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Are you thinking of buying a Plasma Television?

Plasma HDTV Sets
. . . 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.


 

Samsung PN-50A550 50-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Samsung PN50A550 50" 1080p Plasma HDTV

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.

Insignia 32-inch 720p plasma HDTV

Insignia NS-PDP32-09
32-inch 720p Plasma TV

Equally interesting is that Vizio and Insignia (Best Buy in-house brand) have entered into a rather unexplored territory in terms of plasma TV sales - 32-inch plasma HDTVs - with sets that are selling at just over $500.

At this price, you get more for your money than an equivalent LCD HDTV. One may not expect a great picture from a $500 plasma but customer feedback shows that in general, owners are extremely satisfied with their purchase.

Customers seem to be equally satisfied with the rather personalized customer support that both Vizio and Insignia offer.

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:

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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?

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Plasma Display Technology - How-it-Works

A short easy-to-follow description of the principles behind plasma flat-panel display technology.

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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.

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Choosing a Plasma Television - What to Look For

Discussing the features to look for when choosing your flat-panel Plasma Television set.

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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:

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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.

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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:

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Protecting your Plasma TV Investment

Simple steps you can take to keep your plasma TV unit performing at its best.

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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:

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Plasma TV Reviews

Reviewing some of the present top-selling Plasma television sets and display panels.

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'Cheap' Plasma TVs Roundup

Discussing some of the best affordable 'budget' plasma HDTVs presently available from major brands.

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'Best' Plasma HDTVs

Here is our pick for premium plasma HDTVs within the 'best-value' category.

More information on plasma televisions will follow soon.

 

Update: 4th Feb. 2009

Buying a New HDTV?

Not sure if you should buy a premium 2008 HDTV now to enjoy a great bargain?

Should you wait a month or two till the new 2009 inch-thick plasmas are out for the latest in technology?

We discuss this hot issue with the hope that our discussion will help you make a better choice.

You may also join in our discussion here.

Article Date: 19th Sept. 2008

 

Plasma Televisions

Featured Reviews and Product Guides 

Plasma HDTV Reviews

Cheap Plasma TVs Roundup: Budget-class plasma TV reviews within the 42-inch and 50-inch category.

Best Plasma TVs:
Premium Plasma HDTVs within the 'best- value' category.

2008 Panasonic Plasma HDTV Product Guide - Part 1:
Introducing the Panasonic Viera line of Plasma TV sets for 2008.

2008 Panasonic Plasma HDTV Product Guide - Part 2:
Covering series PX80U, PZ80U, and PZ85U.

2008 Panasonic Plasma HDTV Product Guide - Part 3:
Discussing series PZ800U and PZ850U.

More Plasma TV Reviews:
Index of plasma HDTV reviews and product guides prepared by Practical Home Theater Guide.

 Home Theater Guides:

Recommended Technical Guides 

Plasma Television
A complete guide to plasma television - from the features to look for when purchasing a plasma television, to installing and protecting your plasma TV investment.

The Complete LCD TV Guide:
LCD HDTVs are turning out sharper, bigger, better, and cheaper. Discover all you need to know about LCD TV sets in this series of articles on LCD televisions.

Digital TV
A complete guide to Digital Television - DTV converters, TV antennas, and DTV transition.

The HoloVision Rak Master Pull-out/Swivel AV RacksEquipment Racks:
There is more to equipment racks than a storage space for your system components. More in this informative home theater guide.

The HDMI Cable Guide
To many, HDMI is still an unfamiliar term. This easy-to follow home theater guide explains all you need to know about HDMI.

Home Theater Set-Up DVDs
See how these calibration discs can come in handy during equipment setup.

Should You Opt for a 1080p HDTV?
Discover the strengths and weaknesses of the different HD formats - 720p, 1080i, and 1080p, in this HDTV Guide.

Home Theater Design:
A series of articles covering all aspects of a home theater from design to realization.

 

 HT Books and Magazines

Recommended Home Theater Reading

Sound & Vision

Provides good reviews on the latest home theater gear - covering both high-end equipment and budget-priced products.

Practical Home  Theater
(2008 Ed.)

A well-written home theater guide that should serve as a valid reference to anyone interested in home theater.

Featured Plasma 1080p HDTVs

Check out the latest special offers on Plasma HDTVs at amazon


For the full range of
HDTV sets at amazon
,
please click here.


 

 

 




A Quick Guide to Home Theater Design

A complete e-Book on how to research, design, and build your own Home Theater.

Home Theater Design e-book

by Duncan McClelland
More information HERE.


   

 


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