Buying a Plasma TV?

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In the Digital world that we presently dwell in, the concept of television viewing has also undergone major changes, of course for the better, with the broadcasters offering over-the-air feeds of higher resolution and with better picture quality than ever before. Today Digital TV is a reality; but you need to get hold of the right TV to appreciate the technology advancement – you’ll never be able to view it the way it was meant to be viewed, 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. If you have decided on going for a next generation TV set, we would recommend you to go through EXHIBIT’s PLASMA TV BUYING GUIDE which points out all the possible considerations in your decision making process.

What does the term PLASMA stand for?
But firstly, let us find out what Plasma is. Plasma is by far the most common form of matter. Plasma in the stars and in the tenuous space between them makes up over 99% of the visible universe and perhaps most of that which is not visible. On earth we live upon an island of "ordinary" matter. The different states of matter generally found on earth are solid, liquid, and gas. We have learned to work, play, and rest using these familiar states of matter. Sir William Crookes, an English physicist, identified a fourth state of matter, now called Plasma, in 1879. Plasma temperatures and densities range from relatively cool and tenuous (like aurora), to very hot and dense (like the central core of a star).

As we had learnt in our childhood days, matter consists of elements; an element consists of molecules, which in turn consist of atoms. Atoms are made up of a neutrally charged neutron, positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons. The neutron and the proton reside in the nucleus of the atom while the electrons orbit around the nucleus. And also, the number of electrons (negatively charged) orbiting the nucleus equals the number of protons (positively charged) present in the nucleus, and since the neutron is neutrally charged, an atom is neutrally charged.

Now when an atom releases all or some of its electrons (energy is needed to strip electrons from atoms, which can be of various origins: thermal, electrical, or light; e.g., ultraviolet light or intense visible light from a laser), the remaining part of the atom is left with a positive charge, and the detached electrons, negatively charged, move about freely. These atoms that have lost electron are called ions. The collection of these free moving electrons and ions is called Plasma, a term first applied to ionized gas by Dr. Irving Langmuir, an American chemist and physicist, in 1929. The free electrons collide with other atoms, knocking loose their electrons. In Plasma with an electrical current running through it, negatively charged particles rush toward the positively charged area of the Plasma, and positively charged particles rush toward the negatively charged area. In many cases interactions between the charged particles and the neutral particles are important in determining the behavior and usefulness of the Plasma. The type of atoms in a Plasma, the ratio of ionized to neutral particles and the particle energies all result in a broad spectrum of Plasma types, characteristics and behaviors. With insufficient sustaining power, Plasmas recombine into neutral gas. Because Plasmas are conductive and respond to electric and magnetic fields and can be efficient sources of radiation, they can be used in innumerable applications where such control is needed or when special sources of energy or radiation are required.

How is Plasma Display Technology incorporated in a TV?
Now in a Plasma TV, the display consists of thousands of sealed, low pressure glass chambers or compartments generally consisting of two glass plates, each containing parallel electrodes, sealed to form an envelope, filled with a neon and xenon gas mixture. Applying an electric field between the electrodes creates gas discharge Plasma.

The Plasma generates ultraviolet light which in turn excites the phosphor coating inside the glass envelope (Phosphors are the material on back glass that emit the visible light that makes up the picture we see. On a cathode-ray tube (CRT) the phosphors are on the front glass and are excited by a beam of light from the cathode ray). The phosphor emits a single color of visible light. Each pixel consists of three sub-pixels, one each of red, green and blue. By combining these primary colors at varying intensities, all colors can be formed. So, based on the information in a video signal, the television produces the entire color spectrum combining these colors in different proportions.

Although Plasma TV hit the retails towards the end of the last millennium, the concept has been around for a while. The technology had been under development 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.

Let’s consider some of the pros of Plasma TVs
Slim, Space-saving Design: Plasma display monitors are very slim when compared to the CRTs; they measure a mere 3.5 inches on 42 inches screens and 4 inches for 50 inches screens. Conventional CRTs, DLP TVs, and rear projection TVs take up far more space and are much more limited in placement flexibility. The placement installation options provided are plenty for Plasmas; apart from 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. 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.

Soothing to eyes: Plasma TV, under most ambient light conditions, performs well. A very bright light does not "wash out" its picture, nor does backlighting cause a glare on your TV screen. The beauty of these flat screens is that, unlike front view projections screens, you don't have to turn out the lights to see the image clearly and easily.

