HDTV guide for Plasma TV buyers
May 17, 2007
High Definition Television is the new buzzword in the world of television. More often, the word HDTV is in a sense analogous to higher resolution. As a result, we indulge in a simple calculation: the greater the resolution, the better the picture quality will be. As a result, we go for flat panels which have high native resolution like 720p or 1080p. But, is the resolution only one criteria for judging the picture quality of a display? It is true that the higher resolution ensures sharper pictures. However, there are also other features like colour reproduction, brightness and contrast which are equally, may be, more important than resolution as the over-all picture quality is the hybrid of all these features.
While you go through plasma reviews, the specification of the TV often provides you with essential information like resolution, contrast ratio, response time etc. If you are already familiar with these terms, you may often find yourself in a better position to choose the best Plasma TV to suit your taste. It is also a good idea to navigate through the features listed in the review. Double check, whether the plasma TV which lures your attention with its stylish design and excellent specs, has been provided with anti-glare technology as the plasma screens have a natural tendency to reflect light in ambient conditions. Especially, when you plan to install your plasma tv in a bright room, this feature is often useful.
Well, how to evaluate the performance of a plasma TV? As a thumb of rule, branded Plasma TVs often render great pictures. However there is a maze of specification which may often bewilder you if you are not so familiar with. Fortunately, it is not be- all and end-all.
You may still become a better judge of plasma TV than a reviewer using these simple techniques:
• Check how the colours look on the screen. Do they look natural and accurate? How is the colour saturation? How do the nearest hues appear distinct?
• Next important consideration is the black levels achieved by the TV. Play a DVD and watch dark scenes on the screen. You should be able to see the darkest objects without graying. It is a good idea to test this feature in a little dark room instead of bright room.
• Test the sharpness the pictures by reducing the brightness settings as the maximum brightness may often hide the flaws. Reducing the brightness and contrast to 50 % of their original settings often help you to judge the picture quality.
• Most Plasma TVs boast of their HDTV capabilities. It is wise to put them under a test before you invest money. If the retailers cannot provide HDTV broadcast, a Blue ray disc or a DVD often makes best video material to test the performance of the TV.
• Be familiarized with the remote and meddle with all the pre-sets which modify how the images look on the screen. Some of the Plasma TVs have come up with a myriad of useful presets which may add greater value to your money
PLASMA TV BUYING GUIDE
September 7, 2006
The advent of digital broadcasting and other technological advances has pushed TV entertainment to higher levels of viewing pleasure for consumers. Initiatives to turn to digital broadcasting have become increasingly popular, even institutionalized by government authorities in some countries. Thus emerged digital television (DTV), high definition television (HDTV), Digital Versatile Disk (DVD-Video), computer video, and digital satellite broadcasts.
What is a Plasma TV?
Plasma TV is usually associated with those ultra-thin, space-saving TV displays that can be hung on walls. But there is more to Plasma TV than their ultra-thin figures. Wikipedia defines plasma display as “ an emissive flat panel display where light is created by phosphors excited by a plasma discharge between two flat panels of glass. Simply put, the plasma display is composed of separate glass compartments or cells that infused with neon-xenon gas suspended in plasma. Once electrically charged, the gases emit green, red and blue phosphors, forming what is called as pixels. This element basically gives Plasma TV brighter display and wide color range.
Plasma TV Buying Tips
There is a plethora of choices available when shops around for plasma television that is just right for your home. But it would be a good idea if one knows the right specifications and features to look for in a Plasma TV. Here are some basic tips on buying plasma television.
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- First of all, survey the room where the Plasma TV is to be placed in. Consider the size of the room before you choose your Plasma TV. Remember that plasma displays are usually larger than your usual LCDs, with largest sizes up to 71 inches diagonally. New models may churn out larger sizes, but generally plasma TV offers the largest option in terms of size. Considering the size, it necessarily follows that the plasma TV youve been eyeing must fit in your room. Color and graphical flaws are more obvious up front; so observe the right viewing space away from the TV screen. The basic rule is to sit at a distance 1.5 to three times the screen width away.
- A Plasma TV can be mounted on a wall and you can have the best video art there is. But before you do, make sure that the wall can absorb the TVs weight. While they are relatively lighter than other types, Plasma TVs can weigh up to 30 kgs.
- Check out the brightness feature. Remember that brightness or luminance refers to the brightness of a screen, and is expressed in cd/m2, 2000cd/m2 for example. The higher the number, the more luminous the wide TV screen. So take note and consider the brightness feature, especially if you intend to place it in a dimly lighted or brightly lighted space.
- Usually expressed in ratio, the Contrast feature of a TV screen refers to its capability to display the colors black and white. The contrast ratio refers to the graduation of shades of color gray that the TV is capable of displaying. It determines the quality of detail that can be seen when dark scenes are displayed.
There are many other features that one must consider before buying a plasma television. But to get the right one for you, stick to the basic rule of thumb know what you are buying.
