Plasma TVs are high-end television sets with screens generally larger than conventional TV sets. Such sets are made from a plasma display panel. There are two glass panels that consists many small cells. A mixture of two gases, Xenon and Neon are present inside the cells. These gases are turned into plasma electrically. It then excites the phosphors to produce light. They are a type of flat panel display. The screen size of a plasma set is more than 940mm or 37 inch. Plasma TVs are commonly confused with LCD TVs. LCD is another kind of large screen TV, but with different features.
There are two basic types of Plasma TVs.
Speaker Mount Brackets
- HDTV or High Definition TV
- EDTV or Enhanced Definition TV
The resolution of HDTV is 1024*768 whereas the resolution of EDTV starts from 852*480.
When buying your plasma TV, you need to keep some basic points in mind, you need to look for some basic services that this TV should provide you. If your TV fails to meet up the basic criteria, it is not worth buying a plasma Television.
All plasma TVs have some basic features. You need to do a little research before buying, so that you can compare the additional positive features and can buy the best one. The features that usual plasma TVs provide are,
- HDTV support
- Screen size
- Appearance
- Display resolution
- Connectivity
The price is another important factor that you should keep in your mind. Usually plasma TVs cost a very large amount. So sort out your plan accordingly. First make your budget. Then you need to find the brand that will give you all the facilities and some added advantages that other brands do not provide and that too within your budget. Do check whether the model is in a proper working condition or not. Beware of fake companies selling second hand refurbished TVs as a brand new model. Such models are not dependable and can fail within a short period of time.
Another important factor that you should keep in mind before buying a plasma TV is to be very specific about the resolution of your TV. Previously the resolution used to be quite low. Such lower resolution was only capable of supporting standard definition Television. Nowadays more high-resolution models are available and the standard definition television has become completely obsolete. Nowadays, a 42 inch plasma television comes with a resolution of 1024 X 768. The screen resolution of 50 inch sets varies from 1280 X 720 to 1366 X 768. It is better not to settle with any model that provides a lower resolution at almost an equal price.
The screen size of you television is immensely important. Usually a plasma TV screen ranges between 42 inches to 70 inches. A higher sized screen is also available. However, less than 42 inches has become outdated. When buying your TV, you must be aware of the screen size as well as the measurement of your room or hall where you plan to keep it. Always buy a screen that fits in your room and suits your interior decoration. Another important factor is the viewing distance. There should be enough viewing space left after placing the large screen TV. Otherwise, you won't be able to get the most out of the television set.
Providing the right space for your television is a very important factor. The place where you should keep it usually depends on the type of plasma TV you are buying. The structure of plasma TVs are sleek, so it will be better to keep them on table or wall mounted. Do not place it over or near the fireplace. The fireplace generates heat, which is harmful for the longevity and performance of your TV. For a table mount plasma TV, you need to measure the width of the screen. Make sure that you have enough space to keep it properly. Leave at least one or two inches from both sides, back and top side of your TV because the heat generated by it can harm the quality of the sound and picture. This extra space is required for the connection access and ventilation.
Paying proper heed to the features and connectivity of a plasma TV before buying is essential. A plasma TV must consist all those inputs so that it could be connected with various devices. It must contain, RGB, S-Video, Composite, HDMI, Component, etc. It will be better if you also search for a model that will provide side and front panel audiovisual inputs for hooking up a games console and even a camcorder. If so, a USB 2.0 connection and HDMI port has to be there included with the front panel.
Plasma TVs are flat screen and they provide you the option of viewing from both sides and centre. If you find it difficult to watch it beyond a 45-degree angle or you find the picture faded from that angle, then it is not worth buying that model.
The picture brightness is another good quality of such TVs which sets them apart from other TVs. Most of them are capable of regulating their brightness automatically to the level of light in the room. When buying a plasma television, opt for the one which provides a brightness ratio of 550cd/m2.
To conclude, when looking to buy a plasma screen TV, be sure to compare the market to get a good deal. The perfect plasma screen will not be too big for your room, will have an appropriate sized screen for you and your viewing habits, have the capability to connect to your other audio-visual equipment and will be a sensible price. Although plasma screen TVs are very desirable and stylish, not all models will suit all buyers so be sure to consider your options carefully.