Higher Resolution: Plasma TVs 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.

Absence of Scan Lines: Plasma TVs have none of those annoying scan lines that conventional sets do. 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. These are absent in Plasmas 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.

Brilliant Color Accuracy: Some of the high-end Plasma TVs are capable of displaying an amazing 16.77 million colors! Plasma sets offer superb color realism and exceptional gradations among colors. In fact, these color-saturated images are what give Plasma displays an edge over other types of video displays. The advances in Plasma panel technology and digital video processing have resulted 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 (with the exception of the new OLED TV technology).

Wide Screen Aspect Ratio: Designed to match the natural field of view of the human eye, Plasma TVs have a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio (i.e., 16 units wide to 9 units high), which is prescribed for viewing HDTV and for watching DVDs. But most television shows are still broadcast in the more traditional 4:3 aspect ratio, the one that more closely approximates the dimensions of conventional TV sets. At this point you might wonder what happens when you watch a standard (4:3) TV program or a computer image. Does this mean that you'll have to watch some shows where the image is distorted or stretched unnaturally? The answer is straight away NO! 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. 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; this might cause motion artifacts and pixelation that often result 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 termed differently 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 noticeable. If it's done well, you'll hardly notice any difference at all.

Flat Screen: The screens of Plasma TVs are perfectly flat, with hardly any curvature, which eliminates the edge distortion that can occur in CRT displays. This property also allows wide viewing angles. A Plexiglas layer most often protects the glass-encased Plasma display element; some of the better Plasma TVs incorporates anti-glare coatings and special color filters to further enhance the picture quality and view ability of the flat screen.

Uniform Screen Brightness: Plasma displays illuminate all pixels evenly across the screen. Each pixel cell has its own transistor electrode, which creates smooth, evenly lit images across the entire surface of the display. As such, the uneven screen brightness that we frequent in many traditional display units - "hot spots" in the middle of the screen or a darkening near the corners do not appear on Plasmas and hence, they sport a "smooth" appearance, and ultimately a more accurate picture.

Wide Viewing Angle: The flat screen property enables Plasma TVs high viewing angles sometimes even exceeding 170 degrees. No matter from what angle or from wherever in the room you view the TV, you will allows get bright, clear pictures.

Accepts Universal Input: A Plasma display is a television monitor, capable of displaying HDTV, regular TV, and home video. It's also a computer monitor. In fact, it can accept any video format. Plasma displays typically include inputs for (a) composite video, (b) S-video and component video, and (c) one or more RGB inputs from a computer. Many 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. Many of the Plasma TV models are even equipped with interchangeable input boards, allowing you to configure your Plasma display to meet your needs exactly.
No Distortions due to Magnetic Fields: Components such as loudspeakers create strong magnetic fields that result in distortion of the video output when placed very close to a conventional TV. Plasmas are, however, immune to the effects of magnetic fields, because Plasma display technology does not use electron beams as in case of traditional CRT displays. As such, you can place your Plasma TVs in close proximity to any type of loudspeakers without having to worry for any kinds of image distortions.
Long Lifespan: You can expect to use you Plasma display for many years. The average lifespan of one of these displays is 30,000 hours. That's about 3.5 years of 24/7 usages! If you watch TV for 8 hours a day, it would take you more than a decade to wear out your Plasma display.

The screen size
Just like conventional TV screens, Plasma TVs are measured diagonally across the screen. Plasma screen TVs start at 37 inches and increase in size up to 103 inches. The most typical sizes are: 37 inches, 42 inches, 50 inches, 58 inches, 60 inches and 65 inches; though the 37 inches size seems almost non-existent today. Most screens, smaller than 37 inches use LCD Panel technology; and anything larger than 65 inches are typically rear-projection televisions.

To figure out the right screen size for you, the prime factor that you should consider is the size of the room or the viewing area where you plan to install the TV. Firstly, regarding the placement of the TV, we recommend you should allow at least 3 inches of open space at the top, around a couple of inches behind the TV for allowing the heat to escape, and if you wish to attach external speakers to your Plasma TV provided that they’re not in-built, be sure to leave an approximately 6 inches of space on either side of the TV.
Now for the viewing part, you must ensure that you have adequate and proper viewing space between you and your TV in order to achieve optimal viewing experience. For best viewing, EXHIBIT recommends you should maintain the following distances:
 

Though HDTV signals allow for a much closer viewing distance due to a much clearer picture, these viewing-distance guidelines are still appropriate because most of the television signals are not broadcast in HD.

