Plasma TV Buying Guide: Powered by ConsumerGuide and HowStuffWorks

Just a decade ago the idea of a wall-mounted TV might have seemed like a fantasy. It was out of the reach of most consumers, with sticker prices that required taking out a second mortgage to afford these ultra-sleek TVs. But over time, these dream sets reached the level of attainability. While still not something you could just go out and buy, it was suddenly much more of a possibility. Prices for these flat panel HDTV sets are now falling faster than new home prices, and have made the dream a reality.

The Basics: Plasma TVs

Today there remains two competing flat-panel technologies: plasma and LCD. While each provides a bright picture and these sets may look similar from the front, the technology on the inside is quite different. And although LCD had been limited to 37-inches and below, sets with the liquid crystal display technology are now in sizes as big as plasma.

But despite that, many consumers find plasma to offer several significant advantages over LCD. The biggest benefit is that plasma sets typically feature deeper black levels--meaning that the blacks are truly black and not just a dark gray shade. This in turn means that the colors are much more vibrant and lifelike. The latest models from Pioneer and Panasonic have really taken the black levels to new depths, and thus have provided the best pictures we've seen to date.

Despite the rumors that plasma sets "needs to be recharged" after 10,000 hours, nothing could be further from the truth. Today's flat panel plasma TVs should often last for 60,000 hours or more, providing years of great viewing. While there has been a concern over issues such as burn-in (rightly so, as this could ruin that expensive TV), the latest models feature technology to address image retention, offering pixel shift modes that slowly move the full screen and, more importantly, remove any ghosting should static images actually "stick" the picture. This includes a white wash mode as well as inverse mode to remove any burn-in.

However, on lower-end sets these features may not be included, and you should keep this in mind--especially if you want to play video games or watch news programming with a ticker. Even some bright "pills" (those annoying network logos) remain a problem for bargain-priced models.

The other major advancement with plasma is the resolution, and buyers should look for sets that support 1080p (1,920x1,080) resolution. These sets can display every pixel of content from Blu-ray and HD-DVD movies, as well as from the latest games developed for the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3. However, it is worth noting that for the foreseeable future, HDTV content from cable and satellite content, (as well as over-the-air broadcast HDTV) will still be mostly 720p and 1080i. This isn't likely to change, so if you're just planning on watching TV, then going with a set that isn't 1080p should be fine. Just realize it isn't possible to improve the resolution of any TV.

The television's inputs are just as important as the resolution is. The more options the better, but a set with multiple High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) inputs is always recommended. HDMI is the only true way to get 1080p content to the TV. It is the highest standard A/V input and buyers should consider sets that offer at least three or more inputs, as HDMI switchers can run several hundred dollars, thus making for expensive upgrade to your home entertainment system. Many of this year's sets now include HDMI 1.3, which supports the x.v.Color technology. This is a new technology that offers improved clarity with even more lifelike colors, but to date there are few devices that support x.v.Color and no commercially released movies. It is a good feature to have for tomorrow, but whether it is worth spending the money today is what needs to be considered.

Five Questions to Buying a Flat Panel Plasma HDTV

When purchasing an HDTV plasma set there are number of important factors to consider:

1) What is the size of your room? This rule never changes, and you should plan on sitting as close as 1-1/2 times the screen size to get an ideal picture. This means plan on about 7.125-feet for a 57-inch set. Any closer and you'll actually start to see the pixels, making for a far worse experience. Bigger may be better, but too big and you actually sacrifice quality.

2) How will you get your HDTV signal? Just plugging into the cable box doesn't give you HDTV. Make sure you have the right set-top cable or satellite box (or cable card if you have cable TV but no box), or an antenna to receive over-the-air HD broadcasts.

3) Are you a movie buff? If so, then consider a 1080p set. While the format war between Blu-ray and HD-DVD is far from over, both formats support 1080p content, and this is certainly the wave of the future for movies--whether you buy them on disc, or download them via the Internet. 1080p is the way to go.

