What are Plasma Televisions

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Plasma Television

By Mark J. Donovan




Televisions of recent history used cathode ray tube (CRT) technology. CRT televisions were extremely heavy and had a very large backend. Also their picture quality was relatively poor. For the most part CRT televisions are a thing of the past, however, you can still find a few out there on the market. Plasma televisions, along with LCD televisions, have pretty much replaced CRT televisions today. There are pros and cons with each type, however I will focus my opinions on just plasma televisions.

Plasma Television Pros

Plasma televisions provide extremely clear and sharp images compared to CRT televisions. In a nutshell their pictures are just absolutely stunning.

I have purchased three plasma televisions over the past several years due to their ability to provide crystal clear images. They provide so vivid of an image you almost think the objects displayed on the television are literally in your room. The reason for this is that, unlike CRT televisions that use an electron beam to light up a tube, plasma televisions use solid state electronics to light up screen pixels on the glass.

Plasma televisions also have very high refresh rates compared to CRT and LCD televisions. Refresh rate is how fast the screen is updated per second. The higher the refresh rate the sharper the image. A high refresh rate is particularly important when watching fast motion events on the TV, such as sporting events. LCD televisions, on the other hand, have had a history of having slow refresh rates. This is why when watching a sporting event, or other fast action imagery on an LCD screen, you occasionally observe pixelating or temporary screen freezing.

Unlike older CRT televisions, plasma television support wide screen aspect ratios, such as 16:9, which are perfect for watching movie and sporting events. Note that the 16:9 aspect ratio is the same aspect ratio that is used in movie theaters.

Plasma TVs are also extremely thin compared to CRT televisions, however they are still quite heavy. Plasma televisions also provide much wider viewing angles than CRT televisions. Plasma televisions have 170 degree viewing angles thus enabling the TV to be watched from nearly any location in a room. Also, the wide viewing angle, along with their thin console, makes them ideal for mounting on walls.

Plasma Television Cons

On the con side Plasma televisions have a tendency to consume a significant amount of power, even when they are turned off. Thus it’s not a bad idea to unplug them when you’re going to be away from the home for several days or more.

Plasma televisions are also extremely sensitive and can be easily damaged. As a matter of fact they cannot be tipped upside down or sideways when shipping or carrying them as this could damage the screen.

Since the mass introduction of the Plasma television the technology and picture sharpness has only improved. In addition, plasma television prices have come down dramatically. As a result, you can find very good deals on plasma televisions today if you shop around. As the prices continue to come down, the need to be compelled into buying extended warranties is also dropping, which in the end saves you even more money.

Room Addition Bid Sheet

So if you haven’t checked out a plasma television lately make sure you do when considering buying a new TV. You’ll be amazed at the picture quality and the price.


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