The Screen Resolution
Plasma TV resolution refers to the number of actual pixel cells contained in the Plasma display element. More pixels equal more resolution. And resolution is the main reason why high-definition pictures look better. Instead of having 576 visible lines of detail, HD programming and HDTVs can display up to 1080, delivering incredible clarity and detail. That’s much more detail than a standard-definition TV, which means clearer and sharper pictures. HD also uses millions more colours than normal TV. The High Definition TVs are available in three formats:

• 720p - which has 720 lines and is a progressive scan format - progressive scan means that the whole picture is loaded at once, rather than line by line, delivering a smoother image that stays sharp during motion.
• 1080i - more lines and pixels.
• 1080p - the third format, combines the superior resolution of 1080i with the progressive-scan smoothness of 720p. All 1080p formats are known as full HD.

Generally, a Plasma TV screen is considered "High Definition" if the second number of the resolution is at least 720 pixels. The Plasma HDTVs are available in three resolutions formats:

• 1024 X 768 (720p) found on many 42 inches Plasma screens, is available in many models, is very popular and is comparatively less expensive.
• 1366 X 768 (also a 720p or 1080i resolution) found on 50 inches, 60 inches, & 65 inches Plasma screens, is also available in many models, is very popular, and is more expensive than the previous category.
• 1920 X 1080 (1080p) super high resolutions found in Plasma screen sizes from 42 inches to 103 inches, is sported in few models, is high-end, and is very expensive.
 

Many manufacturers have adopted the new 1920 X 1080 (1080p) resolution as their core resolution. But, 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. And again, these 1080p Plasma TVs come at much higher costs, compared to the 720p ones.

Now, to find out which resolution you should opt for consider the following:

• 720p resolution is the most widely available and affordable as well.
• Most current HD programming is in 720p format.
• You will still be able to receive higher standard HD programming such as 1080, the quality will simply be ‘downgraded’ to 720p

So, for most of us the 720p will deliver incredible detailed and realistic pictures and means you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of emerging HD technologies. If you are unsure whether to cough up extra 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. Gaming enthusiasts and movie fans with Blu-ray or HD DVD players on the other hand will find that a 1080p television is the only way to fully experience the true potential of high-definition PS3, blu-ray and other HD DVD players. Again more and more blu-ray and HD discs are being released, providing cinema-quality picture and sound.

Also you should keep on your mind that the number of pixels and resolution isn’t the only factor affecting the picture quality. Contrast ratio (the difference between the blackest blacks and the whitest whites) and brightness are factors. A higher level of brightness, for example, will produce a more vibrant picture; on average, brightness is 500cd/m2. Most manufacturers also incorporate their own picture-enhancing technologies to deliver more brilliant, realistic colours and to bring further clarity to fast-action scenes.

The Audio
Although most of the Plasma TVs come with in-built speakers built in the bezel, a few do not. You need to purchase speakers separately in those cases. The quality of the internal speakers including the wattage level of the output is a very important aspect while buying a Plasma TV. When you are going for a next generation display unit, you would certainly expect the audio quality must at least be acceptable, if not better. Most Plasma TVs come with around 10W X 10W dual built in speakers; but 15W X 15W is preferable. Many consumers today choose to have surrounded sound speaker systems installed in the main TV watching room of a house. The built in internal Plasma TV speakers may be used separately, 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 LCD TV.

Consideration for Built-in Tuner
Now a day we have analog and digital tuners. Older, traditional CRT TVs will typically have an analog tuner built it. These sets will not be able to accept or decode digital television (DTV) transmissions. Most TV tuner "cards" or "boards" as they are sometimes called are set inside a TV to allow for decoding of - originally analog broadcast signals. Plasmas often have a digital tuner built into an outboard "media receiver" (integrated) to receive digital TV signals and decode them.

Convenience or space limitations on having a receiver box placement are the main reasons to have a tuner built into the television. With the tuner built in to the monitor, the user will also be able to use one remote control for the television when changing channels. However, with the tuner built in, the TVs ability to accept different signal standards in the future may be inhibited. And with changing technology and FCC uncertainty this is a negative.