4) Do you have a home theater system? The built-in or even detachable speakers are good for TV shows, but fail to provide the full cinematic experience. In most cases we'd recommend external speakers for the full immersion experience. If you have to wait, look for a set that features higher total system power and offers simulated surround sound.

5) These TVs claim to be wall-mountable, but do you need to wall mount it? If the set is heavier than 60 pounds, consider a professional installer just to see if the wall can even support the set. And look for brands that offer wall-mounting kits as options. Keep in mind that if you do, you can't move the set down even an inch to get a better view.

Buying a Plasma TV

A plasma TV can be a major investment. While the sets don't carry the same lofty prices they did a decade ago, these are still purchases needing consideration. Look for deals online, and compare the features offered, and merely look at the price and size. There are many low-end sets that frankly aren't worth the price, even if the sticker looks good.

Consider the warranty options, too. Most sets offer at minimum a one-year warranty, but any set that doesn't offer that should be avoided, even if the store offers what sounds like a reasonable extended warranty. The money you spend on the extended warranty could go towards a better set with a longer basic warranty.

Additionally, consider the size of the room--don't plan on getting much of a cinematic experience from a 42-inch set if you're going to be sitting 20-feet away. While this set may seem large, at that distance you might feel like you're in the cheap sets. But on the flip side, a screen that's too big will have you noticing every flaw in the picture.

The type of TV content should also be considered. If you're big on sports and video games, look for sets that offer viewing modes for this type of content. Consider sets that offer image retention projection or feature a white wash mode should you get any sort of minor burn-in.

Make sure the set will work with your existing equipment, but plan for tomorrow. Any new TV will support yesterday's devices, but don't skimp on a set with few inputs options, such as HDMI. There are many off-brand and bargain-priced sets that might sound like a great buy, but if these lack HDMI or only feature a single input, you're going to run into problems very soon. Don't forget to pick up the various cables you'll need and save yourself return trip.

16:9 Aspect Ratio TV

These sets are designed to provide widescreen pictures without the letterbox effect (black bars found on the top and bottom of the screen). This is great for wide-format movies, but for conventional pictures you will either end up with a cropped picture on the top or bottom, or black bars on both sides of the picture, or picture-outside-picture on one side. Some projection sets will stretch a standard 4:3 picture to fit the screen, although this usually results in some picture distortion.

Audio and Video Inputs/Outputs

Normally there are more audio outputs than video ones. More audio and video outputs are desirable, as they allow you more versatility in signal switching of multiple VCRs, DVD players, and the like. Depending on how you decide to hook up your A/V system, either the TV or your A/V receiver can be used for video switching. Audio and video input jacks are more desirable for hooking up a VCR than putting the signal through your RF antenna connector, as they will provide you with better audio and video quality.

Cable Terminology

A common cause of confusion for shoppers is the term cable-ready. Many people incorrectly believe that a cable-ready set will allow them to receive pay services free of charge. A cable-ready set only eliminates the need for a converter box to receive basic cable programming. Except for a few 13-inch and smaller sets, every TV sold today is cable-ready. To receive premium channels, which are scrambled, you might need the converter box. To this end, many higher-end sets offer dual antenna inputs. Through the use of a signal splitter (available from your cable company or Radio Shack), you split the signal before it goes into the cable box. One signal goes directly to your TV, and the other to your cable box. The second signal then goes out from your cable box and into the second antenna input of your TV. In this way, all unscrambled programming is available on antenna A, and scrambled/premium services are available on antenna B. As long as your TV has a universal remote, it will control your cable box. Therefore, you do not need your cable company's remote (which is normally provided at an additional cost). Several years ago, a standard interconnect was agreed upon and the TV manufacturers built this interconnect into their sets. IEEE-1394 "Firewire" is a specialized digital computer cable that allows information to be passed in either direction. It is currently used in the computer industry to pass and capture digital video images from digital still cameras to your computer. Firewire lets you connect your digital TV with a myriad of digital accessories, and is instrumental in the development of new services, including digital video programming.

Comb Filter

A feature that improves resolution, picture quality, and reduces objectionable color patterns. Low- to mid-line sets use a glass comb filter. High-end sets use a CCD or digital comb filter, which greatly enhances resolution.

