How Plasma TVs And LCD TVs Differ

The buying of large-screen TVs has absolutely skyrocketed lately. It seems that everyone wants one – and with good reason. The large-screen TV has come a long way from those faded-out behemoths of old that took up half your living room and never really produced a picture of decent quality. Now, however, especially in combination with HDTV, you can get not only a nice, large picture, but a crisp, clean one too. Panasonic TH-42PX700 - 42" Widescreen Viera HD Ready Plasma TV - With Freeview, From Panasonic. Once you decide that you’re ready for a large-screen TV, you quickly discover that you only really have two main options – a plasma TV or an LCD TV. Plasma TVs were first on the scene, but the recent mass production of LCD TVs by major manufactures has put LCD TVs pretty much on equal footing with plasmas. That said, you will still have to make a choice. If you’re like most people, you not only have no idea how the two differ, you don’t even know the areas you should be considering in order to determine how they differ. But they do indeed differ, and knowing the difference is extremely important if you’re going to get the TV that’s right for you. You can essentially boil the differences between plasmas and LCDs into twelve basic points. In some areas, plasmas will win out. In other areas, LCDs will win out. In yet other areas, it will depend on your own personal taste in order to decide who wins out. The twelve ways plasma TVs and LCD TVs differ are the following: The first is a technical issue, and may seem a little boring, but it really does affect other areas. Plasmas TVs are made of chemical compounds called phosphors. LCD TVs use millions of liquid crystals. The next section is related to how big the TVs are and the availability of larger sizes. You have a wider selection of larger-size TVs with plasmas (though LCDs are catching up). The next section is “small size,” which is also important. Plasmas don't come in smaller sizes, which you will need for places like the kitchen. Next is viewing angle. Plasmas tend to have a wider viewing angle (though, again, LCDs are catching up). Although the manufacturers may not like to admit it, each “can” suffer from certain problems. Plasmas can suffer from burn-in effect; LCDs don't. Another problem area, but for LCDs, is “delay.” LCDs can produce a jagged figure when in motion. Plasmas tend to do better. HDTV improves this dramatically for both. The next area is life span. You can replace the light source with an LCD, thereby bringing your original picture back. With plasmas you can't. In the next few sections, the theme of “picture quality” is considered. First, color: LCDs produce sharp, lively colors. Plasmas produce warmer and more accurate colors. Next is brightness levels and the TVs ability to handle different lighting. LCDs tend to do better in bright-light conditions Also related to picture quality is “black levels.” Plasmas tend to produce blacker blacks. Another area to consider is contrast range. Plasmas, "technically," produce a higher contrast range. Last, and certainly not least, is price. At the moment, plasmas tend to run a little cheaper, but this is changing rapidly as LCDs flood into the market. By the time you read this, in fact, there may be no difference at all. Essentially, which one is right for you will all comes down to taste: What potential negatives will you not really notice? What positives do you want more of? What do you really want the TV for – movies, sports, news, regular TV shows? Both plasmas and LCDs have strong advocates in their corners. Both have deliriously happy customers. But those happy customers are only happy because they knew what they wanted before they made their purchase. If you want to make the right choice, you’ll have to decide what it is you want and which of the two TVs can best give you that. About the Author: Plasma vs. LCD TVs: To learn more about these two technologies and how your own personal tastes and viewing habits will affect your choice, read the full report at http://www.plasma-vs-lcd.com . You might also be surprised to learn that plasma TVs are like peanut butter and LCD TVs are like jelly. Yes, really. Read the report. Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Plasma Television Buying Guide by Microtek Lab Inc

