Plasma TV or LCD – Which Should You Choose?
When it comes to high quality flat screen TVs, there are a number of choices available these days and the technology is constantly improving. However, as each competing TV screen technology matures and improves, the differences between them become more difficult to detect. And so it is with the comparison between LCD and plasma TVs.
The big advantages of both kinds of TV monitors is that they are very thin, only a few inches thick. Because of that you can choose to either place them on a stand, as you have with televisions you have owned in the past, or mount them to the wall instead. They both also produce stunningly beautiful visual displays, especially when coupled with high definition television programming. But there are some subtle differences that you will want to be aware of though.
Plasma TVs have been in use for many years and they use inert gases that are illuminated to display colors on individual pixels on the screen. Their best feature is the high contrast image that they reproduce. The colors are extremely vivid and sharp and this is mostly due to the fact that plasma TVs are able to exhibit true saturated blacks, whereas other monitors, LCDs included, usually have some compromise in how much true black they display.
Plasma screens are also easily viewed from almost any angle and so if you have a wide room with seating that extends out at an angle from the front of the television set, you may want to consider this advantage, although recently many LCD TVs have been steadily improving in their accepted viewing angle.
One area that plasma TVs have historically had a disadvantage is in the amount of electricity needed to power them and how hot they run. It can cost more to run a plasma TV if you use it very regularly, and it can generate quite a bit of heat inside, enough to warrant most manufacturers making use of a fan to cool them down as they run. This is not a noticeable problem unless the fan makes noise that can be distracting. So be sure to actually view a plasma TV before buying that particular model and see if the fan noise is a problem.
Another quirk of plasma TVs is that they can be susceptible to screen burn-in, which happens when one image is left on the screen for a very long time and it then becomes "burned into" the screen so that you can still faintly see it even when another image is displayed. This can happen on some TV channels that display an image that stays in a certain part of the screen for a long time, and if you play video games, there may also be a possibility that some games can cause this problem. So ask yourself before buying how you intend to use the TV, and if you happen to view programming that may have static screen images a lot of the time, it may be wise to choose an LCD screen as it does not suffer from this problem.
LCD TVs may not produce deep contrasty images like plasma monitors do, but the colors are still very pleasing and they can also be a better choice for brightly lit rooms since their display is not as susceptible to ambient light influences. However, they can tend to get more pricey than plasma TVs once you go above the 40 inch screen size.
All in all though, either type of TV screen technology will do a great job for you. The best recommendation is before you buy, visit a local electronics retailer and view representatives from plasma screens and LCDs. Bring along your own movie that you are familiar with and look for the differences. Then choose the one that makes the most sense to you. There is no need to buy from the store as you can often save lots of money by making your purchase online instead, but by doing your homework you can make a more informed buying decision.
Donât Touch That TV Screen! No, Really . . . Iâm Serious . . . Donât!
So you just bought a flat screen TV and no one told you anything about care and cleaning?
“What do you mean, care and cleaning?” some will say. “I grew up with a TV in the house, didn’t I? Everybody knows how to take care of a TV . . . right? You just dust it off every couple of months and don’t let the kids chew on the power cord. . . right?”
Well-l-l-l, there’s a little more to it than that when you own a Plasma, DLP or LCD flat screen TV. Some of it is common sense, but a lot what you need to know is unique to caring for the new television technology.
Special care must be taken when handling a flat screen TV, especially when touching or cleaning the display screen. Thin sheets of glass hold the Plasma cells on a flat screen TV, if they crack, the screen is ruined and cannot be repaired!
(If you’re not familiar with the differences between Plasma, LCD or DLP TVs, you should Google the "123 Guide To Plasma TV.com")
Bottom line: you need to know what you’re doing if you want to protect your expensive new TV from damage. You’re in luck . . . I’m about to tell you!
1) Avoid Touching The Screen!
Handle the TV only by the sides and bottom. Do your best not to touch the screen; don’t rub, scrub, tap, hit or touch it, since this could scratch, mar or permanently damage the screen. I actually want to encourage you not to touch the screen with your bare hands. (Good luck keeping the kids away from it!)
2) Keep Your Plasma TV Upright!
Whether you’re moving it, installing it, storing or displaying it, you should never lay your Plasma flat on it’s face, even if the directions tell you to. The plasma elements that make up the picture are sandwiched between two thin layers of glass. If these glass panels crack, your TV screen will be ruined. Large LCD and DLP display screens can be just as delicate.
3) Clean Your Flat Screen TV Correctly!
Even routine cleaning can present special challenges. You shouldn’t use dust cloths, chemical cleansers, soaps, sprays, alcohol or aerosols. Please don’t rub the screen, just dust it gently with absorbent cotton or chamois only. Clean the frame with a slightly moist sponge or cloth, don’t use chemicals or soaps. It’s best to unplug the TV before you begin cleaning.
4) Buy A Good Surge Protector!
Spring for a quality surge protector with a reset button and power switch. A phone line or ethernet surge protector for your modem and a coax surge protector for cable TV are great features to look for. If you can’t find these features on a power surge protector you can order them separately. A basic surge protector costs less than $10, and a really good one costs $30 - $50. There’s no excuse for not connecting every major appliance in your house to one. One lightning strike, one power surge and your $2,500 flat screen TV could be fried!
5) Don’t Let Your Big Screen TV Tip Over!
Most table stands are well designed, but be aware! When your teenager tries to imitate Kobe’s fantastic slam dunk or your toddler jumps up to slap Sponge Bob on the head, you don’t want a 150-pound big screen TV toppling over on them. Make sure your TV stand is sturdy, that it’s large enough to hold your TV (6-inches wider than the base) and is positioned against a wall, away from doorways and foot traffic.
