Selecting a Plasma TV you should Buy

 

A successor to CRT displays and rival to LED displays, Plasma TV was invented in 1964 at the University of Illinois, USA. In 1992 Fujitsu created the first 21-inch (53 cm) full colour Plasma TV display and in 1997 presented to the world the first 42-inch (107 cm) plasma display.

The advantages of Plasma TV are:

• a relatively large screen size,
• 1 inch thickness, perfectly flat screen,
• wide screen aspect ratio (16:9),
• its superior and uniform brightness,
• faster response time,
• greater and more accurate colour spectrum
• exceeding 170 degrees wider viewing angle

There are several manufacturers of Plasma TV. Prominent brands include Sharp, Samsung, RCA, Panasonic, Philips, Sony, LG, NEC, Pioneer, Viewsonic, Toshiba, JVC, Hitachi, Hannspree, Fujitsu, Zenith and Akai.

Decide your budget, Each brand offers several models of different sizes and attributes.

Choice of a Plasma TV model for purchase will be a play off of its intended use, budget and a knowledgeable research of the following attributes of Plasma TVs. Examine the Plasma TV manual/ literature offered by various brands for the following attributes

Monitor size

Plasma TVs are measured diagonally and are available in 32", 40", 42", 46", 50", 61", or 63" sizes. Available floor space in the intended viewing area will dictate the monitor size.

For comfortable viewing and avoidance of damage to eyes of viewers, a distance of 6 to 10 feet for screen sizes up 37-inches, 10 to 14 feet for 40 to 46-inch Plasma TVs, 12 to 16 feet for 50-inch Plasma TV and 15 feet for Plasma TV larger than 60-inches is recommended.

Picture Quality

Better picture quality is not dependant on higher native resolution alone. Plasma TV’s picture quality is a function of its native resolution, resolution of Delivery Format (DF) and the quality of converter engine.

Native resolution is the number of actual pixel cells contained in the Plasma TV display screen. Similar sized Plasma TV can have different native resolution depending upon the pixel cell size. Some commonly available native resolutions are 840x180 (EDTV, now discontinued by most brands), 1024x768, 1366x768 (the 720p or 1080i HDTV) and the latest 1920x1080 (the 1080p Super high resolution TV).

Delivery format refers to the resolution of the in coming video signal. This can be either the standard programming, VHS, DVD, HDTV, DTV or XGA, SVGA, UWXGA (1920 X 1080) signals from a computer.

Converter engine upscale or downscales the delivery format resolution to match the native resolution of the Plasma TV. Generally, the closer the DF resolution is to the native pixel resolution of the Plasma TV - the better the picture quality. Both in up scaling/ and down scaling there is some deterioration of the signal, though in downscaling it is less apparent. Converter engine are brand specific proprietary circuits and their quality and cost determines their efficiency.

Other factors impinging picture quality are whether or not the monitor is progressively scanning or interlacing the signal.

Before investing heavily in a costly high resolution TV say the 1080p, check the DF available in your area, read the efficiency of the Converter Engine in the TV model literature. You may be spending for what you can’t use!

Plasma TV Mounting

Plasma TVs slim and large size allows enormous flexibility in mounting and installation and therefore usage. Some of the mounting options include Flat Wall Mount, Tilt Wall Mount, Table Stand, Plasma TV Cart, Articulating Wall Mount, Ceiling Mount Options and Lift Options (Lift options allow the plasma or LCD TV to be hidden from view using some sort of lifting mechanism). Some of its usage alternatives include e.g. Home Theatre, Network Control Rooms, Corporate Lobbies, Meeting Rooms, Video Conferencing etc.

Plasma TV Audio

Plasma TVs generally come with built in 10W X 10W dual built in speakers. Most consumers purchase surround sound speaker systems to be use in conjunction with the built in speakers.

Plasma TV Longevity

This was an issue with early Plasma TVs which had 20,000 Hrs of lifespan. With 60,000 hours lifespan now being offered by most brands burn out is no longer a major issue. At reduced contrast level and eight hour of daily average viewing one is assured of about 20 years of viewing.

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

Plasma TVs are immune to EMI. That means that unlike CRTs the picture of Plasma TV remains unaffected even when objects with heavy magnetic fields like loud speakers are kept close to Plasma TVs.

High Definition Multimedia Interface

Plasma TV input ports accept HDTV signals from cable box or satellite and even some DVD players in an all-digital format. HDMI or DVI input ports are the highest standard A/V input and are expensive. Having a couple of such ports is an investment for the future .HDMI 1.3, which supports the x.v.Colour technology, is currently being offered on some Plasma TVs models.

Select Your Model

Select the model which optimises your intended usage, available DF in your area, best picture quality you can achieve and your budget.

Select Vendor

Select a reliable vendor in your area giving you the best offer in terms of cost, guarantees/ warranties. installation, after sale service, insurance. Some time on line vendors turn out the cheapest cost wise.

Enjoy your new plasma TV!