Welcome to the Plasma TV Buying Guide's easy 10 step guide to buying a Plasma TV. Whether you're looking for a plasma television for your home theater or living room, or for a business display or tradeshow application, these 10 steps will guide you through the key factors in deciding which plasma television is right for you. We'll also guide you in finding the best price at a reputable plasma television dealer
Step 1: Introduction to Plasma Display Technology
This first step is a brief guide to plasma display technology, starting with its history and leading into the main benefits and advantages of plasma displays.
Plasma Technology History
Plasma screens first entered the US market towards the end of 1999, but the concept has been around since its inception in July of 1964 at the University of Illinois. The first displays were nothing more than points of light created in laboratory experiments. The technology was developed and improved, and by the late 60's, it had become advanced enough to allow the scientists to construct geometric shapes. Today the progression in high speed digital processing, materials, and advanced manufacturing technology has made full color, bright plasma displays possible.
Digital television is now a reality—but you're not going to see it the way it was meant to be seen using yesterday's TV sets. Today, we're in the midst of a digital video revolution, thanks to HDTV, DTV, DVD-Video, digital satellite broadcasts and computer video. Plasma display technology is one way to fully enjoy the dramatically improved image quality of all these digital video sources.
Advantages of Plasma TVs
Some of the advantages of plasma technology include:
Higher Resolution
Plasma Televisions have higher resolution than most conventional TV sets, and are capable of displaying full HDTV and DTV signals as well as XGA, SVGA, all the way up to UWXGA (1920 X 1080) signals from a computer. For example, a plasma display with a 1366 x 768 native resolution can display images from 1080i and 720p HDTV resolution, as well as 480i, 480p, 1080i and 720p DVD video signals.
No Scan Lines
Conventional CRTs use an electron beam to scan the picture tube from top to bottom at regular intervals, lighting the phosphors to create the image. With standard (NTSC) TV, visible scan lines can be seen. Plasma screens have no scan lines due to the fact that each and every pixel cell has its own transistor electrode. This creates a smooth, evenly lit image across the entire surface of the display. Most current plasma displays also include built-in line doubling to improve image quality from low resolution analog video signals.
Exceptional Color Accuracy
Due to advances in both plasma panel technology and digital video processing, today's top-of-the-line plasma televisions can display billions of colors, resulting in smooth gradations between even very subtle shades, and an overall picture quality that is extremely lifelike and realistic. Plasma TVs in general boast the best color reproduction of any flat panel TV technology, and advances are made with each new model year in plasma production. For color accuracy, Plasma televisions are simply without compare (with the exception of the new OLED TV technology).
Wide Screen Aspect Ratio
Plasma televisions have a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, which was originally designed to match the natural field of view of the human eye. Of course you're familiar with the wide screen aspect from watching movies in the theater—and a widescreen plasma TV allows you to watch movies in the format the director intended. The 16:9 aspect ratio is also the chosen format for HDTV content, whether it's broadcast over the air or through digital cable or satellite TV.
But what happens when you watch a standard (4:3) TV program or a computer image? Choosing a plasma TV that scales images appropriately will give you the most enjoyment from your plasma, as well as extending its life. There are several algorithms used to scale incoming video signals to match the plasma's native 16:9 aspect ratio. All plasma screens can show the image in its original 4:3 format with bars (either black or gray) on the sides of the image, but there can be some variation among plasma screens in how well they convert a 4:3 image to the widescreen monitor. Manufacturing engineers accomplish a "best of both worlds" approach by limiting the stretching in the center of the screen, or by enlarging the entire image to larger than the screen size, and "cropping" the edges. This scaling technique allows the most stretching to be located on the edges of the image, thus reducing visible distortion.
So basically there are a number of ways to display an incoming "standard" 4:3 picture from satellite, VCR, or cable TV, and some plasma televisions do it better than others. It can be displayed as is, with the bars on the sides. In "Zoom" mode, the image will have very little distortion or stretching and will fill the entire screen area. However, this mode often cuts off too much of the picture around the edges, and can cause motion artifacts and pixelation—resulting in a "grainy" or jagged appearance.
Typically the best option for converting a 4:3 NTSC TV signal is the "Just" or "Full" mode—you'll see the same idea called different names by different plasma manufacturers. This aspect ratio option converts the 4:3 image with specially designed algorithms, which reduce the visible "stretching" as much as possible by using a combination of techniques, cropping very little of the image and situating any stretching or distortion to the outer edges where it will be less noticiable. If it's done well, you'll hardly notice any difference at all.
