Plasma TV
The old CRT television bought way back in the 90s just broke down and economically not worth to repair. As digital broadcasting signal is slowly replacing analog broadcasting signal as the preferred choice for most networks, coupled with HDTV signal coming your way, it’s time to get a new plasma TV to experience the sharp, bright, smooth and high quality images for complete enjoyment. Since it’s quite expensive to own one, it pays to know getting some of the the best plasma TVs so that you’ll enjoy extraordinary viewing pleasure at affordable prices.
Plasma TV Buying Guide
1) Screen Size
Plasma TV screens come in varying sizes from 32" all the way to 70". When choosing a plasma TV screen size do consider the budget since a 720p 42" and 50" High Definition (HD) plasma TVs are priced at around $1,000 and $1,500 respectively while screen sizes above that increase exponentially in prices. The sweet spot amongst consumers seem to be the 42" and 50" plasma TV models.
Take note that before buying, consider the size of your room in which you intend to place this plasma TV, which should be bigger than the minimum TV viewing distance for best viewing experience. As a rough guide 42" and 50" plasma TVs are best viewed at 12ft and 14ft respectively.
2) Native Resolution
If you intend to watch HDTV content from your HD source which supports the 720p HDTV signal, then opt for High Definition (HD) plasma TVs which comes with at least 1024 x 768 native pixels resolution. They output better image quality than Enhanced Definition (ED) plasma TVs which comes in 852 x 480 native pixels resolution. Although it is still possible to down-convert HDTV signal for viewing in an ED plasma TV, the picture quality is not so sharp. However when watching normal television (480p) signal, it does not matter as both HDTV and EDTV can display sharp, high quality pictures.
3) Inputs & Cables
To enjoy the best picture quality from your plasma TV, it should come with at least the following input connections:
a) Composite video connectors
b) S-video connectors
c) Component video inputs
Some of the better plasma TV models do offer HDMI and DVI which results in higher quality video.
** Do also take note of the cables connecting the inputs as poor quality cables might not transmit the best signals for greater viewing pleasure.
4) Features To Consider
a) Aspect Ratio - This refers to the ratio between the width and height of an image being shown on a plasma TV. They are usually expressed in either 16:9 format (widescreen) or 4:3 format (normal TV). For best viewing experience, do get a plasma TV that offers 16:9 aspect ratio format to take advantage of digital signals that are being broadcasted in that same format without any loss in picture quality.
b) Brightness - The brightness of a plasma TV is the luminosity of any given surface at a given direction. It affects the contrast ratio to a certain extent.
c) Contrast Ratio - It’s the ratio of luminosity between the brightest whites and darkest blacks produced by any given system. The higher this ratio, the sharper the image will be formed on the plasma TV. For best plasma TV result aim for at least 5K:1 contrast ratio.
d) Viewing Angle - This refers to the maximum angle from which an image can be viewed with satisfactory picture quality. For best plasma TV experience, the viewing angle should be nearer to 180-degrees, preferably between 160-170 degrees range.
Plasma TV Reviews & Ratings
We received the best plasma TV reviews from CNET, Consumer Reports and PlasmaTVBuyingGuide. Pro reviewers there reviewed some of the best plasma TV models from established and well-respected makers such as Hitachi, LG, Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung, Sanyo and Vizio. Plasma TV ratings based on HD, SD and DVD picture quality, sound quality, remote ease of use plus on screen menu ease of use determines the best plasma TVs in their class.
Best Plasma TV (42")
Plasma TV Reviews #1: Topping the chart with impressive plasma TV reviews from consumers and experts is the best rated Panasonic TH-PZ700U 1080p Plasma HDTV. For sports and movie buffs that demand nothing but the best from their HDTV, look to this Panasonic plasma TV to deliver. With 5K:1 contrast ratio & 29 Million colors, experience blacker blacks and whiter whites for superb viewing pleasure. In 1920 x 1080 resolution projecting 16:9 aspect ratio format, watch full HD scenes from this best plasma TV from Panasonic like it’s meant to be.
