the gases contained in the glass substrate of the plasma, a phenomenon that makes the unit work harder to cool the display element. Check to see if the manufacturer has a maximum altitude rating if you are setting up the plasma in high-elevation areas.
What You Can Watch on Your Plasma TV
You can choose between HDTV (High Definition TV) and EDTV (Enhanced Definition TV) for your choice of plasma display. Which type you prefer depends on the kind of material you intend to watch on the plasma.
EDTV is the perfect entry point into digital television, with a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio and an image resolution that is 200% better than today’s analog televisions. On the other hand, HDTV has up to four times the resolution and colors compared to EDTV, offering the ultimate visual and sound experience.
At present, only a limited number of programs are broadcast in true high-definition format (all major networks broadcast HD counterparts to their regular analog-signal broadcasts). In fact, if you plan to use a plasma HDTV for regular TV programming, you may be surprised to find that regular TV programming may even appear slightly worse, as the big screen exaggerates the flaws in standard TV programs. DVD images from most of the currently available DVD titles on the market today also do not fare as well on true HD plasmas. In fact, these DVD images appear better on EDTV plasma units, because the image resolution of a widescreen DVD (nominally 740 x 480) more closely matches the actual resolution (852 x 480) of the EDTV plasma display.
Why bother with a High Definition TV at all, you may ask? Because HDTV, paired with a true High-Definition or high-quality source, can produce truly stunning images. With a progressive-scan DVD player paired with, say, any of the recently released HD-DVD or forthcoming Blu-ray DVD titles (encoded in true HD format), your plasma HDTV can come to spectacular life and bring out unrivaled image quality. And as more TV programming becomes available in High-Definition format with the looming of the FCC deadline for switching to all-digital broadcasting, plasma HDTV sets will have more TV content to show. One thing’s for sure: Your HDTV won’t be obsolete anytime in the next few years.
Devices for your Plasma TV
With today’s plasma TV models, almost all of them will have multiple inputs that allow connection of various devices, with 32″ or larger screens having inputs for connecting six or more different A/V components. Which video components do you have now, and which do you plan to add in the future?
At the very least, you’ll probably want to connect your antenna or cable box, plus a DVD player and perhaps a VCR. Other possibilities include a satellite TV receiver, video game system, or TiVo hard disk recorder. And if you use a camcorder, you will definitely want a set of front-panel A/V inputs on your new TV.
The newer plasma TVs will include digital inputs such as HDMI or DVI, which can accept HDTV signals from your cable box or satellite (and even some DVD players) in an all-digital format. Some plasma TVs also include a VGA or DVI PC input, which allows your plasma unit to pull double-duty as a PC monitor.
Connection tip: If you route your video signals through your home theater receiver, you can connect even more video sources. Most home theater receivers provide Composite Video inputs and outputs to enable video switching, making it easy to choose from among your video sources. If yours does, you may be able to connect your video components to your receiver, which will then send the selected video signal to your TV. Many receivers have S-Video connections as well, and some even include Component Video switching.
Plasma TV Specifications When comparing plasma TV sets, it’s important to know what to look for to make sense of the specifications you’re presented with. Below is a quick rundown on the necessary specs that you need to weigh before making that all-important purchase decision.
Resolution: Resolution is a determining factor in selecting a plasma TV. Do you want HDTV or EDTV? HDTV, with a resolution of at least 1024 x 720, is the ultimate visual and sound experience, but what is available for viewing on HD is currently restricted to a few HD channels on cable, as well as the newly emerging and necessarily few DVD titles from the HD-DVD and Blu-ray DVD formats. On the other hand, most of the currently available DVDs actually play better when viewed on EDTV, because the image resolution of a widescreen DVD (nominally 740 x 480) more closely matches the actual resolution (852 x 480) of the EDTV plasma display. Choosing the type of plasma TV that you want, therefore, is a question that should be considered along with the type of content you frequently watch or will be watching on your plasma.
Inputs: A plasma television should work with any existing video component with standard A/V, S-Video, or Component Video outputs. In addition, most plasma TVs have DVI or HDMI connections for use with high-definition sources. Some plasma TVs also have VGA input connections that allow them to be used as monitors for a PC. At the minimum, look for the following specifications on a plasma connection: DVI-I or DVI-D, Component, RCA or Composite, and S-Video. Take into consideration your current component set-up such as your satellite system, cable box, DVD player, and external stereo components and see what kind of inputs or connectors they use.