However, if the tuner is not built into the display you will have the option of newer and better technologies and standards in the future. This is one of the reasons that incoming signals for very high-end Plasma TVs are decoded through outboard options. If the viewer is watching cable - a cable box or VCR will tune the signal. A satellite receiver box may be used to tune an incoming signal from DirecTV or Dish. A VCR or separately sold TV tuner will tune an incoming broadcast signal. However the best option is an HDTV decoder box, which will also decode and display HDTV, as well as over the air analog and digital broadcast programming. Some receive and decode satellite and broadcast combined. Others will decode HDTV and digital signals through cable (available through your local cable provider). Many of the best decoders out there have upgradeable software, screen format adaptability, and Dolby Digital pass through for surround sound. Probably the biggest advantage of an outboard decoder is that up-converter/ down-converter capabilities allow any received programming to be displayed in 1080i or 480i. In other words, the decoder can accept a poor quality broadcast analog signal and up-convert it to a much better display resolution. It acts as a line doubler in this capacity.

To sum it up, you don't really need to have a tuner built into a high-end Plasma TV. It may limit your TVs compatibility in the future. However, there are situations where you will want the tuner built in i.e. a Plasma TV on the bedroom wall with no place to put an outboard decoder. You would also want built in speakers in this situation. TVs with the tuner built in (or with the outboard decoder included) normally sell for at least 20% more.

Mounting and Installation
The flexibility in mounting and installing is one of the major benefits of Plasma TVs. Listed below are the general mounting options that you might consider:

Flat Wall: The most common mounting option for Plasma TVs for home or commercial use, this option is the least expensive and allows the Plasma monitor to remain closest to the wall, adding less than 2 inches to the depth. It is used in the home theater, living room, or company boardroom to achieve the sleek appearance Plasma TVs are known for.

Tilt Wall: If you decide upon placing the Plasma TV higher than the desired eye level, you can go for a tilt wall mount. It typically allows 15 degrees to 20 degrees of tilt, depending upon the brand. Commonly used above fireplaces or on the bedroom wall, a tilt wall mount is also just the thing for overhead displays in retail or industry, with or without an attached ceiling bracket. A tilt wall mount typically adds from 4 inches to 6 inches to the overall depth of the Plasma display when mounted.

Articulating Wall: This apparatus uses a swivel arm that folds up when not in use allowing the Plasma to be "flush mounted" like the tilt wall mount. It adds between 3 to 4 inches to the depth of the Plasma mount depending on the manufacturer. It is used for maximum flexibility in sports bars, library studies, and commercial display operations. Most articulating wall mounts can turn 120 degrees to both side and tilt up to 10 degrees to 15 degrees.

Ceiling: A ceiling mount arm is normally used with the tilt wall mount and provides an attractive mounting option for airport displays; check out counters, hospital rooms, and bedrooms. Though the ceiling mount can be used with flat wall mount, tilting the unit downward is normally necessary. Lengths of ceiling mount poles are variable, anything from 24 inches to 43 inches depending upon customer needs.                 

Table Stand: Most consumer-oriented Plasma TVs come with their own matching table stand, used wherever there's enough table-stop space to support the TV. These units are custom made to manufacturer’s specifications as each Plasma display has its own requirements regarding how the stand fits the Plasma. The table stand allows for a surprisingly sharp look and allows for maximum flexibility, as nothing is permanently affixed to the wall. 

Plasma TV Cart: Typically used for business applications, this display solution is used for trade shows as well as in-house presentations. It is used often in a courtroom setting or to mobilize up to the edge of a boardroom table for maximum visual presentation. It may include a platform for placing a DVD player, laptop computer, or VCR. 

Lift: Finally, there are a variety of lift options also available such as motorized ceiling lifts, console lifts, motorized furniture lifts and hydraulic furniture lifts. Lift options allow the Plasma or LCD TV to be hidden from view when not in use. Hydraulic lifts are manually operated and less expensive while motorized lifts can be operated using remote control.

Now, regarding installation, if you have doubts whether a Plasma TV is hard and complicated to install, we can assure you that installing a Plasma TV is relatively easy; only a few things need to be considered.