Calculating the Correct Distance In setting up the environment for your plasma TV, a primary consideration is to determine the screen size to match the floor plan or available space where the plasma will be displayed. Plasma monitors are measured diagonally across the screen, just like any other television set. You can typically choose from the following sizes: 32", 40", 42", 46", 50", 61", or 63". Bigger is not always better, and a certain distance must be maintained between the plasma TV and the viewing area for optimal viewing experience. Sitting too far away diminishes the overall impact. Sitting too close, however, could also present its own problems - as when you start seeing the screen's "structure"; i.e., the dots or pixels that make up the plasma display. In determining the appropriate TV size for you, you should also consider the space required to install the unit itself. When recessing a plasma display unit, allow at least 3 inches of open space at the top of the unit and adequate ventilation space of at least 2 inches behind it as well. Remember, too, that most plasma displays do not have built-in speakers, so you'll need to allow space enough to attach speakers. What You Can Watch on Your Plasma TV You can choose between HDTV (High Definition TV) and EDTV (Enhanced Definition TV) for your choice of plasma display. Which type you prefer depends on the kind of material you intend to watch on the plasma. EDTV is the perfect entry point into digital television, with a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio and an image resolution that is 200% better than today's analog televisions. On the other hand, HDTV has up to four times the resolution and colors compared to EDTV, offering the ultimate visual and sound experience. At present, only a limited number of programs are broadcast in true high-definition format (all major networks broadcast HD counterparts to their regular analog-signal broadcasts). In fact, if you plan to use a plasma HDTV for regular TV programming, you may be surprised to find that regular TV programming may even appear slightly worse, as the big screen exaggerates the flaws in standard TV programs. DVD images from most of the currently available DVD titles on the market today also do not fare as well on true HD plasmas. In fact, these DVD images appear better on EDTV plasma units, because the image resolution of a widescreen DVD (nominally 740 x 480) more closely matches the actual resolution (852 x 480) of the EDTV plasma display. Why bother with a High Definition TV at all, you may ask? Because HDTV, paired with a true High-Definition or high-quality source, can produce truly stunning images. With a progressive-scan DVD player paired with, say, any of the recently released HD-DVD or forthcoming Blu-ray DVD titles (encoded in true HD format), your plasma HDTV can come to spectacular life and bring out unrivaled image quality. And as more TV programming becomes available in High-Definition format with the looming of the FCC deadline for switching to all-digital broadcasting, plasma HDTV sets will have more TV content to show. One thing's for sure: Your HDTV won't be obsolete anytime in the next few years. Plasma TV Specifications When comparing plasma TV sets, it's important to know what to look for to make sense of the specifications you're presented with. Below is a quick rundown on the necessary specs that you need to weigh before making that all-important purchase decision. Resolution: Resolution is a determining factor in selecting a plasma TV. Do you want HDTV or EDTV? HDTV, with a resolution of at least 1024 x 720, is the ultimate visual and sound experience, but what is available for viewing on HD is currently restricted to a few HD channels on cable, as well as the newly emerging - and necessarily few - DVD titles from the HD-DVD and Blu-ray DVD formats. On the other hand, most of the currently available DVDs actually play better when viewed on EDTV, because the image resolution of a widescreen DVD (nominally 740 x 480) more closely matches the actual resolution (852 x 480) of the EDTV plasma display. Choosing the type of plasma TV that you want, therefore, is a question that should be considered along with the type of content you frequently watch or will be watching on your plasma. Inputs: A plasma television should work with any existing video component with standard A/V, S-Video, or Component Video outputs. In addition, most plasma TVs have DVI or HDMI connections for use with high-definition sources. Some plasma TVs also have VGA input connections that allow them to be used as monitors for a PC. At the minimum, look for the following specifications on a plasma connection: DVI-I or DVI-D, Component, RCA or Composite, and S-Video. Take into consideration your current component set-up - such as your satellite system, cable box, DVD player, and external stereo components - and see what kind of inputs or connectors they use. Tuner: Check your plasma to see if it is HD-ready or HD-integrated. An HD-ready plasma TV is essentially a monitor that needs an external tuner source before it can function as a TV. An HD-integrated panel has a tuner built into the set and is ready for use. If you receive your HDTV programming via cable or satellite instead of over-the-air, you may not need a tuner at all, as you will be using the set-top boxes provided by your cable/satellite service to receive HDTV programming. Check with your cable or satellite providers for more details. Some cable/satellite companies do away with set-top boxes and provide their subscribers with cable cards instead. Check with your cable/satellite provider if they provide cable cards and the cable-card type that they offer, and then check the specification on the plasma for cable card slots. Contrast Ratio: Contrast ratio is the measurement that determines the variation between the whitest and darkest parts of the image. This is an important specification, since plasma TVs with a low contrast ratio will make dark images look muddy and gray while making light images look washed out. A good measure of contrast ratio is 1,000:1 or higher. Anything less than 1,000:1 - especially on a set that is 42" or larger - may not provide optimal viewing experience. Brightness: Without sufficient brightness, your image will look muddy and soft - even in a dark room. Viewing distance, screen size, and ambient room light will also affect the need for more brightness capability. A brightness rating listed at 550 cd/m2 or higher is good, but don't get bogged down with the technical number listed. Instead, make sure that the screen is bright enough for your needs as you conduct your own visual inspection. Panel Life: Look for a minimum of 60,000 hours of panel life in your plasma specifications. This is the rating on how long it would take before your panel has half the brightness compared to when it was new. A 60,000-hour spec translates to approximately 20 years of viewing at 8 hours per day. (This approximation may vary, depending on the source and type of content, settings, environment, and use of your plasma TV.) Anti-burn-in/Pixel Shift: Burn-in refers to the remnants burned on to the screen after a static image has been left on the plasma for a long period of time. To minimize or prevent burn-in, determine if the plasma panel utilizes burn-in protection, such as power management settings, full-time picture or pixel shift (both vertical and horizontal) technologies, or automatic screensaver functions. Speakers: If you plan to use an external surround sound system, you won't need audio speakers, but most plasma TV sets include speakers that rated anywhere from 7-12 Watts Pre-amp - which is much better than that of conventional TVs and sufficient for most viewing. Check your plasma's specifications to see if it comes with speakers and if the speakers are removable. Universal Remote: A universal remote can take the place of having one remote, so that it controls all the various components of your TV system, such as the DVD player, audio, cable/satellite etc. If you plan on buying a universal remote, check to see if it's supported by the plasma set of your choice to make sure the plasma accepts universal remote devices. Power Consumption: Power consumption for plasmas range from 240 watts to over 500 watts, If you're concerned with how much energy a plasma set may use, check its specifications to determine power consumption. Units tend to have higher wattage requirements as the screen increases. A good rule of thumb is to compare similar-sized units together; units with higher wattages tend to use inferior components as a rule. Microtek Lab Inc. is a consumer electronics company focused on scanners, plasma and lcd televisions, digital projectors, lcd monitors, digital cameras, home theatre equipment, and accessories. You can view their online store at http://store.microtek.com Use of this article is permitted provided that the article is used in its entirety.

