Buying Plasma TV Guide – Top Buying Tips
Buying Guide for Plasma TVs
Television is not what it used to be. Technology has given us screens that make us feel like we’re part of the movie. Owning a plasma television set can change the way you watch TV. The picture is clean, lifelike and full of brilliant colors. Getting a plasma TV for your home or business can be a big decision, as there are many different brands to choose from. Let this article on buying plasma TVs guide you towards making a smart purchase.
Understanding the Positives to Plasma
Plasma screens are much more desirable than tube models because of their sleek body and awesome picture. The screen is flat and the depth is minimal. When a screen is perfectly flat, there is no edge-distortion, giving you a crisp picture. Being thin and flat means you can get a TV stand for your screen or you can purchase a mounting kit to attach it to a wall. It’s definitely a space saver.
Plasma screens will accept standard signals, like s-video. You need to consider what inputs are going to be necessary with your plasma monitor. You’ll want a model that can receive HDTV signals in an all-digital format. If you’re interested in doubling up and making your TV your computer monitor, you should get a plasma monitor that includes the VGA or similar inputs to make that happen.
Sizing the Screen
If there is any decision you come across in the process of buying a plasma screen that gives you a headache, size will be it. Choosing the appropriate size of screen can be hard, but here are some things to consider that may make it easier on you.
If you’re replacing an old tube TV with a new plasma screen, buying the same size won’t give you the results you want. You need to consider the aspect ratio. You’ll want to get a screen that is bigger than the one you have now. A 27 inch tube TV that suited your viewing needs cannot be appropriately replaced with a 27 inch plasma monitor. It will be too small. Go bigger!
If you don’t care about the aspect ratio and just want to go as large as possible, know that stores make TVs seem small. A large plasma screen set up in huge electronics store will make it look just right, when in fact it would probably look too large in your home. They always look smaller in the store. Know ahead of time what size will max out your living room wall. If you get your TV home and realize it’s too big, not only will you have to take it back and exchange it for a smaller screen, you may have to pay a restocking fee. Solve this issue by measuring out the largest amount of space your TV can take up.
Choosing a Brand
There really isn’t one brand that reigns supreme when it comes to plasma screens. The best advice for picking a brand name product that’s right for you is to do some research. If you like a model by Panasonic that has the same price and desirable features as a Sony, which one do you choose? Go to your most powerful resource: the Internet. Look for consumer reports sites that are not sponsored by any specific brand of electronics. There you can read up on people’s comments who already own the plasma screen you’re interested in purchasing. Unbiased reports from consumers are the best way to know which model/brand is right for you. Their honest opinions should be your guide in buying a plasma TV.
Buying Your New Plasma Screen
When it comes time to buy your new plasma TV, you’ll probably want to shop around to find the best deal. You may be considering buying your TV at a local store or through an online vendor. Realize the positives and negatives of each.
Buying at a local store lets you view the model before you bring it home. You can speak with an actual person about what you’re buying. However, know that retail stores may be told to push certain brands, so be wary. The prices may be higher than what you’ve seen online. Online vendors can pass the savings down to you because they aren’t paying high rent for their store. Their advertising is cheaper and there are fewer employees to pay. Is a cheaper TV better? Not necessarily. When you get big discounts from online vendors, you may not be getting a warranty. Most models will come with a factory warranty, but you can usually buy an extended warranty through a retail store. This doesn’t mean all online stores won’t offer guarantees, it’s just less likely. Also, stores exclusively on the net can be here today and gone tomorrow. Buying from an actual store that has been around for a while can assure the buyer someone will be there if your product needs service.
When purchasing online, you are always taking a risk. This is the age of Internet fraud. Hackers wait in the shadows to steal your bank numbers and drag your credit score through the mud. When you purchase online, ALWAYS be sure that you’re making a purchase from a reputable vendor. Make sure your transaction is taking place on a site that is secure.
Hopefully you’ve learned a little bit about what you want regarding a plasma screen for your home or business. Be wise, research product performance and look for deals that don’t leave you hanging should you accidentally buy a lemon. Enjoy the crisp, clear picture that a plasma screen will provide.
Thank you to Cari Cooney for this “Buying Plasma TV Guide” article.