If you opt to install the wall mount yourself, there will be a few things you will need. You will need a stud finder in order to locate the studs in the wall. Once you've done that you are ready to anchor the mount on the wall using a drill and four screws. You will need a level (preferably laser) to help make sure the Plasma TV mount is level. During this procedure, it helps to have at least two people present to help lift the Plasma onto the mount. Once the wall plate is installed on the wall and the mounting adaptor plate is installed on the back of the Plasma TV all you have to do is hang the Plasma on the wall plate and you are ready for your cable hookups.

Running the cable inside wall becomes a bit more complicated and depending on your carpentry skills may require some professional installation. You probably want to hide the cables in the wall to conceal them. This is also an easy process but you will need a special device to "fish" the cable through the wall.

For articulating wall mount applications we recommend a professional installer unless you are extremely handy. Articulating wall mounts are heavier and more difficult to work with.

If you are planning on placing the Plasma TV on the table stand, it is very easy. Many consumer Plasma TVs these days come with the stand already attached. Hooking an HDMI cable to the TV is simple and your ready to go.

However, if you need help with installation, the dealer from whom you buy the TV will assist you with skilled personnel.

Connecting options
Connecting your Plasma TV to other home appliances like home theatre may apparently seem to be a laborious task, but in reality it's much simpler when you know which types of connection are available, and which ones you need - both now and in the future. Let us present you with the major types of video connections:

Composite Video: Composite Video terminals are the old standard "A/V" jacks you're probably familiar with. A composite video cable delivers both chrominance (color) and luminance (light/dark or grayscale) information along the same cable. While composite video is far inferior to Component Video, it's still capable of producing a good picture, and may be your only option for VCRs and some cable boxes. Be sure to use a high-quality composite video cable for best results.

S-Video: S-Video uses a 4-pin rounded plug to separate the chrominance (C) and luminance (Y) signals, which theoretically should improve picture quality over the standard composite video "A/V" connection. S-video jacks increase resolution, help color reproduction, and help reduce jitter at scene transitions. Apparently it seems, to get the most out of your video source, you must use an S-video jack for the highest resolution. In reality however, we've found that most of today's Plasma TVs perform just as well, or even better, with the composite connection: the video processing circuits in the Plasma will do a fine job of separating the information once it reaches the monitor.

Component Video: Also called Color Difference or ColorStream, this is the best of the analog video connections. Component video terminals are found on almost any Plasma TV you'll be considering, and can be used for progressive-scan DVD, HDTV, and your higher-end cable and satellite boxes. One important note is about the bandwidth of the component video terminal: if you want to use your component inputs for HDTV, look for component inputs called "high-bandwidth" or "HDTV component video" to ensure the terminal can handle the extra information passed through an HDTV signal. While similar to RGB (red/green/blue) connections, it separates the luminance and chrominance even further providing superior images over S-VHS. Most step-up DVD players now include component video outputs, which will also be included on most HDTV set-top boxes. Many TV manufacturers are now including these inputs on their mid- to upper-line TVs.

DVI (Digital Visual Interface): DVI is a multi-pin plug, used to transfer video information in an all-digital format. Because the signal undergoes less digital-to-analog conversion, DVI should result in a sharper picture with less conversion artifacts. Most DVI outputs provided by Home Theater gear will be of the DVI-D type, which only carry digital signals, and usually support the HDCP (High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection) standard of copy protection used by many HDTV providers. Many PC video cards use DVI outputs as well, and you may find Plasmas with DVI-I terminals, which support both digital and analog signals. If you see a DVI-I terminal on a Plasma which does not support HDCP, it's most likely intended for PC use.

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface): To take advantage of the latest and greatest, you'll want a Plasma TV with an HDMI input - or the option of adding an HDMI terminal board to your Plasma. With a bandwidth of up to 5 Gbps, the HDMI standard allows for transmission of high-quality digital video (up to 1080i) along with up to 8 discrete channels of audio, all on the same cable. Found on the latest HDTV set-top boxes and a growing number of DVD players - many with HDTV-quality up-conversion, HDMI has proven more than a home theater fad, and should be around for years to come. Backwards compatibility with the older DVI standard means you can use an adapter cable to use DVI output devices with your HDMI-enabled Plasma television.