Component Video (Inputs/Outputs)

Also called Color Difference or ColorStream, this is the latest (and best) input/output to date. While similar to RGB (red/green/blue) connections, it separates the luminance and chrominance even further providing superior images over S-VHS. Most step-up DVD players now include component video outputs, which will also be included on most HDTV set-top boxes. Many TV manufacturers are now including these inputs on their mid- to upper-line TVs.

Dual-Antenna Inputs

This feature means your set can accommodate two antenna sources, such as a master antenna and cable box or master antenna/cable box and DSS decoder. By having dual inputs, it allows you to switch easily between antenna sources.

DVI and HDMI interfaces

There are two all-digital video connections for HDTV set-top boxes, monitors, DVD players, and some audio/video receivers: DVI (digital visual interface) and HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface). DVI sends digital video data from a source (such as an HDTV set-top receiver or progressive-scan DVD player) to a display (such as an HD-ready television), and it eliminates the need for digital-to-analog decoders. HDMI builds on DVI by adding multichannel digital audio to the digital video, so digital audio and video can be transmitted in one cable. Both DVI and HDMI incorporate HDCP (high-bandwidth digital content protection), a data encryption method that prevents video piracy. DVI and HDMI both support uncompressed data transfer, and neither is constrained by cable length limitations (up to 500 meters). HDMI is fully backward-compatible with DVI, and with its incorporation of multichannel audio, HDMI is expected to completely replace DVI in the near future.

External Speaker Jacks

These devices allow you to attach separate speakers directly to a TV for improved sound quality, or to attach rear speakers, allowing you to experience surround. The downside to this equation is based on the wattage of your internal television amplifier.

Front A/V Jacks

These jack packs found on the front of a TV (usually hidden under a panel) are a handy feature, especially for hooking up a camcorder or a video game console.

HDTV/HD-Ready

HDTV refers to a television with an integrated high-definition tuner, allowing it to display ATSC (high-definition) broadcasts. An HD-ready set has the ability to display HD content, but it requires an external HD receiver or set-top box. EDTV (enhanced-definition TV) describes a television that can display HD content but at lower resolutions than true HDTV. Nevertheless, EDTV displays are still far superior to standard analog displays.

Horizontal Resolution

Horizontal resolution is the number of horizontal lines that the television can display. Theoretically, the more lines that can be displayed, the better the picture. Broadcast television displays 330 lines, VHS tapes about 240 lines, S-VHS tapes about 400 from a pre-recorded video (330 from broadcast), and DVD about 425 lines. When broadcast, satellite, DSS, and video sources become available with greater resolution, sets with higher horizontal resolution will be able to receive an enhanced signal.

Invar Shadow Mask

Invar shadow mask gives the picture more brightness and punch. Invar is considered to be a premium feature. When sets are very bright, a side effect called "blooming" occurs. To counteract this bleeding of colors, some manufacturers include the invar shadow mask.

Notch Filter

This filter helps remove a small part of the signal that contains excess color information. By doing so, it helps eliminate some objectionable color effects. However, using this circuit creates a slight loss in picture resolution.

Number of Speakers

Indicates the number of speakers found on a particular television set. Obviously, for people who do not plan to attach additional speakers, more is better.

Parental Lock-Out or Channel Block

All sets larger than 13 inches now include a V-chip (V for violence) that allows parents to lock out certain programs if they have too much violence or sexual content. By punching in a special code (that you as the parent devise), parents can lock out children (or anyone else) from viewing specific channels or disable the TV from being used during a specified time of day.

Picture-in-Picture (PIP)

PIP lets you view two image sources simultaneously. The primary picture displays full-size on the screen, while the second picture is normally placed in a smaller box located in one corner of the screen. To use PIP, you need a second video source such as a VCR. A handful of upper-end sets include a second tuner for PIP, thereby eliminating the need to use the VCR tuner as the second video source. Advanced PIP lets you display multiple PIXs (or channels) on the screen at the same time (all are frozen except the channel that it is presently scrolling through), change the size or location the smaller box, and swap back and forth between main and PIP. Picture-outside-picture (POP; also known as picture-out-of-picture) allows the screen to be split into two equal-sized, side-by-side pictures. POP is sometimes considered a function of PIP, and many manufacturers do not distinguish between the two.