Plasma TV Wall Mount

For those who want their home theatre to imitate the cinematic experience, a plasma TV wall mount is a good investment to save space and to give a great effect. A plasma TV wall mount is easy to install yourself, but if you prefer, you can hire a professional to do the job for you. The price of a typical plasma TV wall mount can range from $60 to $350, and it is a good idea to invest in the best plasma TV wall mount you can afford, since plasma TVs are quite delicate and you cannot risk having your plasma TV fall to the ground. However, most plasma TV wall mounts do the job sufficiently well. Your plasma TV wall mount should contain at least the following items: • Wall plate • Rails • Arms The wall plate attaches to the wall and the rails are for the back of the television. There should be two perpendicular arms with devices to connect to the back of the plate. The rails enable you to move the TV to the right or the left across the wall and enable you to lift the TV off, if necessary. You need to select a plasma TV wall mount suited to the type of plasma TV that you have. The average size is 26-41” and weighs up to 100 pounds. A typical plasma TV wall mount can handle this type of set. However, if you plasma TV is larger than this and weighs more than 100 pounds, you will need a two stud wall mount. It is possible to install your plasma TV wall mount on a concrete wall, although you will need a different type of plasma TV mount. Cement anchors are needed to keep you TV in place on a concrete surface, and you can also find long belts and other devices specially designed for concrete. As with any type of Plasma TV mount, ensure that your cement anchors are sturdy enough to hold a heavy unit. When you install your plasma TV, you might not be certain about what height you want. If you have a typical, flat plasma TV wall mount, you will need to put your plasma TV at the correct height. However, many people like to have their plasma TV’s a little higher. One reason is that, since plasma TV are so vulnerable to damage, those with children prefer to put their plasma TV as high up as possible to avoid stray balls from hitting the screen. If you want to put your plasma TV up high, you will need a special plasma TV wall mount that tilts so your set can face downward at an angle. You will also need a tilt plasma TV wall mount if your set is not completely flat, but has a gentle curve at the back. You can purchase a plasma TV wall mount with fixed arms or with articulating arms that move along a 90 degree swivel. The articulating wall mounts may cost a bit more, but are worth the investment if you like to view your television from different angles. They are not much more difficult to install than fixed arm wall mounts, and are just as durable. Ensure that your plasma TV wall mount is sufficiently durable. It is a good idea to install your television along with a friend who can help you take your plasma TV on and off the mount while you are testing it for durability. A partner can also see if there is any “giving” or wobbling, and this second pair of eyes might just save your set. If you are unsure of your abilities, it is worthwhile to hire a professional to install your plasma TV mount. About the Author: Marcus Grant http://www.SigK.com www.lcd-flat-screen-tv.net Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Plasma TVs And Your Home Entertainment Center

It seems as if everyone these days is showing off their expensive flashy new home entertainment centers. They’re linked wirelessly to computers, have more speakers than a Rolling Stone’s concert, and cost more than a midsize luxury sedan. They feature DVD players, DVR or Tivo, CD players, MP3 players, and anything else you can imagine. The centerpiece, though, still remains the same: the television. Plasma TVs have recently been introduced to the market. They are extremely flat television panels which make them very easy to mount on either a wall, in a cabinet or on other specially designed furniture. Plasma TVs are known for their wonderful quality and almost all plasma TVs come already equipped with an HDTV (high definition television) tuner which will allow you to watch all the HDTV channels that have been so widely discussed lately. The quality is amazingly realistic. As mentioned before, the plasma TV is completely flat. It much more easily manipulated than conventional CRT TVs and won’t burn out like rear projection TVs and LCD TVs. Mounting the plasma TV on the wall and adding rows of seats to a home theater will surly add a commercial theater feel to any room. Along with some of the high end sound systems available on the market today, the difference between a well equipped home theater with a quality plasma TV and a commercial theater is hard to distinguish. If mounting the plasma TV on the wall isn’t an option, try commissioning a carpenter to create a custom made cabinet. This may be a better option as it would allow for built in compartments for cords, DVDs, VHS tapes, DVD player storage, and more. Inside the cabinet, a custom mount could be created for the plasma TV. Add to this some remote control doors on the cabinet and one could have oneself a pretty Godfather-esque setup. In conclusion, if you wish to become the talk of the neighborhood with your brand new home theater or home entertainment center, be sure to have the finest centerpiece available with a large, high quality plasma television. About the Author: John Rivers is the owner of TV Home Center. His website offers LCD TV Reviews and Flat Screen TV Buying Advice. Article Source: www.iSnare.com

