What to look for when buying a Plasma TV

A shopping guide and checklist for Plasma TV's

OK so you've checked out all the options and are ready to plunge in and buy a Plasma TV.  Now how do you choose which one?

First of all, buy a new one.  There will be lots of used or "older" models out there on sale. But buyer beware ( that's you)!

The market was flooded with lower quality TV's and there has been a shake out with the manufacturers of Plasma TV's.  Many manufaturers have quit producing Plasma TV's and are concentrating on LCD's.  So make sure that the brand you buy is still making Plasma tv's.  The reason for this is that it is an indicator of the commitment to the technology.  Some companies just got in and tried out the waters, then when they ran into all sorts of problems they decided to go back to their strengths.  So their problems will become your problems. 

The next thing you have to make sure of is that your TV is True HDTV.  Does it support full hdtv resolution?  Check out the stats.  If you are looking at a Plasma TV in a showroom, take the remote and check the settings.  They will have tweaked the set to give you maximum contrast ( sports setting?).  This is fine, but realize that it is pumping out at max. 

And check out the program they are running on the demo set.  Is this what you typicaly watch?  Get them to put on something you usually watch. ( oh, and watch out for the sound system.....you may be "hearing" a great pic.....put the mute on).  Check out the viewing from different angles, can you see how the picture changes?    Also look for ghosting or blurring of the picture on Plasma TV's.  I was looking at a high end TV the other day and there was a girl on a swing.  The set struggled to keep focus.  You could see the gas resolving as the figure stopped and started.

OK you love the pic on the plasma tv you are looking at.  You have checked the settings and watched it under different settings and with different programs.  And you have made sure that the manufacturer is still committed to Plasma TV.  ( and you have read my other article on which type of tv to buy ).  Now it is time to check out all those " oh by the way" 's.

Oh by the way......what sound system do you have?  Does your system have HDMI connections?  Is your sound system compatible with a plasma tv?  Do you even have a sound system or are you relying on the TV's speakers ( take a close look....see any speakers?).  This is where a cheap Plasma TV can turn into a VERY EXPENSIVE PLASMA TV!    See that glint in your salesman's eye?

If you have a very good sound system or at least one that you were planning to use until you had paid off the TV then you had better make sure that the TV you buy has the same input/output jacks.  Many new and high quality don't.  HDMI is the way of the future, much like the USB connection on your computer. 

One of the best sources for buying a TV and getting it delivered in guaranteed good shape is Amazon.  Yes believe it or not Amazon sells more than books.  A friend of mine had bought several TV's from Amazon ( OK he's a bit video obsessed) and loved the ordering, delivery and after sales support.  And this guy is no wilting violet when it comes to customer support!

Here is a link to Amazon's Electronics department where you can find out more:

Oh by the way......How are you going to put up the Plasma TV ?   ( see that glint again?)  You will need a mounting bracket for your wall. (NB. If you are planning to watch your TV from different angles, make sure you get a bracket that can adjust the angle.) I know.....if you need one, then why don't they supply one?  And are you qualified to install a mounting bracket?  This only involves a drill and a few screws, but that Plasma TV is like a slab of granite.  Been to the gym lately?

Here are some things to remember when installing your plasma tv:

• make sure you have the right connections and cables
• buy a mounting bracket that is strong enough for your unit
• secure the bracket to your studs in your wall ( If you have metal studs, make sure you use every possible way of attaching the bracket)
• get help.  two people to hold the unit and one to check all attachments......that's 3 people if anyone is counting.
• plan to do things in stages.....I know that it is a great idea to lure  a few friends over to hoist the TV with the promise of watching the big game, but chances are you will miss the game or watch it with the TV propped up on a packing case.
• do a mock up with a piece of cardboard and tin foil to check for height and any reflections.
• and I know that most guys are going to ignore all this.......welcome to the club and enjoy the game....that packing case kinda looks nice after a beer or two.

OK....This is it for now.....I'll add to this page in a bit, but I want to get this up online.  Stay tuned for a checklist and specific manufaturers to look for.

Colin

C Noden