Tuner: Check your plasma to see if it is HD-ready or HD-integrated. An HD-ready plasma TV is essentially a monitor that needs an external tuner source before it can function as a TV. An HD-integrated panel has a tuner built into the set and is ready for use. If you receive your HDTV programming via cable or satellite instead of over-the-air, you may not need a tuner at all, as you will be using the set-top boxes provided by your cable/satellite service to receive HDTV programming. Check with your cable or satellite providers for more details. Some cable/satellite companies do away with set-top boxes and provide their subscribers with cable cards instead. Check with your cable/satellite provider if they provide cable cards and the cable-card type that they offer, and then check the specification on the plasma for cable card slots.
Contrast Ratio: Contrast ratio is the measurement that determines the variation between the whitest and darkest parts of the image. This is an important specification, since plasma TVs with a low contrast ratio will make dark images look muddy and gray while making light images look washed out. A good measure of contrast ratio is 1,000:1 or higher. Anything less than 1,000:1 especially on a set that is 42″ or larger may not provide optimal viewing experience.
Brightness: Without sufficient brightness, your image will look muddy and soft even in a dark room. Viewing distance, screen size, and ambient room light will also affect the need for more brightness capability. A brightness rating listed at 550 cd/m2 or higher is good, but don’t get bogged down with the technical number listed. Instead, make sure that the screen is bright enough for your needs as you conduct your own visual inspection.
Panel Life: Look for a minimum of 60,000 hours of panel life in your plasma specifications. This is the rating on how long it would take before your panel has half the brightness compared to when it was new. A 60,000-hour spec translates to approximately 20 years of viewing at 8 hours per day. (This approximation may vary, depending on the source and type of content, settings, environment, and use of your plasma TV.)
Anti-burn-in/Pixel Shift: Burn-in refers to the remnants burned on to the screen after a static image has been left on the plasma for a long period of time. To minimize or prevent burn-in, determine if the plasma panel utilizes burn-in protection, such as power management settings, full-time picture or pixel shift (both vertical and horizontal) technologies, or automatic screensaver functions.
Speakers: If you plan to use an external surround sound system, you won’t need audio speakers, but most plasma TV sets include speakers that rated anywhere from 7-12 Watts Pre-amp which is much better than that of conventional TVs and sufficient for most viewing. Check your plasma’s specifications to see if it comes with speakers and if the speakers are removable.
Universal Remote: A universal remote can take the place of having one remote, so that it controls all the various components of your TV system, such as the DVD player, audio, cable/satellite etc. If you plan on buying a universal remote, check to see if it’s supported by the plasma set of your choice to make sure the plasma accepts universal remote devices.
Power Consumption: Power consumption for plasmas range from 240 watts to over 500 watts, If you’re concerned with how much energy a plasma set may use, check its specifications to determine power consumption. Units tend to have higher wattage requirements as the screen increases. A good rule of thumb is to compare similar-sized units together; units with higher wattages tend to use inferior components as a rule.
Installation and Mounting Options
There are basically two options for installing a plasma TV: Displaying it on a table stand, cart, or similarly equivalent horizontal surface; or hanging the Plasma TV (on a wall or from a ceiling, using wall mount fixtures).
One of the major benefits of plasma TV is the flexibility of mounting and installation options that are available. However, because of the sheer size of the TV, mounting presents its own sets of issues that need to be taken into account.
For wall (or ceiling) mounting, you will need two people (ideally), with at least one having enough experience to determine the strength of the wall, what is behind the wall, and the proper hardware to use; e.g., anchors, screws, etc. The last thing you need is to have your new Plasma TV fall off the wall and smash into bits because of improper wall mounting. Professional installation is highly recommended in this case.
