With cable and satellite companies increasing the amount of High-Definition content they are offering to their subscribers, many people are deciding that now is a good time to think about replacing their old picture-tube televisions with a new flat-panel plasma television set.
The most outstanding feature of a plasma television is the crystal-clear clarity and high resolution of the picture. Generally available in a variety of resolutions ranging from 720p, which is better for smaller models where high-resolution is not as important, all the way to 1080P, the highest resolution available. If you intend to receive HD programming, make sure that you shop for a Plasma TV that is HD compatible; some plasma TVs are actually EDTVs, or Enhanced-Definition Televisions. While having greater picture clarity and higher resolution than your old picture-tube set, EDTV does not have the superior HD picture quality of a true HD compatible Plasma Television.
Flat-screen plasma televisions are also much slimmer and lighter than standard TVs since they lack a traditional picture tube. A 40-inch plasma TV typically weighs less than half of what a similar sized traditional television weighs, and since plasma TVs are only a few inches thick, they can be mounted on a wall, freeing-up valuable floor space.
The number of colors displayed by plasma televisions approaches 17 million, more than the human eye can distinguish, and with a higher contrast ratio, blacks are deeper and darker. The image also does not blur during fast-moving sports or action scenes, due to their fast screen refresh time and lack of phosphor lag (the time it takes for the pixels in the screen to change color and brightness as an image moves across the screen). LCD screens still suffer from motion blurring, however, as LCD technology was originally intended for reading motionless text on a computer screen.
Plasma televisions are generally cheaper than LCD televisions of a comparable size, although the price of both is falling rapidly. This price difference is especially noticeable when shopping for larger television models.
It is also easier to re-create a home movie theater experience with a plasma television. With larger screen sizes available, 37-65 inches as opposed to the 17-56 inches of most LCD screens, flat-screen plasma TVs are ideal for multiple viewers. They also have a wide, 160-180 degree viewing angle, allowing viewers to sit around the room instead of requiring them to sit directly in front of the set since there is no color or image degradation when viewed from an angle.
Imagine surfing the net, doing computer work or even playing games on your television from the comfort of your sofa. Internet connectivity is a feature supported by plasma television technology, and some newer models are even internet ready, allowing you to connect your plasma TV to your computer and use that enormous, crystal-clear screen as a monitor.
With its superior, high-resolution picture quality, millions of colors and true blacks, as well as its larger available screen sizes, wider viewing angle and growing affordability, a flat-screen plasma television takes advantage of the increasing amount of HD programming available and is a must for anyone wishing to transform their television viewing into a true home movie theater experience.
