Plasma TVs

More, and bigger, screens are adding variety to the category

Plasma TVs make a blockbuster first impression. A scant 6 inches thick or less, these sleek flat panels display bright images on screens measuring about 3 to 5 feet diagonally. With more models 50 inches and larger now available, plasma TVs have become a viable alternative to rear-projection sets for anyone seeking a jumbo screen.

A plasma screen is made up of thousands of pixels containing gas that's converted into "plasma" by an electrical charge. The plasma causes phosphors to glow red, green, or blue, as dictated by a video signal. Thanks to improvements in plasma technology, the best sets have excellent picture quality. They offer a wider viewing angle than most rear-projection sets and LCD TVs, along with deeper blacks and smoother motion than you get with LCD sets.

The picture isn't all rosy, however. Like projection TVs using CRT (cathode-ray tube) technology, plasma sets may be vulnerable to screen burn-in, although new screen-saving technologies minimize the risk. And because plasma sets are relatively new, their long-term reliability is still a question, although preliminary data are encouraging.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



When buying a plasma TV, you'll face a choice between HD (high-definition) and ED (enhanced- definition) sets, which cost less. The two types differ in native resolution, meaning the fixed number of pixels on the screen. In a spec like 852x480, note the second number. If it's 480, the set is ED; 720 or higher, it's HD. Most 42-inch plasma HDTVs have resolution of 1024x768; 50-inch sets typically have 1366x768. Some new plasma TVs coming on the market have a still-higher resolution of 1920x1080. These so-called 1080p TVs have the potential to display all 1,080 lines in the most common high-definition format, called 1080i. The improvement is most noticeable on large screens, say 50 inches and up.

Both HD and ED sets should be capable of up- or down-converting signals to match their native resolution. ED sets can display the full detail of 480p signals, such as those output by a DVD player. When connected to an HD tuner, many can down-convert HD TV signals, which are 720p or 1080i, to suit their lower-resolution screens. The picture quality can be very good, even though it's not true HD. If you sit too close to an ED set, though, images may appear coarser than on an HD set, as if you were looking through a screen door. ED sets are likely to become less common as HD prices continue to fall.

As of July 2006, all TVs with screens 25 inches and larger--a range encompassing all plasma TVs--must have a built-in ATSC digital tuner to comply with a government ruling. By March 2007, all new TVs sold in the U.S., regardless of size and type, must include a digital tuner. Some manufacturers are getting around that ruling, however, by introducing sets called "monitors," which have no tuner of any type. These require a cable box or satellite receiver to get any programming, not just HD content.

Among the leading brands in the plasma TV category are Panasonic, Hitachi, Philips, Pioneer, and Samsung. Sony recently stopped making plasma TVs to concentrate instead on LCD sets. Prices have dropped sharply over the past year or two. HD models with 40- to 44-inch screens, the best-selling size, cost $2,000 or more. TVs with screens 50 inches or larger cost $3,000 and up. Look for prices to fall further now that more brands of plasma TVs are available, many priced aggressively.


HOW TO CHOOSE



Decide whether you want true HD or the next best thing. HD sets generally perform better than ED sets with all types of signals. They're worth the higher cost if you're a purist who wants the best image quality. Most ED plasma sets can down-convert an HD signal to fit their lower resolution, so you can still enjoy HD programming. While it won't be true HD quality, it can be very good. For a main TV or one you'll watch often, we'd strongly recommend an HD set, which would have resolution of at least 1024x768. On screens 50 inches or so, 1366x768 has the potential to offer better quality, though native screen resolution in and of itself doesn't guarantee a certain level of picture quality. Note that the shiny surface of a plasma TV can produce annoying reflections, especially in brightly lighted rooms. Many of these sets look best in low light.

Weigh screen size against price. If you're buying a plasma TV, an important question is how much screen you can afford. All other things being equal, the bigger the screen, the bigger the price tag, and the greater the viewing distance you need to see optimal picture quality. You'll enjoy the best viewing experience if you sit at least 6 feet away from a 42-inch HD set, and a little farther from an ED set or larger screen.

Beware of burn-in and burnout. Plasma TVs may be prone to burn-in, much like CRT-based rear-projection TVs. Over time, static images displayed for long periods (such as a video game or a stock ticker) may leave permanent ghosted impressions onscreen, so minimize the risk as much as you can.

You may have seen reports, in print or online, suggesting that plasma TVs may not last as long as other types of TVs. Overall longevity and reliability are not yet proven because the technology is so new. Major manufacturers now tout 60,000 hours of use or more before a recent-model plasma screen loses half its brightness. Even in heavy use (40 hours a week), that's about 29 years.

Don't get hung up on specs. Ads touting high- contrast ratios and brightness (cd/m2, or candelas per square meter) may sway you to one set or another. But don't let this be the deciding factor. Manufacturers arrive at specs differently, so they may not be comparable. Try adjusting sets in the store yourself to compare contrast and brightness.

Determine what's included when comparing prices. Some plasmas are monitors only; they don't include speakers or a tuner for any type of TV signal. You won't have to pay for a tuner if you'll be using a cable box or satellite receiver, which will serve as the tuner for all programming. Otherwise, you'll need a set-top box to work with an antenna. If the plasma TV has no speakers, you'll have to buy them separately unless you plan to connect the set to your existing sound system.

Consider the logistics. Ads for plasma TVs might not show any wires, but you'll probably be connecting a cable box or satellite receiver and a DVD player, and possibly a DVR, DVD recorder, VCR and audio receiver. You can tuck wires behind the TV if you place it on a stand. With wall-mounting, you can run the wires behind the wall or through conduits, a task that might be best handled by a professional. Often weighing 100 pounds or more, plasma TVs need adequate support and ample ventilation because of the heat they can generate. Ask the retailer to recommend an installer or contact the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (800-669-5329 or www.cedia.net). Figure on paying $300 to $1,000 for labor, plus a few hundred dollars for mounting brackets.

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