Below are various TV mounting options you might consider:
Table Stands are popular for displaying plasma units. These units, however, are not one-size- fits-all appliances. Sometimes one is included with the TV itself; other times you have to purchase the stand separately. Most consumer-oriented plasma TVs come with their own matching table stand, used whenever there is enough tabletop space to support the TV. These units are custom-made to manufacturers’ specifications, as each plasma display has its own requirements on how the stand fits the plasma. The table stand allows for maximum flexibility, as nothing is permanently affixed to the wall. (Add graphic)
Plasma TV Carts are typically used in business applications for trade shows and in-house presentations. Table carts are often used in a courtroom setting or to mobilize up to the edge of a boardroom table for maximum visual presentation. The table cart may include a platform for placing a DVD player, laptop computer, or VCR. (Add graphic)
Flat Wall Mounts maximize the space-saving benefits of plasma technology. This is generally the least expensive option, and it adds less than two inches to the total depth of the plasma unit. It is used in home theaters, living rooms, or company boardrooms to achieve and maximally offset the sleek appearance that plasma displays are known for. (Add graphic)
Tilt Wall Mounts let you place your plasma TV above eye level, keeping the unit out of the way but allowing it to be readily viewable from anywhere in the room. A tilt wall mount typically allows 15 to 20 degrees of tilt (depending on the brand of the wall mount). This option is often used to install plasma displays above fireplaces and in bedrooms, and is also used for overhead displays in retail or industry (with or without an attached ceiling bracket). The tilt wall mount adds from 4 to 6 inches to the depth of the mounted display. (Add graphic)
Articulating Wall Mounts use swivel arms to render the plasma unit flush with the wall and out of the way when the unit is not in use. Pulled out, this mounting device allows you to turn the display 120 degrees to either side and as much as 10 degrees up or down. It adds between 3 or 4 inches to the depth of the plasma mount (depending on the manufacturer of the wall mount), and is used for maximum flexibility in sports bars, library studies, and commercial display operations. (Add graphic)
Ceiling Mounts enable you to mount your plasma TV where you want it in case a wall isn’t available. This option is generally coupled with a tilt mount, so that the display can be adjusted downward for easier viewing. Lengths of ceiling mount poles vary according to customer needs, but standard lengths are from 24 to 43 inches. Ceiling mounts are usually used for airport displays, checkout counters, hospital rooms, and bedrooms. (Add graphic)
Pricing and Other Costs
Plasma TVs are expensive, but they do fall into a few distinct categories. Below is a rough guide to retail and online pricing for plasma units (current as of this writing, May 2006).
- $1,000 to $1,500 buys you a plasma TV up to 42″
- $1,500 to $3,000 buys you a plasma TV up to 50″
- More than $3,000 buys you a plasma up to 65″
Also: – Under $1,500 buys you a refurbished EDTV plasma
- Under $2,000 buys you an EDTV plasma
- More than $2,000 buys you an HDTV plasma
In addition to the cost of the plasma TV itself, you may want to factor in the price of accessories, such as cables, surge protectors, additional audio equipment, furniture, and room treatments to arrive at a realistic cost outlay for your plasma TV purchase.
Lastly, be aware of “standard” charges that apply to your purchase: a sales tax when the TV is bought at a brick-and-mortar establishment; shipping charges (especially if the TV is bought online); and delivery and/or set-up charges. Check and compare the manufacturer warranties for various plasma TV brands; extended warranties are always extra.
Ardelis
Comments Off
May
10
Filed Under (Cable And Satellite Tv) by Helen
C R Ellsworth asked:
Recently the “Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act” was passed. This sets February 17th – 2009, as the “final-cut-off-date” for Over-The-Air Analog TV Broadcasts. That means your ‘Rabbit Ears’ and the tall antenna on your roof will be useless except for lawn ornaments. To watch any TV presentation that originates outside of your home you will need new hardware. The minimum will be an HDTV with a digital tuner. The tuner can be integrated or external. If there happens to be an HDTV Transmitter close enough to your home, you can buy an HDTV antenna.
HDTV signals are line-of-sight, so if you are on the edge of a broadcast area there are Roof mounted antennas available. This is how the local broadcast network affiliates will transmit, if you still watch them. There will of course be satellite and cable available for the myriad extra entertainment venues they provide.
Some regions may need an HDTV antenna if your cable provider is slow bringing HDTV to your area or if your area has no cable. If you use one of the Satellite providers you should be in luck. They are transitioning to HDTV as we speak. Ain’t Competition Great.
HDTV SPECIFICATION
The HDTV specification provides for three different types of HDTV, denoted by the number of lines of resolution and the signal type. They are:
*1080p (1080 lines, progressive scan)
*1080i (1080 lines, interlaced)
*720p (720 pixels, progressive)
Any TV not capable of displaying at least 720 lines is not ‘HDTV ready’ and any signal with fewer than 720 lines is not an HDTV signal. So, in order to be properly HDTV capable, a TV needs to be able to display at least 1280 pixels horizontally as well as at least 720 vertically.
