How To Choose A Plasma TV
How To Choose A Plasma TV
If you're in the market for a plasma television, you should be
prepared to do some research. This isn't a negative aspect of
buying a plasma unit, nor am I implying that the technology and
product quality aren't fantastic. As with any large purchase,
you should just be aware of your individual needs and how each
model of plasma TV may or may not fulfill these needs. Plasma
screens are typically selected for their large size. There are
no other technologies that can compare to the quality of a
plasma television's picture in sizes above 40 inches. So, first
off, determine what size best fits your specific needs.
The next issue to think about is location. The location where
you will place your plasma unit will affect which unit you will
want to buy. The location influences the performance and
lifespan of a plasma television, so it's very important. If you
are planning to mount your plasma TV in an entertainment center,
make sure you take into account the television's need for proper
ventilation. Also, the location may help you determine how large
of a screen you want. If you'll be sitting fairly close to your
television, a large screen may in fact provide a more
uncomfortable viewing experience than a smaller unit that better
fits the room.
A second consideration should be the features of the plasma
television. Some features, like Anti-Burn in can be considered
requirements, but there are options that you'll need to
consider. A television may offer advanced DVI or HDMI
connections that provide incredible resolutions of op to 1,000
lines, but if you have no devices that utilize this technology
you'd be throwing money away for the advanced, but useless,
feature. Or, you may want to connect your media center computer
system to your plasma screen, in which case you'd prefer a DVI
connection to create that beautiful, all-digital picture. Other
inputs, when used with a personal computer, create very dirty,
blurry pictures.
Finally, what variety of resolution technology are you looking
for in your plasma television? If you have very high standards
for video clarity, you may need a plasma unit that will display
a true High Definition signal. Many models will claim to be HD,
but you should look for a resolution of at least 1024 by 720
pixels, otherwise you will be losing quality. This resolution is
vital for viewers who use their plasma as an interface for their
computer, or to watch HD television programs. Progressive Scan
DVD players and new digital television ask for high resolutions,
but they only require a resolution around 852 by 480 for an
optimal picture. These lower resolution, though still great,
televisions will display a High Definition signal, but they will
scale the picture before displaying it. This is more than
satisfactory for the average user, and you should definitely
consider what you will me viewing on your plasma television to
better determine your resolution needs.
In general, take some time to plan out how you will be using
your new plasma television. Investing some energy in research
and planning will help make you make your ideal purchase.