Plasma TV Reviews #2: Breaking the dominance of Panasonic with amazing plasma TV reviews from pros and consumers is the best rated Samsung HPT-4254 42" Plasma HDTV. Bring reality to your living room with this Samsung plasma TV that gives stunning images that will leave you in awe. With astounding 15K:1 contrast ratio, DNIe proprietary circuitry & 18-bit processing technology, you’ll experience shadowy details in vibrant, vivid colors from this best plasma TV from Samsung while getting sharper pictures overall. With 1024 x 768 native resolution coupled with TruSurround XT Sound, enjoy surround sound for complete home theater enjoyment.
Plasma TV Reviews #3: Equally superb with excellent plasma TV reviews from pros and consumers is the top rated Panasonic TH-42PX77U 42" 720p Plasma HDTV. With 10K:1 contrast ratio, you’ll experience deeper blacks for amazing shadowy details during moonlit scenes while brilliant whites provide brighter scenes with astounding reality. This top rated plasma TV from Panasonic features 1024 x 768 resolution with 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio format for theater-like performance right in your living room to watch sports and movies all day long.
Best Plasma TV (50")
Plasma TV Reviews #4: Continuing the dominance of Panasonic with excellent plasma TV reviews from consumers and experts is the best rated Panasonic TH-PZ700U 50" 1080p Plasma HDTV. For superior picture quality and amazing HDTV reproduction, look to this Panasonic plasma TV for the answer. With 5K:1 contrast ratio, experience darker blacks and purer whites to enjoy finer, smoother images for all to enjoy. In 1920 x 1080 native resolution employing 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, watch HD images like you’ve never seen before from this best plasma TV.
Plasma TV reviews #5: Getting top plasma TV reviews from experts and consumers is the best rated Panasonic TH-PX77U 50" 720p Plasma HDTV. If you’ve ever wanted to turn your living room into a cinema, then let this Panasonic plasma TV be the screen. Combining 5K:1 contrast ratio with 29 Billion colors, what you’ll get is richer blacks for enhanced shadow details in dark scenes while getting intense whites in bright scenes for sharp, detailed images of exceptional quality overall. With 1024 x 768 native pixel resolution in 16:9 aspect ratio widescreen format, now watching HD movies will get a little bit interesting.
Plasma TV Reviews #6: Equally impressive with rave plasma TV reviews from consumers and pros is the best rated Pioneer PDP-5080HD 50" 720p Plasma HDTV. Style meets performance in the form of this Pioneer plasma TV that will turn your living room upside down. With 5K:1 contrast ratio and advanced panel technology, get deeper blacks and brighter whites for rich, cinematic video experience for all to enjoy from this best plasma TV. In 1280 x 768 native resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio format, HD resolution for great viewing pleasure is guaranteed.
Plasma TV Reviews #7: Stamping its mark with superb plasma TV reviews from consumers and experts is the Samsung HPT-5054 50" Plasma HDTV. The new kid’s in town and this Samsung plasma TV will make sure you’ll notice it. With amazing 15K:1 contrast ratio, DNIe Video Enhancer with 13-bit processing technology, you’ll get to experience superb color contrast for the most outstanding studio-grade images ever.
Best Plasma TV (58")
Plasma TV Reviews #8: Leading the way with outstanding plasma TV reviews from experts is the best rated Panasonic TH-58PZ700U 58" 1080p Plasma HDTV. Style meets substance to bring you this gigantic 58" Panasonic plasma TV that will literally turn your living room upside down. With 5K:1 contrast ratio, get ready to be mesmerized from this best plasma TV from Panasonic with darker blacks and whiter whites that produces crisp, vibrantly rich colors for outstanding cinematic experience. In 1920 x 1080 resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio, it’s like watching a cinema in your living room.
Resources: Plasma Display (Wikipedia)