The ‘i’ and ‘p’ in the HDTV specification refer to interlaced and progressive scan. The analog TV we’ve been watching for years is interlaced. That simply means that each frame of video is split into two fields. Each field contains alternate lines of the signal (one has the odd, the other the even) and is displayed for 1/60th of a second. Because it happens so fast, your brain interprets each frame as a single image. Progressive scan signals have no fields, they simply display each frame in its entirety for 1/30th of a second. This results in a higher quality image, particularly noticeable in fast-action broadcasts such as sporting events,
Once the decision is made as to how you are going to receive HDTV some decisions need to be made about how you will use the system. Your choices in display technology will depend on your most frequent use of the system. Depending on your interests you will want to evaluate different types of displays and/or controls.
Gamers will probably want different display qualities than a Home Theatre Buff, Sports enthusiast or Business users. Business applications such as Power Point & Spreadsheet display well with most consideration being given to the size of the audience. Avid sports viewers will need true high speed performance. I haven’t been a Gamer since before Intel’s P III, so their concerns will be addressed in another publication.
So what do you prefer?
A front-projection system uses a projector and a separate screen, and it projects images onto the front of that screen. This setup looks most like what you’d find in a movie theater — the projection unit is completely separate from the screen. The projector can be placed on a table or mounted to the ceiling. The picture looks best when displayed on a high-quality screen, but a specially painted, flat wall will work as well.
Rear-projection systems look more like traditional televisions. They display images on the back of a screen rather than the front, and the projector is completely contained within the television itself. You can also set up a rear-projection system with a projector and a special screen, but the term is most often used to describe self-contained TV sets.
For that theatre experience at home, without the sticky floor and screaming kids, I prefer a front-projection DLP Projector for my Home Theatre Room. In my opinion DLP is best for Home Theatre Video’s (DVD Etc. because of higher contrast and deeper black levels, Contrast (3000:1 for DLP, 1000:1 for LCD).
A projector of this type can project on a wall screen up to 120″ in size with high contrast and deep black levels. DLP miniprojectors on the market are around 3 pounds. Most LCD projectors are five pounds or more. These differences are being narrowed as technology progresses. For Business applications such as Power Point & Spreadsheet display these are not noticeable concerns.
I’m a Home Theatre Buff so DLP meets my expectations. But there are other technologies with their own pluses and minuses.
Plasma Displays have great resolution and incredible color definition. With a resolution of 1366 x 768 a plasma display can give virtually a 3-D effect. This in combination with exceptional color reproduction can be quite stunning.
Plasma does have some issues though. They can be subject to ‘Burn in’ and there is a concern with ‘Life Cycle’. At the price levels you will find in display technologies a screen that only lasts 20,000 to 25,000 hours before replacement is needed is problematic. This is possible with Plasma although NEC is working on raising their ‘life cycles’ to 60,000 hours.
LCD’s have an average life cycle of 30,000. LCD Screens deliver a very good picture. The LCD was the first display to have 1080 line resolution. LCD is better in bright light conditions. LCD historically delivers better color saturation than you get from a DLP projector although this is a major focus of new research on DLP tech.
Compared to Plasma, LCD has slow reaction time if you are watch presentations focusing on split-second events such as NASCAR and other sports. Contrast, at 1000:1 is not great compared with Plasma & DLP. Full black is hard to achieve with LCD, black is usually a deep Gray. LCD may also be subject to a screendoor effect, at times seeming to show a division between pixels. Also a potential problem with LCD: Long Term Image Degradation. Although this would most likely happen after a comparable Plasma screen may show effects of a burn in or element failure.
There are so many factors to consider and so much information out there that many more articles can be written. So for now further research and choices are up to you.
Ulrikaumeko
Recently the “Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act” was passed. This sets February 17th – 2009, as the “final-cut-off-date” for Over-The-Air Analog TV Broadcasts. That means your ‘Rabbit Ears’ and the tall antenna on your roof will be useless except for lawn ornaments. To watch any TV presentation that originates outside of your home you will need new hardware. The minimum will be an HDTV with a digital tuner. The tuner can be integrated or external. If there happens to be an HDTV Transmitter close enough to your home, you can buy an HDTV antenna.
