Buying a Plasma TV
From LoveToKnow Buy
Buying a plasma TV can be a difficult choice with all the brands, options and features available. LoveToKnow is here to help erase some of this confusion to help you make the right purchasing decision.
Buying a Plasma TV: The Advantages
A plasma TV is reputable for having sharp, beautiful images. It has this advantage as a result of some features that are not available on a regular TV set. Below are some additional qualities that make a plasma TV a good investment.
- Unlike a conventional TV, a plasma TV is available with high resolution options like HD, DTV, XGA, SVGA and VGACPC. With HD capability, channels that carry this feature can be displayed with amazing results. The imagery has a life-like quality that you cannot receive with a conventional set.
- The amazing quality of the plasma TV is also due to its image projection. On a conventional TV, an electron beam scans the picture from top to bottom, resulting in horizontal lines going across. On a plasma, no lines are visible since each pixel cell has its own transistor electrode, lighting the color and image across the screen evenly. With no image lines showing on-screen, the picture has near perfect quality.
- Due to the design of the screen, it has a perfectly flat surface, giving the viewer the ability to see the screen without distortion, no matter what angle you are facing the television. Set at 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, it matches the natural view for the human eye.
- A plasma set is immune to the magnetic interferences that can cause screen distortion. Conventional models can have this problem if devices like floor vacuums and blow dryers are used near the screen.
Deciding on the Best Plasma Set
When buying a plasma TV, you need to keep in mind a couple of things. First, think about where you are going to set it up. For optimal viewing, remember the following size and distant guidelines:
| TV Size | Ideal distance from set |
| 32” to 37” | 6- 10 feet |
| 42” | 10 to 14 feet |
| 50” | 12 to 16 feet |
Another deciding factor you need to keep in mind is the resolution. Did you want an HD TV (high-definition) or EDTV, (enhanced definition) set? Depending on the input signal for your set, (regular cable, HD TV or broadcast); your viewing experience may or may not be enhanced the way you would expect. A plasma TV with HD looks great with high-definition channels, but if you find that you are watching more non-HD channels, it may not be worth the extra cost. A plasma with EDTV will have a much sharper image and resolution than a conventional one, but you will not see the additional realistic imagery of HD. To determine if the plasma TV you are looking at has high-definition, look at the resolution number. An ideal number would be 1024 x 768 pixels. If the second number listed is above 720 pixels, you can be sure it is an HD plasma.
Portability is another important issue when making a purchase. A plasma TV is very thin by comparison to a conventional set, so you have a lot more flexibility in regards to placement in your home. If you have limited space, choose a model with a mount so it could be placed on the wall. If not, special TV stands are available specifically for flat-screens like a plasma.
Buying in a Store
Buying a plasma TV in a store gives you some important guarantees. All brick and mortar stores who carry TVs in stock are authorized to sell them, and you are guaranteed a manufacturer’s warranty. Another good thing is that the return policies are usually better than many online stores.
The downfall to buying from the store is pricing and selection. Popular electronics stores tend to have higher prices than online, so there is less flexibility. Also, your selection of different brands may be limited since many stores carry the specific brands that give them the most incentives and bonuses.
Buying Online
If you are considering purchasing a plasma TV from an online store, keep the following points in mind:
- Is the online store an authorized dealer? If not, you are not guaranteed a manufacturer’s warranty if something goes wrong.
- Do they have a technical service center? If there is no support, this is a red flag.
- If you are considering purchasing your TV through an auction website, be careful. Sellers may be “drop ship” distributors that do not have their inventory in a central location, but get them through other business in different places. With drop ship companies, you have no guaranteed product protection, and you may be getting an inferior product.
Not sure where to buy online? The following stores are safe, reputable locations you can make your purchase:
With a little investigation, buying a plasma TV can be easy and rewarding when you sit down to amazing picture quality in a home theater setting.
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