RGB/VGA: The 15-pin d-Sub VGA jack is still the standard for PC video connections, and is usually accompanied by a ¼ inches stereo "mini-jack" for PC audio. If you want to use your Plasma as a PC monitor, you'll need a 15-pin VGA terminal or a PC-compatible DVI connection.

Manufacturers
The leading manufacturers of Plasma TV are Pioneer, Vizio, Samsung, Sony, BenQ, Hitachi, Marantz, NEC, Runco, AOC, Maxent, Sampo, Zenith, Panasonic, LG, Dell, HP and Philips. Panasonic and Hitachi are usually rated among the best Plasmas. We suggest you not to get blinded by brands; all brands sport attractive models and even within a brand you'll find performance varying in between models. Models are launched every now and then, with improved technology and features, often displacing old favorites. The industrial professionals have considered Pioneer Elite Plasma TVs to be the reference standard. Panasonic and Hitachi are usually rated among the best Plasma TVs, with Philips, LG, and Samsung, (in no particular order) following suit. HP, Dell, Maxent, V inc. (Vizio), and AOC are regarded as the best among the budget Plasma manufacturers.

And finally, some Useful Tips
Whoever you plan to purchase your Plasma TV from, whether it be a brick and mortar retailer or an online/ internet dealer, ask the company representative you speak with some specific questions about the product as pointed out in this buying guide, before ordering. The dealer should offer you with demos of the models that you have short-listed. Make sure they can give you some after-purchase technical assistance, and guide you in the purchase of accessories such as mounts, cables, etc. Look for knowledgeable, unbiased advice on which products may best suit your needs. Generally, you should look for a well-established, specialized dealer who will give you a good price and good after-sale service and support. Given below is a list of specs of which some are important while others aren’t but you will come across these at the time of evaluating the Plasma TV before buying. And finally, we have the Glossary for you to provide you with some of the important terminologies at a glance.

Glossary

16:9 Aspect Ratio

The Plasma TV sets are designed to provide wide-screen pictures without the letterbox effect (black bars found on the top and bottom of the screen). This is great for wide-format movies, but for conventional pictures you will either end up with a cropped picture on the top or bottom, or black bars on both sides of the picture, or picture-outside-picture on one side. Some projection sets will stretch a standard 4:3 picture to fit the screen, although this usually results in some picture distortion. For details refer to the Pros of Plasma TVs section.

Audio Inputs/ Outputs

In general, in a Plasma TV there are more audio inputs/ outputs than video ones. More audio, as well as video inputs/ outputs are desirable, as they allow you more versatility in signal switching of multiple VCRs, DVD players, and the like. Depending on how you decide to hook up your A/V system, either the TV or your A/V receiver can be used for video switching. Audio and video input jacks are more desirable for hooking up a VCR than putting the signal through your RF antenna connector, as they will provide you with better audio and video quality. Refer to connecting options section for details.  

Cable-ready

Beware not to get confused with this term cable-ready; a cable-ready set will never allow you receive pay services free of charge. A cable-ready set only eliminates the need for a converter box to receive basic cable programming. Except for a few 13-inch and smaller sets, every TV sold today is cable-ready. To receive premium channels, which are scrambled, you might need the converter box. To this end, many higher-end sets offer dual antenna inputs. Through the use of a signal splitter (available from your cable company or Radio Shack), you split the signal before it goes into the cable box. One signal goes directly to your TV, and the other to your cable box. The second signal then goes out from your cable box and into the second antenna input of your TV. In this way, all unscrambled programming is available on antenna A, and scrambled/premium services are available on antenna B. As long as your TV has a universal remote, it will control your cable box. Therefore, you do not need your cable company's remote (which is normally provided at an additional cost). Several years ago, a standard interconnect was agreed upon and the TV manufacturers built this interconnect into their sets. IEEE-1394 "Firewire" is a specialized digital computer cable that allows information to be passed in either direction. It is currently used in the computer industry to pass and capture digital video images from digital still cameras to your computer. Firewire lets you connect your digital TV with a myriad of digital accessories, and is instrumental in the development of new services, including digital video programming.

Channel Block/ Parental Lock-Out

Generally all Plasma TVs now include a V-chip (V for violence) that allows parents to lock out certain programs if they have too much violence or sexual content. By punching in a special code (that you as the parent devise), parents can lock out children (or anyone else) from viewing specific channels or disable the TV from being used during a specified time of day.

