| To buy a plasma TV you have to first determine what | | | | LCD TVs have a refresh rate of 60 hertz or 120 |
| you need. You should consider some important | | | | hertz. In contrast, plasma TVs have a refresh rate of |
| aspects pertaining to plasma TVs before purchasing | | | | 480 hertz. A higher refresh rate will result in reduced |
| one. Do not choose a plasma TV based on the brand | | | | blurring in high intensity scenes with fog, waves or |
| alone. Each brand of Plasma TV's has its own | | | | smoke. |
| strengths and weaknesses. | | | | Distance |
| Listed below are some useful tips on plasma TVs that | | | | Determine the right viewing distance and choose the |
| can clear up some of the confusion that might arise | | | | size of your TV screen accordingly. If your viewing |
| after looking at a number of brands and varieties. | | | | distance is 6 to 10 feet, you should buy a TV screen |
| Glare | | | | that is 32 to 37 inches in size. At a distance of 10 to 14 |
| Choose a Television only if you are going to place it in | | | | feet, choose a plasma TV that is 42 to 46 inches in |
| a dark room. Plasma have a shiny surface. If you | | | | size. Plasma TVs that are 50 inches and larger are |
| place them in a room that is bright your TV viewing | | | | recommended for a distance of 12 to 15 feet from the |
| experience will not be as good as it could be. The | | | | screen to the viewer. For a screen size that exceeds |
| glare from the surroundings may be reflected while | | | | 60 inches you need to be more than 15 feet away |
| you are watching TV. | | | | from the screen. |
| Resolution | | | | Audio |
| You should decide on the lines of resolution. Choose | | | | You have to consider your audio options carefully. You |
| between 720 or 1080 vertical lines of resolution. If you | | | | can choose quality speakers that are incorporated into |
| receive HD TV signals or if you have a Blu-ray player | | | | the TV itself or buy them separately. Some |
| at home, consider 1080p. If you wish to see the | | | | manufacturers offer optional audio features that can |
| different, go to a retailer with a Blu-ray disc or an HD | | | | be attached to the sides. Alternatively, other options |
| DVD and ask for a demo. You should have both | | | | could include bookshelf or satellite speakers. For this |
| types of TVs placed side by side. This will enable you | | | | you will have to buy an amplifier or receiver setup as |
| to tell the difference. | | | | well. |
| Contrast Ratio | | | | Choice |
| The contrast ratio specifications are an important | | | | Choose the features of your plasma TV based on |
| consideration. A TV with a high contrast ratio is likely | | | | those you are likely to use. Consumer sets will have a |
| to produce more realistic images. The lowest contrast | | | | higher number of features, aesthetic looking bodies and |
| ratios available are 800:1. The newer varieties of | | | | promising warranties. Commercial sets provide better |
| plasma TVs offer contrast ratios as high as 30,000:1. | | | | picture quality but may lack features. |
| A higher rate of contrast will display true blacks in the | | | | So, before you commit to a TV purchase, consider |
| picture you see on screen. Low contrast ratios will not. | | | | glare, resolution, contrast ratio, refresh rate, audio |
| Refresh Rate | | | | options and the distance you will be sitting from the |
| If you have a home cinema, it is suggested that you | | | | screen. Do not ignore these important aspects when |
| select a plasma screen TV over an LCD television. | | | | choosing plasma TVs. |