Plasma TV Buying Guide

Why You Should get a Plasma TV

Plasma TVs have the capability to show pictures in higher resolution than most TV sets. You can even plug in a computer running 1920x1080 resolution and have it look great. You will notice zero scan lines. This is because each pixel has its own mechanism to create light. Some plasmas can even make that analog signal look better. The flat screen saves space and can produce a wide viewing angle.

Viewing Distances

Certain screen sizes are optimally viewed from particular distances. You need to figure out your room size to get the perfect plasma. Don't just go for the biggest plasma just because you want the biggest. You have to take into account the room you are putting it in. If you go to a store that deals in plasmas, this is nearly the first question they ask. Use this plasma TV buying guide to determine what size would look best from what distance:

• 37" looks good from 6 to 10 feet.
• 42" from 8 to 12 feet.
• 50" from 10 to 14 feet.
• 60-65" needs at least 14 feet.

Plasma TV Buying Guide: Brands

Picking a brand is a preference. If there is one company you've had excellent luck with and want to stick with them, then by all means do so. But if you are open, then you'll need to do a little more research into the features certain brands carry over others. Some of the top brands by category are:

High-End

• Samsung
• LG
• Pioneer
• Some models of Hewlett-Packard
• Sony
• Mitsubishi

Mid-Range

• Westinghouse
• Sanyo
• Sharp

Budget/Store Brands

• Vizio (Wal-mart)
• Insignia (Best Buy)

Where to Buy a Plasma TV

There are many places to shop for a plasma TV. You can go to the brick-and-mortar stores, smaller, independent retailers, or online. Read some of the advantages and disadvantages below.

Brick-and-Mortar

With visiting a major retailer, you can see out of the box every TV they have available for purchase. The TVs are on and running video. Keep in mind that the video is sometimes the best picture possible and you might get a different picture when you get it home simply because you don't have a Blu-Ray player or a HD signal coming in. Most of the electronics retailers have generous return policies so you have some time to figure out if the TV you purchased works in your atmosphere.

A couple of negatives:

1. You must pay sales tax.
2. Brick-and-mortar stores lean toward one manufacturer at different times because that manufacturer gives some credit back to the store for selling their TVs, especially if they are on sale.
3. Pricing is sometimes higher than online.
4. Limited product knowledge.

Independent Retailers

As you read this plasma TV buying guide, do you wonder if going to an independent retailer would be beneficial? These are basically your mom-and-pop shops that will do just about anything they can to get and keep your business so the "big boys" don't get it. You will probably find the prices very competitive or even better because they don't want to lose out. The people who work in these stores do one thing and are trained exceptionally at that job. There might an expert in plasmas and an expert in LCDs or mounting it to the wall, which means their product knowledge is top-notch.

Unfortunately, most of the people who work in the small retailers work on commission, so they may be a little pushier. They'll want you to go with the more expensive plasma, get brand new cables and other accessories, and use their installations services.

Online Dealers

The biggest advantage of going with in online dealer is pricing. You will be able to find a lot of lower prices than the other two places mentioned above. The other advantage? Sometimes there will be no taxes.

Of course, there are some big disadvantages, which might outweigh going with an online dealer:

• Shipping. Shipping can get expensive if you don't find some shipping deals.
• Return policies tend to be short (1-2 weeks) and with high restocking fees.
• Most online dealers are not authorized to sell their products. That doesn't mean they are shady or untrustworthy, it just means they won't be able to offer some of the same rebates or promotions the manufacturer is giving those who are authorized.

Other Resources

• How to Buy a Television
• Buying a Big Screen TV