HDTV signals are line-of-sight, so if you are on the edge of a broadcast area there are Roof mounted antennas available. This is how the local broadcast network affiliates will transmit, if you still watch them. There will of course be satellite and cable available for the myriad extra entertainment venues they provide.
Some regions may need an HDTV antenna if your cable provider is slow bringing HDTV to your area or if your area has no cable. If you use one of the Satellite providers you should be in luck. They are transitioning to HDTV as we speak. Ain’t Competition Great.
HDTV SPECIFICATION
The HDTV specification provides for three different types of HDTV, denoted by the number of lines of resolution and the signal type. They are:
*1080p (1080 lines, progressive scan)
*1080i (1080 lines, interlaced)
*720p (720 pixels, progressive)
Any TV not capable of displaying at least 720 lines is not ‘HDTV ready’ and any signal with fewer than 720 lines is not an HDTV signal. So, in order to be properly HDTV capable, a TV needs to be able to display at least 1280 pixels horizontally as well as at least 720 vertically.
The ‘i’ and ‘p’ in the HDTV specification refer to interlaced and progressive scan. The analog TV we’ve been watching for years is interlaced. That simply means that each frame of video is split into two fields. Each field contains alternate lines of the signal (one has the odd, the other the even) and is displayed for 1/60th of a second. Because it happens so fast, your brain interprets each frame as a single image. Progressive scan signals have no fields, they simply display each frame in its entirety for 1/30th of a second. This results in a higher quality image, particularly noticeable in fast-action broadcasts such as sporting events,
Once the decision is made as to how you are going to receive HDTV some decisions need to be made about how you will use the system. Your choices in display technology will depend on your most frequent use of the system. Depending on your interests you will want to evaluate different types of displays and/or controls.
Gamers will probably want different display qualities than a Home Theatre Buff, Sports enthusiast or Business users. Business applications such as Power Point & Spreadsheet display well with most consideration being given to the size of the audience. Avid sports viewers will need true high speed performance. I haven’t been a Gamer since before Intel’s P III, so their concerns will be addressed in another publication.
So what do you prefer?
A front-projection system uses a projector and a separate screen, and it projects images onto the front of that screen. This setup looks most like what you’d find in a movie theater — the projection unit is completely separate from the screen. The projector can be placed on a table or mounted to the ceiling. The picture looks best when displayed on a high-quality screen, but a specially painted, flat wall will work as well.
Rear-projection systems look more like traditional televisions. They display images on the back of a screen rather than the front, and the projector is completely contained within the television itself. You can also set up a rear-projection system with a projector and a special screen, but the term is most often used to describe self-contained TV sets.
For that theatre experience at home, without the sticky floor and screaming kids, I prefer a front-projection DLP Projector for my Home Theatre Room. In my opinion DLP is best for Home Theatre Video’s (DVD Etc. because of higher contrast and deeper black levels, Contrast (3000:1 for DLP, 1000:1 for LCD).
A projector of this type can project on a wall screen up to 120″ in size with high contrast and deep black levels. DLP miniprojectors on the market are around 3 pounds. Most LCD projectors are five pounds or more. These differences are being narrowed as technology progresses. For Business applications such as Power Point & Spreadsheet display these are not noticeable concerns.
I’m a Home Theatre Buff so DLP meets my expectations. But there are other technologies with their own pluses and minuses.
Plasma Displays have great resolution and incredible color definition. With a resolution of 1366 x 768 a plasma display can give virtually a 3-D effect. This in combination with exceptional color reproduction can be quite stunning.
Plasma does have some issues though. They can be subject to ‘Burn in’ and there is a concern with ‘Life Cycle’. At the price levels you will find in display technologies a screen that only lasts 20,000 to 25,000 hours before replacement is needed is problematic. This is possible with Plasma although NEC is working on raising their ‘life cycles’ to 60,000 hours.
LCD’s have an average life cycle of 30,000. LCD Screens deliver a very good picture. The LCD was the first display to have 1080 line resolution. LCD is better in bright light conditions. LCD historically delivers better color saturation than you get from a DLP projector although this is a major focus of new research on DLP tech.