Perfectly Flat Screen
Plasma HDTVs have screens that are perfectly flat, with no curvature whatsoever. This eliminates the edge distortion that can occur in CRT displays and also assists in allowing the wide viewing angles that are a trademark of plasma displays. The glass-encased plasma display element is most often protected by a Plexiglas layer; some of the better plasma TVs incorporate anti-glare coatings and special color filters to further enhance the picture quality and viewability of the flat screen.
Uniform Screen Brightness
Unlike some rear and front projection televisions that suffer from uneven screen brightness—seen as "hot spots" in the middle of the screen or a darkening near the corners of the image—plasma displays illuminate all pixels evenly across the screen. This gives plasma displays their "smooth" appearance, and ultimately a more accurate picture.
Slim, Space-saving Design
Plasma display monitors are only a few inches in depth, providing installation options never before possible. Depth is usually measured at around 3.5 inches on 42" displays and 4" for 50" screens. In addition to table stand mounting, they can be hung on a wall or from a ceiling, allowing you to enjoy big-screen impact from a component that doesn't dominate floor space. Conventional CRT's, DLP TVs, and rear projection TVs take up far more space and are much more limited in placement flexibility.
Plasma TVs are constructed with a bezel that's not much wider than the actual display screen, giving the monitors an elegant, understated "picture frame" appearance that blends inconspicuously with any décor.
Because they eliminate the need for a front projection unit and a projection screen, commercial style plasma displays are also ideal for use in a wide variety of business and commercial applications where the use of a front projector would not be feasible.
Wide Viewing Angle
Today's plasma screen TVs offer viewing angles approaching—sometimes even exceeding—170°, much better than rear-projection TVs and LCD displays. Coupled with the perfectly flat plasma screen, a good plasma TV even rivals a CRT TV in viewing angles. This allows a bright, clear picture for anyone in the room—no matter where they're sitting.
Universal Input Capability
Nearly all plasma monitors will accept standard video signals via composite video and s-video inputs, as well as higher-quality component video terminals. An important consideration in choosing the right screen for you, however, lies in what other inputs you may need. Many of the newer plasma TVs on the market include digital inputs such as HDMI or DVI, which can accept HDTV signals from your cable box or satellite—even some DVD players—in an all-digital format. Some plasma TVs also include a VGA or DVI PC input, allowing your plasma television to pull double-duty as a PC monitor.
And don't overlook some of the excellent plasma televisions aimed at commercial broadcast installations, such as the Panasonics, Samsung and Pioneer commercial models. Many of these models are equipped with interchangeable input boards, allowing you to configure your plasma display to meet your needs exactly.
Step 1: Introduction to Plasma Display Technology
This first step is a brief guide to plasma display technology, starting with its history and leading into the main benefits and advantages of plasma displays.
Plasma Technology History
Plasma screens first entered the US market towards the end of 1999, but the concept has been around since its inception in July of 1964 at the University of Illinois. The first displays were nothing more than points of light created in laboratory experiments. The technology was developed and improved, and by the late 60's, it had become advanced enough to allow the scientists to construct geometric shapes. Today the progression in high speed digital processing, materials, and advanced manufacturing technology has made full color, bright plasma displays possible.
Digital television is now a reality—but you're not going to see it the way it was meant to be seen using yesterday's TV sets. Today, we're in the midst of a digital video revolution, thanks to HDTV, DTV, DVD-Video, digital satellite broadcasts and computer video. Plasma display technology is one way to fully enjoy the dramatically improved image quality of all these digital video sources.
Advantages of Plasma TVs
Some of the advantages of plasma technology include:
Higher Resolution
Plasma Televisions have higher resolution than most conventional TV sets, and are capable of displaying full HDTV and DTV signals as well as XGA, SVGA, all the way up to UWXGA (1920 X 1080) signals from a computer. For example, a plasma display with a 1366 x 768 native resolution can display images from 1080i and 720p HDTV resolution, as well as 480i, 480p, 1080i and 720p DVD video signals.
