High Definition TV

Plasma TV

Calculating the correct distance

In creating the environment for your plasma TV, a primary concern is to determine the screen size to match the floor plan or space where the plasma displays.

Plasma monitors are measured diagonally across the screen, like any other television. You can usually choose from the following sizes: 32 “, 40″, 42 “, 46″, 50 “, 61″ or 63 “. Bigger is not always better, and a certain distance must be maintained between the plasma and the viewing area for better viewing.

Sitting too far away diminishes the overall impact. Sitting too close, however, may also present their own problems – like when you get to see the structure of the screen “, ie the points or pixels that make up the plasma screen.

To determine the proper size for the TV, you should also consider the space required to install the unit itself. When recessing a plasma screen, allow at least 3 inches of open space at the top of the unit and adequate ventilation space of at least 2 inches behind it as well. Remember, too, that most plasma displays do not have speakers, so you need to have enough space to connect the speakers.

What you can watch on your plasma TV

You can choose between HDTV (High Definition TV) and EDTV (Enhanced Definition TV) for your choice of plasma display. Which type you prefer depends on the type of material you want to watch the plasma.

ETV is the perfect entry point to digital television with a 16:9 widescreen format and image resolution that is 200% better than today’s analog televisions. On the other hand, HDTV has up to four times the resolution and colors compared to EDTV, offering the best sound and visual experience.

Currently, only a limited number of programs are broadcast in high definition format real (all major networks broadcast HD counterparts to their regular analog broadcast signal). In fact, if you intend to use a plasma HDTV for regular TV programming, you may be surprised to find that regular TV programming may even appear slightly worse, as the big screen exaggerates the flaws in standard TV programs.

DVD images from most DVD titles currently available on the market today also do not fare as well on true HD plasmas. In fact, these DVD images appear better on EDTV plasma units, because the image resolution of a widescreen DVD (nominally 740 x 480) closest to the actual resolution (852 x 480) of the EDTV plasma display.

Why bother with a high-definition TV at all, you may ask? Because HDTV, paired with a source of true HD quality or high, can produce truly stunning images. With a paired with progressive scan DVD player, for example, any of the recently released HD-DVD or Blu-ray next DVD titles (encoded in true HD format), your plasma HDTV can come to spectacular life and bring out the unmatched image quality.

And as television programming becomes more available in high definition with the appearance of the FCC deadline for switching to all-digital broadcasting, HDTV plasma televisions will have more TV content to display. One thing is certain: HDTV will not be obsolete anytime in the next few years.

Flatscreen

Specifications: When comparing plasma TV sets, it is important to know what to look for to make sense of the specifications provided to you. Below is a quick rundown on the specifications required that you need to consider before taking the decision to purchase all-important.

Resolution: Resolution is a determining factor in choosing a plasma TV. Do you want HDTV or EDTV? HDTV, with resolution of at least 1024 x 720 is the best sound and visual experience, but what is available for viewing on HD is currently restricted to a few HD channels on cable, and the emerging – and necessarily few – travel DVD HD-DVD and Blu-ray formats.

Moreover, most currently available DVDs actually play better when viewed on EDTV, because the image resolution of a widescreen DVD (nominally 740 x 480) closest to the actual resolution (852 x 480) of the EDTV plasma display. Choose the type of plasma TV you want, so it is an issue that should be considered along with the type of content frequently watch or will be watching on your plasma.

Inputs: a plasma TV should work with any existing video component with standard A / V, S-Video, or component video outputs. In addition, most plasma TVs have DVI or HDMI connections for use with HD sources. Some plasma TVs also have VGA input connections that allow them to be used as a PC monitor.

At a minimum, look for the following specifications in a plasma connection: DVI-I or DVI-D, Component, Composite and RCA or S-Video. Consider the current set-up component – such as your satellite system, cable, DVD, stereo, and external components – and see what kind of inputs or connectors they use.

Tuner: Check your plasma to see if it is HD-ready or HD-integrated. A plasma TV HD-ready is essentially a monitor that needs an external tuner source before it can function as a TV. An HD-integrated panel has a tuner in the set and is ready for use.

If you get your HDTV programming via cable or satellite, rather than over-the-air, you may not need a tuner at all, as you will be using the set-top boxes provided by cable / satellite service to receive HDTV programming. Check with your cable or satellite providers for more details.

Some cable or satellite companies do away with set-top boxes and provide their subscribers with cable cards instead. Check with your cable / satellite provider if they provide cable cards and cable type of card they offer, and then check the specification on the plasma slots for cable cards.

Contrast: Contrast is the measure of the variation between the white and the darkest image. This is an important specification, since plasma TVs with a contrast ratio of low dark images will look muddy and gray while making light images look washed out. A good measure of the contrast ratio is 1000:1 or higher. Anything less than 1,000:1 – especially in a game that is 42 “or larger – can not provide an optimal viewing experience.

Brightness: Without sufficient brightness, your image will look muddy and soft – even in a dark room. Viewing distance, screen size, and ambient light will also affect the need for greater ability to shine. The brightness rating of 550 cd/m2 listed or higher is good, but not get stuck with the number of technicians listed. Instead, make sure that the screen is bright enough for your needs as you conduct your own visual inspection.

Panel Life: Look for a minimum of 60,000 hours of panel life in their specifications of plasma. This is the assessment of how long would it take before your panel has half the brightness compared to when it was new. The 60,000-hour spec translates to approximately 20 years of showing in 8 hours a day. (This approximation may vary depending on the source and type of content, settings, environment and use of your plasma TV.)

Anti-burn-in/Pixel Shift: burn-in “refers to the remains burned to the screen after a static image was left in plasma for a long period of time. To minimize or prevent burn-in, check that the panel uses plasma burn-in protection, such as settings for power management, full-time or displacement of pixel (vertical and horizontal) technologies, or automatic screensaver functions.

Speakers: If you plan to use an external surround sound system, you will not have audio speakers, but most plasma TV sets include speakers that rated anywhere 7-12 Watts Pre-amp – it is much better than that of conventional TVs and sufficient for most of the vision. Check the specifications of the plasma to see if it comes with speakers and the speakers are removable.

Universal Remote: A universal remote can take the place of having a remote control so that all components of your TV system, such as DVD player, audio, cable / satellite, etc. If you are thinking of buying one universal remote, check to see if it is supported by the plasma set of your choice to ensure that the plasma devices universal remote.

Power Consumption: Power consumption for plasmas range from 240 watts over 500 watts, If you are concerned about the amount of energy a plasma can be used, check its specifications to determine power consumption.

Units tend to have higher power requirements with increasing screen. A good rule of thumb is to compare similar sized units, as well as units with high power tend to use inferior components as a rule.