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What to think about when purchasing a plasma TV

Is a plasma television your best choice? Consider the following before making your decision. To compare plasma televisions to other types of High Definition TVs, check out the Best LCD TV, Best DLP and projection TV sections of our site.
The technology

Plasma television technology relies on an independent production of light at each sub pixel inside a plate glass screen.  It produces light, as opposed transmitting light from a source, as with LCD flat panels.  The plasma screen consists of individual cells made up of a gas mixture and connected to electrodes.  When the cell is charged with a voltage, the gas converts to a plasma state and produces ultraviolet light, which in turn strikes phospers with each cell producing visible light. This is all accomplished within a flat screen typically about 4” deep.

Entertainment needs

Plasma televisions are perfect for anyone looking to have their own large screen home entertainment center.

Desired picture quality

Plasma televisions display up to 13 bits – processing 549 billion colors - resulting in very bright images and lifelike images.  All plasma televisions will accept HDTV signals    Plasma TVs produce a consistent, uniform picture with the widest horizontal and vertical viewing angles and their flat screen designs ensure an undistorted, glare-free picture.

Screen size

Plasma televisions are available in sizes from 37” up to 71” and offer an impressive widescreen ratio of 16:9.   Watch movies as they were intended to be seen by the directors.

Placement desires

Plasma TVs can be hung on a wall or placed on a stand.  Unlike conventional CRT televisions, Plasma televisions are not affected by magnetic fields enabling speakers to be placed near the set without causing distortion.

Room size requirements

Plasma televisions can fit in rooms that can accommodate large sized screens. Read here to find out how to choose the best size TV for your room.

Room lighting

Plasma televisions work best in rooms with normal to darker lighting conditions

Multiple usages

Plasma televisions are versatile and fit any lifestyle.  Many plasma TVs are computer compatible as they are able to receive VGA and SVGA signals.  Hook them up to a video game system and indulge in an amazing gaming experience.

Design

Plasma televisions feature sleek flat screens that are just a few inches thick.  Weighing in between 50  - 80 pounds, they are extremely lightweight compared to rear-projection TVs.  Whether placed on a stand or hung on a wall, plasma TVs make a modern design statement in any room.

Lifespan

Most manufactures rate Plasma lifespan at 60,000 hours, over 16 years viewing ten hours a day.

Preferred viewing angles

Plasma televisions can be viewed from virtually all angles. A 175 degree viewing angle is standard on plasma panels.  They have a wider viewing angle than rear projection and LCD TVs.

Disadvantages of plasma televisions:

While plasma televisions offer many great features, there are certain things that should be considered before your purchase.  However, technology is rapidly changing and many of the newest plasma televisions make these disadvantages obsolete. Check individual models for their specifications.

Chance of burn-in

Plasma televisions have a possibility of uneven phosphor wear called “burn in”, a situation where parts of an image remain on the screen. This can happen if there is one set image on the screen for an extended period of time.   Plasmas are most sensitive to this in the first few hundred hours of use, and the latest Plasmas are much less sensitive to it than ever before. To avoid burn-in turn down the contrast (or picture) control to 50% for the first 200 hours of use, avoid watching content in 4:3 mode  (black bars on the sides of the image) and do not leave a logo (such as Fox News) or a stock ticker on for more than eight hours at a time.

Larger size

Sometimes, bigger is not better.  If you wish to fit a High Definition television in a very small space such as under a kitchen cabinet, an LCD TV would be a better choice.

Brightness

Plasma televisions work best in rooms that have normal to darker lighting conditions.  Picture quality may be reduced in a brightly light room.

Plate Glass technology
Even though plasma televisions have an estimated lifespan of 60,000 hours (about seven years), the plate glass is fragile.  Once the glass panel is cracked it cannot be repaired.   Caution should be taken every time the unit is moved, and never place pressure on the glass panel by pressing or laying the panel flat down or face up.

Lower performance at higher altitudes
Because plasma TVs utilize gas-based technology, high altitudes may affect their performance. To maintain performance in thinner air above 6,500 feet, some TV models are made especially for high altitudes.

Best Plasma Televisions from Panasonic, Samsung and Toshiba – Great Prices, Free Shipping

TheHighDefinitionStore.com offers a wide range of the best plasma televisions in today’s High Definition market.  We are an authorized dealer for the most respected names in plasma TV technology including Panasonic, Samsung, LG and Toshiba.  Our knowledge and experience has made us the trusted source for thousands of customers seeking high quality products, great prices and exceptional service. Plus, FREE shipping with curbside delivery is standard with every order.

If you need more information, feel free to contact us.  Our representatives are happy to share their knowledge about plasma televisions and can help you make the best plasma TV choice.