No Scan Lines
Conventional CRTs use an electron beam to scan the picture tube from top to bottom at regular intervals, lighting the phosphors to create the image. With standard (NTSC) TV, visible scan lines can be seen. Plasma screens have no scan lines due to the fact that each and every pixel cell has its own transistor electrode. This creates a smooth, evenly lit image across the entire surface of the display. Most current plasma displays also include built-in line doubling to improve image quality from low resolution analog video signals.
Exceptional Color Accuracy
Due to advances in both plasma panel technology and digital video processing, today's top-of-the-line plasma televisions can display billions of colors, resulting in smooth gradations between even very subtle shades, and an overall picture quality that is extremely lifelike and realistic. Plasma TVs in general boast the best color reproduction of any flat panel TV technology, and advances are made with each new model year in plasma production. For color accuracy, Plasma televisions are simply without compare (with the exception of the new OLED TV technology).
Wide Screen Aspect Ratio
Plasma televisions have a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, which was originally designed to match the natural field of view of the human eye. Of course you're familiar with the wide screen aspect from watching movies in the theater—and a widescreen plasma TV allows you to watch movies in the format the director intended. The 16:9 aspect ratio is also the chosen format for HDTV content, whether it's broadcast over the air or through digital cable or satellite TV.
But what happens when you watch a standard (4:3) TV program or a computer image? Choosing a plasma TV that scales images appropriately will give you the most enjoyment from your plasma, as well as extending its life. There are several algorithms used to scale incoming video signals to match the plasma's native 16:9 aspect ratio. All plasma screens can show the image in its original 4:3 format with bars (either black or gray) on the sides of the image, but there can be some variation among plasma screens in how well they convert a 4:3 image to the widescreen monitor. Manufacturing engineers accomplish a "best of both worlds" approach by limiting the stretching in the center of the screen, or by enlarging the entire image to larger than the screen size, and "cropping" the edges. This scaling technique allows the most stretching to be located on the edges of the image, thus reducing visible distortion.
So basically there are a number of ways to display an incoming "standard" 4:3 picture from satellite, VCR, or cable TV, and some plasma televisions do it better than others. It can be displayed as is, with the bars on the sides. In "Zoom" mode, the image will have very little distortion or stretching and will fill the entire screen area. However, this mode often cuts off too much of the picture around the edges, and can cause motion artifacts and pixelation—resulting in a "grainy" or jagged appearance.
Typically the best option for converting a 4:3 NTSC TV signal is the "Just" or "Full" mode—you'll see the same idea called different names by different plasma manufacturers. This aspect ratio option converts the 4:3 image with specially designed algorithms, which reduce the visible "stretching" as much as possible by using a combination of techniques, cropping very little of the image and situating any stretching or distortion to the outer edges where it will be less noticiable. If it's done well, you'll hardly notice any difference at all.
Perfectly Flat Screen
Plasma HDTVs have screens that are perfectly flat, with no curvature whatsoever. This eliminates the edge distortion that can occur in CRT displays and also assists in allowing the wide viewing angles that are a trademark of plasma displays. The glass-encased plasma display element is most often protected by a Plexiglas layer; some of the better plasma TVs incorporate anti-glare coatings and special color filters to further enhance the picture quality and viewability of the flat screen.
Uniform Screen Brightness
Unlike some rear and front projection televisions that suffer from uneven screen brightness—seen as "hot spots" in the middle of the screen or a darkening near the corners of the image—plasma displays illuminate all pixels evenly across the screen. This gives plasma displays their "smooth" appearance, and ultimately a more accurate picture.
Slim, Space-saving Design
Plasma display monitors are only a few inches in depth, providing installation options never before possible. Depth is usually measured at around 3.5 inches on 42" displays and 4" for 50" screens. In addition to table stand mounting, they can be hung on a wall or from a ceiling, allowing you to enjoy big-screen impact from a component that doesn't dominate floor space. Conventional CRT's, DLP TVs, and rear projection TVs take up far more space and are much more limited in placement flexibility.
Plasma TVs are constructed with a bezel that's not much wider than the actual display screen, giving the monitors an elegant, understated "picture frame" appearance that blends inconspicuously with any décor.
Because they eliminate the need for a front projection unit and a projection screen, commercial style plasma displays are also ideal for use in a wide variety of business and commercial applications where the use of a front projector would not be feasible.
