Plasma Television ...the primary choice in BIG screen TV

A Complete Guide to Plasma TV Sets: Learn about the basic operational principles behind plasma displays, discover the pros and cons of plasma televisions versus LCD TVs, and get a better understanding of the features to look for when planning a plasma TV purchase.

Find out how to best install a Plasma HDTV and what you can do to protect your plasma TV investment. This and more in the series of guides appearing under this section.

Many have seen the big picture and it is FLAT!

Do you want a big screen TV without filling your room with a box-type rear projection television? Well, both LCD and plasma HDTV sets can be your way forward but...

While the two technologies are capable of delivering a great picture and both come in giant 60-inch plus screen sizes, yet for the informed buyer, plasma television sets still represent the big screen TV technology of choice.

Like their LCD counterparts, plasma television sets are sleek and versatile. They perform extraordinary well under most light conditions, and while LCD can do a better job in a brightly lit room, plasma HDTVs perform better under controlled lighting.

What's more, if you can afford the best in picture performance, plasma really delivers. The reality is that while advancements in the different display technologies mean that the differences in performance between plasma and LCD are getting more and more indistinguishable for most viewers, yet nothing beats plasma for its deep blacks and its ability to display shadow detail in predominantly dark content.

This renders plasma better suited for home theater use than its LCD counterpart. In addition, plasma support better off-axis viewing, and can do a better job in handling fast motion than LCDs.

Additionally, most plasma HDTVs will handle all your video needs - from standard definition to 1080p content through multiple HDMI inputs. True that most entry-level 42-inch plasma HDTVs come with a 720p native screen resolution, but then 720p is more than enough for anything smaller and including 50-inch screens. Still, if you want a 1080p HDTV, plasma televisions are readily available in as much as LCD HDTVs.

The great thing is that all this come at a significantly lower price tag than equivalent LCDs especially as one moves towards the larger 50-inch screen plasmas and above.

A lot is changing about plasma display pricing, and the number of cheap plasma televisions is on the increase, but...

While prices of plasma television sets did not continue to plummet at the same rate as they did up to a year ago, yet prices of high definition plasma television sets have nevertheless fallen to a level that is making the big screen flat-panel dream closer to reality.

This also explains why giant 58-inch and 60-inch plasmas - such as Samsung 58-inch PN58A550 and the LG 60-inch 60PG60 - are close to outselling equally valid but less expensive rear projection 1080p HDTVs within the same screen size.

At the same time, one cannot but remark that even with today low pricing, plasma televisions are still expensive beasts. Expect to pay around $3,000 for a giant 60-inch 1080p plasma TV. Even smaller 42-inch entry-level plasma HDTVs can set you back by up to $1,000; Samsung PN42A450 42-inch 720p plasma television costs around $900 online. Mind you, this is an interesting plasma in all respects from a top TV maker and that comes with a few unique features for the price - including 3D-ready; the latter means that it is possible to view 3D movies and gaming using special 3-D glasses.

Meanwhile, less known but equally valid brands are coming up with truly affordable plasma displays in an attempt to get their market share. A case in point is the 50-inch Vizio JV50P 720p plasma HDTV, which at $1,100 is one of the cheapest 50-inch plasma HDTVs. The Vizio comes with 70W RMS audio, wireless subwoofer and rear speakers; more than just an HDTV, with the Vizio JV50P, you get a complete AV solution.

In response to the low prices from less known TV makers, top plasma display manufactures are putting on the market various bare-bones plasma TV models. For example, the Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ80U is presently selling at a reduced price tag of just under $1,100 at amazon; at this price, it is probably the cheapest entry-level 1080p HDTV from a leader in the field.

A cheap plasma TV can be your way to a BIG screen HDTV
...but be careful!

Many are tempted by a number of ads appearing in the press advertising extremely cheap plasma televisions. It is not that there is something wrong going for a bargain price plasma display - after all, a cheap price tag does not necessarily equate to a lower quality product.

However, you should be fully aware that there is a trade-off in features and product specs in return for that lower price tag.