 Comb Filter

This feature improves resolution, picture quality, and reduces objectionable color patterns. Low-end to moderate sets use a glass comb filter. CCD or digital comb filter, which greatly enhances resolution, is used in high-end sets.

 Component Video (Inputs/ Outputs)

Component video terminals are found on almost any Plasma TV you'll be considering, and can be used for progressive-scan DVD, HDTV, and your higher-end cable and satellite boxes. If you want to use your component inputs for HDTV, look for component inputs called "high-bandwidth" or "HDTV component video" to ensure the terminal can handle the extra information passed through an HDTV signal. For details, refer to connecting options option.

 Dual-Antenna Inputs

This feature implies your set can accommodate two antenna sources, such as a master antenna and cable box or master antenna/ cable box and DSS decoder. By having dual inputs, you can switch between these antenna sources easily.

 DVI and HDMI interfaces

There are two all-digital video connections for HDTV set-top boxes, monitors, DVD players, and some audio/ video receivers: DVI (digital visual interface) and HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface). DVI sends digital video data from a source (such as an HDTV set-top receiver or progressive-scan DVD player) to a display (such as an HD-ready television), and it eliminates the need for digital-to-analog decoders. HDMI builds on DVI by adding multi-channel digital audio to the digital video, so digital audio and video can be transmitted in one cable. Both DVI and HDMI incorporate HDCP (high-bandwidth digital content protection), a data encryption method that prevents video piracy. DVI and HDMI both support uncompressed data transfer, and neither is constrained by cable length limitations (up to 500 meters). HDMI is fully backward-compatible with DVI, and with its incorporation of multi-channel audio, HDMI is expected to completely replace DVI in the near future.

 External Speaker Jacks

These devices allow you to attach separate speakers directly to a TV for improved sound quality, or to attach rear speakers, allowing you to experience surround. The downside to this equation is based on the wattage of your internal television amplifier.

Front A/V Jacks

These jack packs found on the front of a TV (usually hidden under a panel) are a handy feature, especially for hooking up a camcorder or a video game console.

HDTV/HD-Ready

HDTV refers to a television with an integrated high-definition tuner, allowing it to display ATSC (high-definition) broadcasts. An HD-ready set has the ability to display HD content, but it requires an external HD receiver or set-top box. EDTV (enhanced-definition TV) describes a television that can display HD content but at lower resolutions than true HDTV. Nevertheless, EDTV displays are still far superior to standard analog displays.

Horizontal Resolution

Horizontal resolution is the number of horizontal lines that the television can display. The oretically, the more lines that can be displayed, the better the picture. Broadcast television displays 330 lines, VHS tapes about 240 lines, S-VHS tapes about 400 from a pre-recorded video (330 from broadcast), and DVD about 425 lines. When broadcast, satellite, DSS, and video sources become available with greater resolution; sets with higher horizontal resolution will be able to receive an enhanced signal.

Invar Shadow Mask

Invar shadow mask gives the picture more brightness and punch. Invar is considered to be a premium feature. When sets are very bright, a side effect called "blooming" occurs. To counteract this bleeding of colors, some manufacturers include the invar shadow mask.

Notch Filter

This filter helps remove a small part of the signal that contains excess color information. By doing so, it helps eliminate some objectionable color effects. However, using this circuit creates a slight loss in picture resolution.

Number of Speakers

Indicates the number of speakers found on a particular television set. Obviously, for people who do not plan to attach additional speakers, more is better.

Picture-in-Picture (PIP)

PIP lets you view two image sources simultaneously. The primary picture displays full-size on the screen, while the second picture is normally placed in a smaller box located in one corner of the screen. To use PIP, you need a second video source such as a VCR. A handful of upper-end sets include a second tuner for PIP, thereby eliminating the need to use the VCR tuner as the second video source. Advanced PIP lets you display multiple PIXs (or channels) on the screen at the same time (all are frozen except the channel that it is presently scrolling through), change the size or location the smaller box, and swap back and forth between main and PIP. Picture-outside-picture (POP; also known as picture-out-of-picture) allows the screen to be split into two equal-sized, side-by-side pictures. POP is sometimes considered a function of PIP, and many manufacturers do not distinguish between the two.