Wide Viewing Angle
Today's plasma screen TVs offer viewing angles approaching—sometimes even exceeding—170°, much better than rear-projection TVs and LCD displays. Coupled with the perfectly flat plasma screen, a good plasma TV even rivals a CRT TV in viewing angles. This allows a bright, clear picture for anyone in the room—no matter where they're sitting.
Universal Input Capability
Nearly all plasma monitors will accept standard video signals via composite video and s-video inputs, as well as higher-quality component video terminals. An important consideration in choosing the right screen for you, however, lies in what other inputs you may need. Many of the newer plasma TVs on the market include digital inputs such as HDMI or DVI, which can accept HDTV signals from your cable box or satellite—even some DVD players—in an all-digital format. Some plasma TVs also include a VGA or DVI PC input, allowing your plasma television to pull double-duty as a PC monitor.
And don't overlook some of the excellent plasma televisions aimed at commercial broadcast installations, such as the Panasonics, Samsung and Pioneer commercial models. Many of these models are equipped with interchangeable input boards, allowing you to configure your plasma display to meet your needs exactly.
Step 3: Is a 1080p Resolution Plasma TV Worth the Extra Money?
One of the key determining factors in selecting your plasma screen should be its resolution. Plasma TV resolution refers to the number of actual pixel cells contained in the plasma display element (i.e. "glass"). HDTV (high definition TV) plasma TVs are always more expensive than EDTV (enhanced definition TV screens) due to the fact that it costs manufacturers much more to make the plasma display element. EDTV resolution plasma TVs are now discontinued. However, there is the new 1920 X 1080 (1080p) resolution which many manufactureres have adopted as their core resolution. These "1080p" plasma televisions cost a good bit more money, but delivery marginal return on investment.
A 1080p resolution plasma TV may or may not offer a better picture than a 720p HDTV resolution TV; it all depends upon the input signal and the quality of the Plasma TV manufacturer and model. Certainly internal processing circuitry is very important. An 1080p signal may not appear any better than a 1080i signal in many cases. Please see our complete article on this topic at 1080p vs. 720p (1080i), Is 1080p worth it?. One note on this topic is that the highest resolution signal being broadcast by either cable, satellite or broadcast TV is 1080i or 720p. When viewing one of these HD signals a 1080p plasma TV will not increase picture quality just because the plasma is a higher resolution. The 1080p plasma must up convert the signal to show it in its native pixel resolution. Thus a "720p plasma" will have just as good or better picture quality with these signals.
Aside from the increase in quality from HDTV sources, a higher resolution allows for much better display of computer super high resolution computer signals. This is especially the case with text or numeric data displays, which may be distorted and unreadable if scaled improperly.
To understand the resolution of the plasma TVs you are researhing, look at the specification for the plasma screens native pixel resolution.
Plasma TV Native Pixel Resolutions
EDTV Resolution 840 X 180 (discontinued)
High-Definition HDTV Plasma TV Resolutions
1024 X 768 (720p) found on many 42" plasma screens
1366 X 768 (also a 720p or 1080i resolution) found on 50", 60", & 65" plasma screens
1920 X 1080 (1080p) Super high resolution found in plasma screen sizes from 42" to 103".
Generally, a plasma TV screen is considered "High Definition" if the second number of the resolution is at least 720 pixels.
If you are unsure about spending extra money for an HDTV plasma, we suggest checking with your local cable or satellite provider to see what HDTV channels are available in your local area. You can start with the links in our HDTV Programming Guide. Also consider whether or not you'll be using your plasma TV as a PC monitor and if so, what display resolutions you intend to use
Step 4: Plasma TV Audio Configuration Considerations
Today most plasma TVs come with speakers built in the cabinet. There are still a few commercial plasma TV models that are produced that do not come with speakers, but may be purchased seperately. One important consideration for any plasma TV purchase is the quality of the internal speakers including the wattage level of the output. Most plasma TVs come with around 10W X 10W dual built in speakers. 15W X 15W is preferable.
Many consumers today choose to have surround sound speaker systems installed in the main TV watching room of a house. The built in internal plasma TV speakers may be used seperately, or in conjunction with, the surround sound speaker system. There are also a host of new front room speaker systems that can be installed around the plasma or LCD TV.
Step 5: Plasma TV Mounting Options
One of the major benefits of plasma TV is the flexibility they afford in mounting and installation options. Here are a few you might consider:
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