In addition, special care should be taken when dealing with unknown brands. The risk of ending up with a product that does not deliver in terms of performance and picture quality should not be ignored. We say, it is better to opt for a bare-bones plasma television from a know manufacturer; true that you may get less features but you would still end up with a quality product, and equally important, more reliable customer support.

So... if you would like to discover more about the so called inexpensive 'budget' class plasma HDTVs, check our Cheap Plasma TV Guide.

Even at the present affordable prices, it is still expensive to make the wrong choice. We therefore hope that this series of guides and featured plasma TV reviews will provide you with the necessary information to help you make the right choice.

Plasma Television Guides - Section Index:

Generic Plasma TV Guides:
	Plasma TVs - A Threatened Species? Plasma TV sales have been on the decline since 2006, this despite that many owners vow that plasma HDTVs deliver the best picture. Why? Will plasma displays survive the fierce competition from their LCD rivals?
	Plasma Display Technology - How-it-Works A short easy-to-follow description of the principles behind plasma flat-panel display technology.
	Plasma vs. LCD Television: A detailed 360⁰ comparative guide to choosing between a plasma TV and an LCD television. Issues discussed include Price and Size Considerations, Picture Related Issues, and Functional Matters.
	Choosing a Plasma Television - What to Look For Discussing the features to look for when choosing your flat-panel Plasma Television set.
	The Contrast Ratio Game - Playing with Numbers! See to what extent high contrast ratio ratings affect the performance of a video display device.
Plasma Television Installation Guides:
	Where to Place and How to Hang Your Plasma TV Discover how to select an optimum place for your plasma television set; explore alternative mounting options, and learn how to mount a plasma display panel in its new environment.
	Installing a Plasma TV Wall Mount Are you thinking of wall mounting your plasma television set? Find out all you need to know on how to install a plasma TV wall mount the professional way.
	Installing a Plasma TV over the Fireplace Mounting a plasma over the fireplace is a great way to display your new flat-panel TV. More in this Plasma TV Installation Guide.
	Wiring Solutions for Flat Panel TVs - Superb Home Theater Wiring Channels The Superb Home Theater wiring solution concept is easy home theater installation. It is designed for the home installer with basic DIY skills, but not only; more info in this review article.
	Home Media Cabinets for Flat-panel TV Installations Maria Yee Line of EcoLuxury™ Home Theater Furniture represents an exclusive three-piece collection of AV cabinets that offers more than just style and functionality.
Plasma TV Protection and FAQs:
	Protecting your Plasma TV Investment Simple steps you can take to keep your plasma TV unit performing at its best.
	Plasma TV FAQs Answers to a comprehensive list of Plasma Television FAQs, covering use, technology, and even fictions you might have heard or read about.
Plasma TV Reviews:
	Plasma TV Reviews Reviewing some of the present top-selling Plasma television sets and display panels.
	'Cheap' Plasma TVs Roundup Discussing some of the best affordable 'budget' plasma HDTVs presently available from major brands.
	'Best' Plasma HDTVs Here is our pick for premium plasma HDTVs within the 'best-value' category.

Are you thinking of buying a Plasma Television?

Plasma HDTV Sets
. . . the primary choice in big screen TV

Many have seen the big picture and it is FLAT!

A lot is changing about plasma display pricing, and the number of cheap plasma televisions is on the increase, but...

A cheap plasma TV can be your way to a BIG screen HDTV
...but be careful!

Plasma Television Guides - Section Index:

Generic Plasma TV Guides:

Plasma Television Installation Guides:

Plasma TV Protection and FAQs:

Plasma TV Reviews:

Are you thinking of buying a Plasma Television?

Plasma HDTV Sets . . . the primary choice in big screen TV

Many have seen the big picture and it is FLAT!

A lot is changing about plasma display pricing, and the number of cheap plasma televisions is on the increase, but...

A cheap plasma TV can be your way to a BIG screen HDTV ...but be careful!

Plasma Television Guides - Section Index:

Generic Plasma TV Guides:

Plasma Television Installation Guides:

Plasma TV Protection and FAQs:

Plasma TV Reviews:

Plasma HDTV Sets
. . . the primary choice in big screen TV

A cheap plasma TV can be your way to a BIG screen HDTV
...but be careful!