Compared to Plasma, LCD has slow reaction time if you are watch presentations focusing on split-second events such as NASCAR and other sports. Contrast, at 1000:1 is not great compared with Plasma & DLP. Full black is hard to achieve with LCD, black is usually a deep Gray. LCD may also be subject to a screendoor effect, at times seeming to show a division between pixels. Also a potential problem with LCD: Long Term Image Degradation. Although this would most likely happen after a comparable Plasma screen may show effects of a burn in or element failure.
There are so many factors to consider and so much information out there that many more articles can be written. So for now further research and choices are up to you.
Ulrikaumeko
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Jan
22
Filed Under (Cable And Satellite Tv) by Helen
Muna wa Wanjiru asked:
For a great many of us selecting a TV is a very important decision. While some people will prefer to watch TV on a normal LCD television, other will like to watch their programs on a plasma TV. Since you can find a large number of plasma TVs you will need to know how to choose the best plasma TV that you can afford.
As plasma televisions range in size you should look at the price and features that you will find with these televisions. The size of the plasma TV that you select will influence the amount of money that you need to pay.
The various plasma TVs in the market that are 42 inches and below are not that expensive. You can generally expect to pay in the region of $1000 to about $5000 for these plasma TVs. The plasma TVs that are large than 42 inches in size will have a high price for you to pay.
Once you have settled on the brand and the size you can concentrate on the other aspects of looking for the best plasma TV. The different features that you will find in plasma TVs will also influence your choice of plasma TV.
These different features will include how the color saturation looks. As most plasma televisions have a rich color look you can usually find well placed blocks of solid black that adds a depth to your viewing pleasure.
There are many other features that you can find in plasma TVs. As the plasma TVs has plasma gas cells to provide the color for the TV you will see that your plasma TV can give you a better true to life color and depth to your various programs. The ability of looking at high definition television viewing will give a smoother look to your picture image.
When you are selecting the best plasma TV that you can buy you should see if there are any terminals that are found with your plasma TV choice. These terminals will let you plug in accessories like a camcorder, DVD player, game stations like playstation and X-box. Sometimes you will be able to see another mini screen in the corner of your main viewing screen.
By looking at these different items you can choose the best plasma TV for your television watching pleasure. Knowing the main features and elements for choosing a plasma TV will reduce the field of plasma TVs that you have to look through. This way you know that you will choose only the best plasma TV that you can get.
Georges
For a great many of us selecting a TV is a very important decision. While some people will prefer to watch TV on a normal LCD television, other will like to watch their programs on a plasma TV. Since you can find a large number of plasma TVs you will need to know how to choose the best plasma TV that you can afford.
As plasma televisions range in size you should look at the price and features that you will find with these televisions. The size of the plasma TV that you select will influence the amount of money that you need to pay.
The various plasma TVs in the market that are 42 inches and below are not that expensive. You can generally expect to pay in the region of $1000 to about $5000 for these plasma TVs. The plasma TVs that are large than 42 inches in size will have a high price for you to pay.
Once you have settled on the brand and the size you can concentrate on the other aspects of looking for the best plasma TV. The different features that you will find in plasma TVs will also influence your choice of plasma TV.
These different features will include how the color saturation looks. As most plasma televisions have a rich color look you can usually find well placed blocks of solid black that adds a depth to your viewing pleasure.
There are many other features that you can find in plasma TVs. As the plasma TVs has plasma gas cells to provide the color for the TV you will see that your plasma TV can give you a better true to life color and depth to your various programs. The ability of looking at high definition television viewing will give a smoother look to your picture image.
When you are selecting the best plasma TV that you can buy you should see if there are any terminals that are found with your plasma TV choice. These terminals will let you plug in accessories like a camcorder, DVD player, game stations like playstation and X-box. Sometimes you will be able to see another mini screen in the corner of your main viewing screen.
By looking at these different items you can choose the best plasma TV for your television watching pleasure. Knowing the main features and elements for choosing a plasma TV will reduce the field of plasma TVs that you have to look through. This way you know that you will choose only the best plasma TV that you can get.
Georges
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Jan
19
Filed Under (Cable And Satellite Tv) by Helen
Charles Nelson asked:
What is your approach of buying a Plasma HDTV? Did you take any help while buying your plasma TV set? Or, if you are thinking of buying one, what will be your source of information for that? Well, most people opt for the Plasma HDTV reviews before investing in one of the Plasma TVs. Nine out of ten people turn to the Internet to find latest Plasma HDTV reviews and information. Basically, these Plasma TV reviews are about the product specifications and unique features of the Plasma TVs along with their positive and negative aspects. But the real question is whether the plasma TV reviews are of use for the buyers.
