Plasma TVs Buyers Guide
Plasma Televisions
Unlike LCD and LED televisions, Plasma TVs produce their picture through thousands of gas cells that emit ultraviolet light which in-turn strike red, green and blue on the screen to build the picture. Plasma TVs have, for some time, been the choice for those wanting great contrast, a wide viewing angle and the possibility of owning a really large television. Although other technologies (such as LED TVs) have started to catch up on size, Plasma TVs are still a very popular choice with consumers. The choice in the television market is now bigger than ever and can be a little overwhelming, but with a little comparison, you can find a top model Plasma TV that is perfect for you.
Size
Plasma televisions have a reputation for being the solution for large home cinema needs. In fact they have been known to go up to 103”, although that may be too large for most people’s requirements (and rooms!).
While plasmas have wider viewing angles than their LCD counterparts, you still need to consider carefully the size of television for your room. For instance, a smaller room such as a bedroom or an office might require a 26" Plasma TV, while a larger living area could incorporate a 32" Plasma TV. For a 42” screen this will only be comfortable to watch if the room is large enough for everyone to sit back at a comfortable distance and enjoy a direct view of the television. For larger plasma models: A 50" Plasma TV will look best from 12-16 feet, whereas a 60” screen will demand at least 15 feet of viewing distance to for optimum results.
Resolution & Refresh Rate
When many shoppers start looking into purchasing a Plasma TV, they often assume that the resolution of the television of the screen is the most relevant factor. It is important to remember that the quality of the resolution is only as valuable as your personal ability to appreciate it. Just like some audiophiles can only really enjoy their music on high end stereo systems and others are fine with a kitchen radio, many people don't get as much extra enjoyment out of high resolution as they had hoped. To find out where you stand on this feature, you could visit a show room of Plasma TVs and spend some time seeing how important this is to you.
Plasma screen refresh rates have also improved over recent years and generally are between 60Hz and 100Hz however these rates are incomparable against LCD TVs due to the different technology used in producing the picture.
Cost of Plasma TVs
Plasma TVs used to be known as the more expensive television; however they are now sitting more in-line with LCD televisions for cost, giving you even more great choice. While you don’t want to pay over the odds on a television, consumer technology is one of those areas where you get what you pay for, and it may be a mistake to rush out and purchase a cheap television based on price alone.
Instead, take into consideration what you are really looking for in terms of size, resolution and refresh rate, and make a short list of the best models that meet your needs. Next, take a look at the cost of each television and decide which models seem to offer the best value.
Check out our Plasma Television Section to see the televisions available to you - If you are not in a rush to purchase your TV right away, why not visit your local Euronics store to see what Plasma TVs are on sale.