Premium Sound Systems

Manufacturers are looking for ways to come up with better sound enhancement systems. RCA and Sony, for example, include SRS (Sound Retrieval System), developed by Hughes for use in their high-end sets. SRS adds depth and more realistic sound without adding additional speakers. Similar systems have been developed by Toshiba with their Cyclone Sub-Bass System with 4-channel DSP, and Zenith with SEQ. Some manufacturers are now adding Spatializer sound to enhance their audio.

Remote Control

Generally, TVs have either a basic, standard, unified, universal, or learning remote. There are also a few combination universal/learning models. A basic remote controls basic functions, such as volume up/ down or channel up/ down and power on and off. A standard remote is an enhanced basic model with a keypad for direct access and access to on-screen menus and displays. Universal remotes are becoming the most common remotes. They come with pre-programmed codes for both VCRs and cable boxes. Some brands offer models that are ergonomically designed with keys of different shapes, colors, and sizes. On top of that, a handful of brands include devices with illuminated keys. That's a feature you'll appreciate when trying to read those buttons in a semi-dark room. Learning remotes can be taught codes from other types of components, such as A/V receivers and surround processors. If you are trying to tie all of your components together, a learning remote might be the best option. However, at best, they can learn only primary functions for each component. Normally, you cannot get into menus from other products to adjust surround settings, for example. Learning remote from an A/V receiver or an aftermarket universal/learning unit might be a better bet for trying to tie all of your components together.

S-Video (Inputs/Outputs)

S-Video uses a 4-pin rounded plug to separate the chrominance (C) and luminance (Y) signals, which theoretically should improve picture quality over the standard composite video "A/V" connection. S-video jacks increase resolution, help color reproduction, and help reduce jitter at scene transitions. For details refer to connecting options section.

Scan Velocity Modulation

This feature sharpens the video output. Scan velocity modulation adjusts the rate of horizontal movement of the beam as it "draws" the scan lines, which gives black-and-white picture transitions more punch. This results in a sharper picture.

Special Picture Tubes

A better grade of picture tube is normally found in larger sets. A recent innovation that has taken the industry by storm is the inclusion of either dark-tint or dark-glass picture tubes. By offering darker faceplates, these picture tubes provide greater contrast between black and white. Those brands that include darkened picture tubes have had to increase brightness levels so that the picture does not appear too dark. Most consumers prefer brightness to color accuracy. Other advancements include flattened picture tubes, which offer less distortion on the outer edges of the picture. Some manufacturers use a combination of techniques to tweak out the highest performance from their picture tubes. These sets, while costly, offer the viewer a picture with the highest resolution and provide the most lifelike appearance.

Stereo (Watts per Channel)

Many sets include a multichannel television sound decoder (MTS), which receives and decodes all stereo signals broadcast by the networks or cable channels. Watts per channel refers to the wattage of the set's stereo amplifier. Some manufacturers' literature can be a bit deceptive if it indicates that the TV has a 20-watt amplifier. This normally means that the set can produce 10 watts per channel. 

Surround

Many manufacturers include matrix surround sound or other psycho-acoustic effects to enhance the audio. It might also be called ambiance or extended stereo effects. However, more and more sets are now including Dolby Pro Logic as a means to greatly enhance the audio quality. Obviously, you must add rear speakers to obtain the desired effect. A major drawback with these sets is their underpowered amps. Even with 5 or 10 watts per channel, these amps just don't cut it. Many sets include variable audio outs for connection to an A/V receiver, but few sets offer ample wattage. Some sets also include a center-channel input, which allows you to use the TV's internal speakers for the center channel. Other manufacturers, such as Sony, Toshiba, and RCA, offer special speaker systems that are compatible with their sets for an additional cost. 

Video Inputs/ Outputs

In general, in a Plasma TV there are more audio inputs/ outputs than video ones. More video, as well as audio inputs/ outputs are desirable, as they allow you more versatility in signal switching of multiple VCRs, DVD players, and the like. Depending on how you decide to hook up your A/V system, either the TV or your A/V receiver can be used for video switching. Audio and video input jacks are more desirable for hooking up a VCR than putting the signal through your RF antenna connector, as they will provide you with better audio and video quality. For details refer to connecting options section. 

Whether it is DVD, HDTV, Digital TV, or a digital satellite receiver, the Plasma TV is the perfect display companion. The dramatic, high-impact picture makes it not only compatible but also a very wise choice of television viewing.