LCD TV or Plasma TV? 5 Tips to Help You Get the Best Buy

TV technology is moving incredibly fast and the pace is hottest with LCD and Plasma TVs. Last year's models will be outperformed by the new season's products for sure. Even better LCD and Plasma TVs are getting slimmer, more elegant and 'room friendly' all the time. The beauty of flat panel TVs is that they take relatively little space, look great and make for a great home theater system. Until recently, a Plasma was the only sensible large, flat panel TV choice, but LCD TVs are now available all the way up to 50 inch sizes. At that size they are more expensive than an equivalent size Plasma TVs, but the gap is closing fast. For smaller sizes up to 32 inches, an LCD TV is the most common flat screen TV choice. Buyers Tip No 1. Make sure you know the size you want and that it fits in your room. Measure up the space where your LCD and Plasma TVs will go - on top of a cabinet or hanging on a wall. The reason for this step? When you get to the mall and see the largest screen you're going to go "Wow I want that!" Buyers Tip No 2. Know your budget and stick to it. No doubt about it, LCD and Plasma TVs are sexy, especially when you see one showing one of your favorite movies. This means it's very easy to get carried away, spend too much and end up regretting your purchase as you pay it off, when you should be enjoying your new Plasma or LCD TV. Buyers Tip No 3. Be patient and shop around - time is on your side. Because the technology is evolving so quickly, prices drop noticeably every month and the products are getting better. Wait a little longer and the price for the Plasma or LCD TV you want will drop into your budget range. Buyers Tip No 4. Write down the features you want in a checklist. For example High Definition TV (HDTV) is now common, so you'll probably want that. Many Plasmas and almost all LCD TVs are now High Definition ready. List your key features in a table format and use it to compare and check off the features of each model on your shopping list. Buyers Tip No 5. At the end of the day, just trust your own eyes (and ears). After you've set your budget, worked out what size and features you want and compared the TVs in your price range, how do you make your choice? The answer is simple - buy the LCD or Plasma TV that you like the best. The best picture (and best sound) at the end of the day is the one you like best. Good shopping. About The Author Chris Galloway is a home theater and audio enthusiast. For product reviews and tips you can understand, visit http://www.lcdtvcenter.com.

Home Theater - Plasma TV VS Projectors

Many homeowners are struggling with an important, electronic question: What is the ideal display for my home theater? Many people have fought this debate, but I'll try to make clear some important considerations. The most important detail to consider when deciding between a projector and a large plasma television is ambient light. A room with lots of windows presents a problem for a projector because every little bit of ambient lighting degrades the projected image. The ideal environment for a projector is one where you have total control over the lighting. If your home theater uses a projector, you are limited to using it when you can eliminate other light. A plasma screen can be used anyplace, anytime. Assuming your home theater has blackout curtains, or exists deep underground; let's examine differences between a plasma television and a projector. One advantage of a projector is that you can get a much larger picture than is available in plasma. Projectors can produce images comparable to an 81-inch screen and larger. This just isn't possible with a plasma screen. However, plasma's have the advantage of not needing any amount of space. A projector must have a long enough corridor to project its image on the wall or screen. To get an 81-inch or greater image, you need a decent distance between the projector and the target. Second, a projector's image is dependent on more than the quality of the projector; you must be projecting onto a specialized surface or you lose detail. A top of the line HD projector with a very high native resolution would be wasted if you were just projecting the image onto a wall. You need an equally high quality screen with features such as a matte finish to eliminate reflection and glare. A plasma display requires no additional equipment. Overall, a projector has the potential of creating a beautiful image, but it needs too much to work effectively. If you're creating a private movie theater with lighting control and an investment in a screen, mounting equipment, and blackout curtains, then a projector is your piece of equipment. For everyone else, I suggest a plasma television. About The Author Jakob Culver is founder of the website www.plasmatvarena.com providing information, articles and reviews about plasma tv's. To find more articles like this one visit the site http://www.plasmatvarena.com/. © Millennium Online Marteting Pty Ltd