PLASMA TELEVISIONS Unrivaled Picture Quality, Envy-Inspiring Design By: Shannon Noce, Staff Writer

CONTENTS

........The Plasma Advantage

........Choosing a plasma

........Vital extras

THE PLASMA ADVANTAGE                                                             [ Top ]

No more scan lines: Unlike conventional CRTs, each pixel cell in a plasma screen has its own transistor electrode.  This results in a smooth, evenly lit picture and the disappearance of scan lines forever.

 

Uniform screen brightness: Similar to how they avoid scan lines, plasma screens also avoid hot spots, or uneven screen brightness, because every pixel across the screen is evenly illuminated. This also contributes to a smooth, accurate picture.

 

Widescreen aspect ratio: Plasma televisions have a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio. This enables you to watch movies in the same format you would in the theater, and more importantly to view them the way their directors intended you to.

 

No edge distortion: The decision to create perfectly flat screens was far more than a style decision. With no curvature, edge distortion is eliminated and wider viewing angles are possible. Some plasmas even include anti-glare coatings and color filters to further enhance picture quality.

 

Wide viewing angle: While the viewing angle will depend on which plasma television you chose, all plasmas offer viewing angles superior to rear-projection and LCD displays. No matter where in the room you are sitting, with a plasma youll see a clear picture on the screen.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A PLASMA TELEVISION:   [ Top ]

Screen size: Plasma screens are measured diagonally across the screen; keep that in mind when you see a measurement in an ad or on the web.  One of the most important things to consider when choosing a screen size is how much room you have for the television and where in the room you plan on sitting.  It is important to make sure you have enough room for the plasma television, as you want at least 3 of open space at the top and adequate space behind for proper ventilation and so that heat can escape. Many plasmas do not have built-in speakers but rather attachable side speakers, so you should plan to allow an extra 3-6 on each side if this is the case. As for viewing distance, screens 32-37 are best viewed from 6 to 10 feet, a 42 screen from 10 to 14 feet, a 50 screen from 12-16 feet, and a 60 from at least 15 feet away. Your budget is also another factor to consider. The bigger the screen the more its going to cost you, but also the more impressive your screen will be.

 

Selection of inputs: This is a simple step, but an important one to remember. Before seriously considering any plasma television, make sure it has all the inputs you need and want, or youll find yourself unable to get the most out of your new television.  Todays technology makes it possible to turn your television into much more than the screen on which you watch your favorite TV show. Here are some important inputs you may want to ensure your new television has.

 

-HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface): A digital interface that carries uncompressed video, audio, data, and control signals and is capable of supporting HDTV. Youll need this if you plan on connecting an HD-DVD or Blu-ray disc player.

-DVI (Digital Video Interface): A high bandwidth video connection that carries digitalized RGB picture and supports copy-protection methods. It also supports HDTV.

-VGA (Video Graphics Array):  Enables your plasma screen to function as a computer monitor

-S-Video (Separated Video):  An encoded video signal that separates the brightness from color data to improve the picture when connecting any high quality video source to your television. This is found on most cable/satellite boxes and DVD players.

 

-Composite Video:  A single line video output you are sure to find on a VCR, DVD player and a cable/satellite receiver.

-Component Video:  Higher quality than S-Video, this connection divides the video signal into red, green, and blue and is found on progressive scan DVD players and newer cable/satellite boxes.

Native resolution: One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a plasma television is its native resolution.  The native resolution describes the actual resolution of the plasma display, not the resolution of the delivery signal. The closer the native resolution is to the incoming picture signal, the better the picture will be. Most incoming HD sources will be in the form of 1080i or 720p, so make sure that if you plan on watching programming in HD that your new plasma will support this.

VITAL EXTRAS                                                                                              [ Top ]
 

	No matter how impressive the screen, for a truly extraordinary entertainment experience, you need the right accessories:
	Stands and furniture compliment the design of your new television and the style of your home.  Sixth Avenue Electronics vast array of furniture and accessories makes it easy to design the perfect entertainment and style solution.
	HDMI cables (High Definition Multimedia Interface) are used to carry uncompressed video, audio, data, and control signals and are capable of supporting HDTV. An HDMI cable is essential if you plan on connecting an HD-DVD or Blu-ray disc player.
	DVI cables (Digital Video Interface) are high bandwidth video connections that carry digitalized RGB pictures and support copy-protection methods. They also support HDTV. These cables are used to maximize the quality of flat panel LCD monitors and modern video graphics cards.
	Brackets and mounts  One of the advantages of thin and stylish flatscreens is that they can be easily wall mounted.  Sixth Avenue Electronics has a variety of the best mounting solutions, enabling superior entertainment to seamlessly meet stylish design.
	Component cables Higher quality than S-Video, these connections divide video signals into red, green, and blue and are often needed to connect progressive scan DVD players and newer cable/satellite boxes.
	Surge protectors  Dont let your valuable components come in contact with harmful voltage spikes and power surges.  Protect every part of your home entertainment system with a surge protector.
	Cleaning kit Keep your new TV looking like new with a TV cleaning kit that removes dust, dirt, and fingerprints.  Ensure your screen is always streak and stain free, by using a cleaner designed specifically for use with TVs.
	Universal remote Now that youve decided on the perfect television, its time to get all of your components working in perfect harmony.
	Dont forget a warranty! Sixth Avenue Electronics takes the worry out of the shopping experience by offering up to 5 years performance protection on our products. Our network of national service technicians means your item is protected no matter how far away from one of our stores you might be. If your item is too big to carry we'll come to you, as all televisions 37 and larger are serviced in your home. Our warranties are fully transferable, because we are truly committed to servicing our products.
	Get it all in a BUNDLE 6ave.com provides bundles, so that you may experience a completely worry-free shopping experience. Our extensive product knowledge and research enables us to provide you with bundles that include everything you need for optimal performance of each product you choose.  By choosing a bundle, youll get all of the accessories you need while saving money.