Considering the nature of the Plasma HDTV reviews on the web, you will find several kinds of reviews and each of them has their unique approach.
Reviews From The Manufacturer
If you go through the Plasma HDTV reviews from the manufacturers, you will find how the HDTVs are upgraded with the digital technologies. Mostly, the reviews are about the features and technical details about the Plasma HDTV models. The brands compete with each other to influence their target audience. These reviews are best to know about the technical details of the models.
Affiliate Marketer’ Reviews
The Plasma HDTV reviews presented by the affiliate marketers are about the distinguishing features of the high definition television sets. They give us idea about different models from one or several makes of Plasma TVs. Most of the time these reviews are biased as they focus on only the strength of the models. Undoubtedly, these sites are perfect place where you can compare the product features as well as the prices of the models. But, if you are looking for an unbiased Plasma HDTV reviews these sites have their limitations.
HDTV Review Websites
There are few websites that are dedicated to present unbiased Plasma TV reviews of all different models and brands of Plasma TV. Apart from providing information about the features and product details of the models they display the consumers’ rating on the reviews. These websites may present you two types of Plasma reviews- reviews from the consumers and reviews contributed by the editors judging the performance and popularity of the Plasma TVs. On such websites you will find both the advantages and downside of the Plasma HDTV models.
Personal Reviews
Many people write their personal reviews on Plasma TV models based on their personal experiences. These reviews are generally on a specific model from a specific brand. Or, sometimes you will find comparison between to models of Plasma HDTVs. The consumers are the best judge and can give the best remark about a Plasma TV.
Sometimes, the comments on the Plasma HDTV reviews are helpful in getting added idea about the models.
With super-sharp, crisp image the Plasma HDTV has created a new revolution in the TV viewing experience. But, while deciding on the best Plasma HDTV model, Plasma HDTV reviews can be your best guide.
Bing
What is your approach of buying a Plasma HDTV? Did you take any help while buying your plasma TV set? Or, if you are thinking of buying one, what will be your source of information for that? Well, most people opt for the Plasma HDTV reviews before investing in one of the Plasma TVs. Nine out of ten people turn to the Internet to find latest Plasma HDTV reviews and information. Basically, these Plasma TV reviews are about the product specifications and unique features of the Plasma TVs along with their positive and negative aspects. But the real question is whether the plasma TV reviews are of use for the buyers.
Considering the nature of the Plasma HDTV reviews on the web, you will find several kinds of reviews and each of them has their unique approach.
Reviews From The Manufacturer
If you go through the Plasma HDTV reviews from the manufacturers, you will find how the HDTVs are upgraded with the digital technologies. Mostly, the reviews are about the features and technical details about the Plasma HDTV models. The brands compete with each other to influence their target audience. These reviews are best to know about the technical details of the models.
Affiliate Marketer’ Reviews
The Plasma HDTV reviews presented by the affiliate marketers are about the distinguishing features of the high definition television sets. They give us idea about different models from one or several makes of Plasma TVs. Most of the time these reviews are biased as they focus on only the strength of the models. Undoubtedly, these sites are perfect place where you can compare the product features as well as the prices of the models. But, if you are looking for an unbiased Plasma HDTV reviews these sites have their limitations.
HDTV Review Websites
There are few websites that are dedicated to present unbiased Plasma TV reviews of all different models and brands of Plasma TV. Apart from providing information about the features and product details of the models they display the consumers’ rating on the reviews. These websites may present you two types of Plasma reviews- reviews from the consumers and reviews contributed by the editors judging the performance and popularity of the Plasma TVs. On such websites you will find both the advantages and downside of the Plasma HDTV models.
Personal Reviews
Many people write their personal reviews on Plasma TV models based on their personal experiences. These reviews are generally on a specific model from a specific brand. Or, sometimes you will find comparison between to models of Plasma HDTVs. The consumers are the best judge and can give the best remark about a Plasma TV.
Sometimes, the comments on the Plasma HDTV reviews are helpful in getting added idea about the models.
With super-sharp, crisp image the Plasma HDTV has created a new revolution in the TV viewing experience. But, while deciding on the best Plasma HDTV model, Plasma HDTV reviews can be your best guide.
Bing
Comments Off