Premium Sound Systems

Manufacturers are looking for ways to come up with better sound enhancement systems. RCA and Sony, for example, include SRS (Sound Retrieval System), developed by Hughes for use in their high-end sets. SRS adds depth and more realistic sound without adding additional speakers. Similar systems have been developed by Toshiba with their Cyclone Sub-Bass System with 4-channel DSP, and Zenith with SEQ. Some manufacturers are now adding Spatializer sound to enhance their audio.

Remote

Sets have either a basic, standard, unified, universal, or learning remote. There are also a few combination universal/learning models. A basic remote controls basic functions, such as volume or channel up/down and power on and off. A standard remote is an enhanced basic model with a keypad for direct access and access to on-screen menus and displays. Universal remotes are becoming the most common remotes. They come with pre-programmed codes for both VCRs and cable boxes. Some brands offer models that are ergonomically designed with keys of different shapes, colors, and sizes. On top of that, a handful of brands include devices with illuminated keys. That's a feature you'll appreciate when trying to read those buttons in a semi-dark room. Learning remotes can be taught codes from other types of components, such as A/V receivers and surround processors. If you are trying to tie all of your components together, a learning remote might be the best option. However, at best, they can learn only primary functions for each component. Normally, you cannot get into menus from other products to adjust surround settings, for example. A learning remote from an A/V receiver or an aftermarket universal/learning unit might be a better bet for trying to tie all of your components together.

S-Video (Inputs/Outputs)

Many components besides S-VHS VCRs now include S-video jacks. S-video separates the luminance (Y) and chrominance (C) signals, offering better picture quality than standard video inputs. S-video jacks increase resolution, help color reproduction, and help reduce jitter at scene transitions. To get the most out of your video source, you must use an S-video jack for the highest resolution.

Scan Velocity Modulation

Scan velocity modulation adjusts the rate of horizontal movement of the beam as it "draws" the scan lines, which gives black-and-white picture transitions more punch. This results in a sharper picture.

Special Picture Tubes

A better grade of picture tube is normally found in larger sets. A recent innovation that has taken the industry by storm is the inclusion of either dark-tint or dark-glass picture tubes. By offering darker faceplates, these picture tubes provide greater contrast between black and white. Those brands that include darkened picture tubes have had to increase brightness levels so that the picture does not appear too dark. Most consumers prefer brightness to color accuracy. Other advancements include flattened picture tubes, which offer less distortion on the outer edges of the picture. Some manufacturers use a combination of techniques to tweak out the highest performance from their picture tubes. These sets, while costly, offer the viewer a picture with the highest resolution and provide the most lifelike appearance.

Stereo (Watts Per Channel)

Many sets include a multichannel television sound decoder (MTS), which receives and decodes all stereo signals broadcast by the networks or cable channels. Watts per channel refers to the wattage of the set's stereo amplifier. Some manufacturers' literature can be a bit deceptive if it indicates that the TV has a 20-watt amplifier. This normally means that the set can produce 10 watts per channel.

Surround

Many manufacturers include matrix surround sound or other psycho-acoustic effects to enhance the audio. It might also be called ambiance or extended stereo effects. However, more and more sets are now including Dolby Pro Logic as a means to greatly enhance the audio quality. Obviously, you must add rear speakers to obtain the desired effect. A major drawback with these sets is their underpowered amps. Even with 5 or 10 watts per channel, these amps just don't cut it. Many sets include variable audio outs for connection to an A/V receiver, but few sets offer ample wattage. Some sets also include a center-channel input, which allows you to use the TV's internal speakers for the center channel. Other manufacturers, such as Sony, Toshiba, and RCA, offer special speaker systems that are compatible with their sets for an additional cost.

Plasma TV Buying Guide

The Basics: Plasma TVs

Five Questions to Buying a Flat Panel Plasma HDTV

Buying a Plasma TV

Glossary

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