6) Make Sure Your Wall Mount Is Properly Installed!
A correctly installed wall mount has little chance of allowing your TV to tip over; just one more reason to get a professional installation. If Harry Handyman from next door installs your Plasma and the mount comes off the wall, you could be facing substantial damage or injury. If you don’t know how to run wiring inside your wall, get a pro to do it.
7) Avoid Screen Burn-In!
Plasma displays have improved recently, but screen burn-in is still possible. Static images that don’t move or change, like video game scores, TV station logos, stock ticker displays and computer programs can burn images permanently into a Plasma screen. It may take weeks, months or years for the damage to become permanent, but it certainly can. LCD and DLP TVs cannot suffer burn-in.
With proper care, your big screen TV will give your family decades of brilliant service and lasting memories. Just tune in to Entourage and enjoy!
It's as easy as 1 2 3!
Ike Ridley is the avid videophile and self-confessed âMovie Nutâ who created the website 123 Guide To Plasma TV. To visit us, click the links or paste this URL into your web browser:http://www.123-guide-to-plasma-tv.com/
Ike has moved to the Caribbean where he clicks away on his laptop under a palm tree.Click Here for more information on big screen TVs in the 123 Guide To Plasma TV.com!
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Copyright © 2007 Isaac Ridley Jr. Some rights reserved.
Cheap LCD Tv: Unparallelled Viewing Experience
The LCD is a flat screen TV which is light and slim and it captures the attention of people due to its trendy and sleek looks. LCD TV offers a bright picture contrast as it has a liquid crystal display technology. Not only are these TVs cheap and affordable but they consume less energy which cuts down ones mounting electricity bills.
With regard to Plasma TV the LCD TVs are cheaper and offer a high resolution than their counterparts. One can search for cheap LCD TV which give a heightened viewing experience to the viewer and leave a lasting impression on the viewer. The cheap LCD TV enables the user to enjoy watching their favourite movie as it reflects little light and one can contemplate of placing it in a room which is well-lit. When placing the TV in the room, one should give consideration to its placement. For instance for a supreme viewing experience one should sit at a right distance from his TV set and the eyes should be set at the middle of the screen for better image clarity and brightness.
One of the reasons pointing to the success and popularity of these cheap LCD TVs is their sophisticated flat structure and a satisfactory image quality. As far as the technology of the TV is concerned, the modern equipment constitutes of tiny liquid crystals which are placed between two electrodes. The tiny liquid crystals react and get activated once a charge is passed between them. As a result of the reaction, light is passed off which eventually portrays an image on the screen of the television.
Pixels which are an integral part of the flat screen are characteristic of turning on and off with rapidity which makes it possible for moving images to be displayed on the screen of the television. The space saving LCD TVs are loaded with various functionalities and due to their exceptional viewing quality they can be used as computer monitors. One of the desirable quality of this TV is that your eyes will be completely guarded against electromagnetic waves which are harmful in nature. Though there are many market players which have a name in manufacturing electronic products, but one of the leading and established brands is Samsung.
The Samsung LCD TV is designed to meet the viewing needs of the people and it is packed with a wide range of functionalities. So, get rid of your old CRT TV in the dining room and opt for a cheap LCD TV which would exalt your experience of watching action-packed movies and make you feel as if it was happening in the real world.
Pros And Cons Of Buying A Big Screen TV
Nowadays, there are many big brands making Big Screen TV's which are very popular everywhere. Big Screen TV like high-quality 5.1-channel surround sound systems would definitely pull you into the movie action or TV show's story line just the way big movie theater screens and sound systems do. But at the same time sometimes a too-large TV can really overpower a room. To get the right big-screen TV for your needs, you'll need to consider screen size, the display technology, your budget, and also the viewing preferences. TV screens are being made much bigger, so that they are similar in shape to movie screens and the picture quality is being improved by technical tricks so that new projection sets will provide superior images even from standard broadcasts and videotapes.
While buying a big screen TV for your home it is important that you choose the screen size according to your room size. Your seating distance will determine your sense of picture clarity and detail as well as the quality of the viewing experience.
Big Screen TV's are available in both Plasma and LCD. Plasma screens use a matrix of tiny gas plasma cells charged by precise electrical voltages to create a picture. LCD-Liquid Crystal Display screens are in layman's terms sandwiches made up of liquid crystal pushed in the space between two glass plates. Images are created by varying the amount electrical charge applied to the crystals.
Each technology has its strengths and weaknesses. For home entertainment, plasma TV screens have a slight edge over LCD TV's that's because plasma TV screens can display blacks more ac-curately than LCD TV screens thus they give better contrast and detail in dark-colored television or movie scenes. In LCD technology a backlight shines through the LCD layer which makes it harder for it to achieve true blacks because there is always some light leakage from between pixels.
These cool plasma and LCD flat panels which are only a few inches thick are alluring, but budget, screen size, and your need for optimal HDTV clarity are big factors you must consider. You may have to pay as high as $8,000 USD in order to get full HDTV resolution on a plasma panel which would mean getting a 50-inch diagonal screen but if you are willing to compromise with the flat panel and accept a more conventional box you can get full HDTV resolution for a fraction of that amount. However if you still like the flat panel and can do with a good but not true HD picture quality, you can save a lot of money on a smaller LCD or plasma display.
So, folks set your budget, decide on what you want and get the perfect Big Screen TV for your home. Invite your friends and enjoy the next game with loud cheers and drinks!!!
How to Remove Scratches from Your Flat Screen TV
One of the more frequent questions we receive here at OriginalDustCover.com is how to remove light scratches from Flat Screen & LCD TVs safely without making the scratches worse. Scratches can result from some of the most innocuous, everyday items such as a thick piece of paper or magazine, a nerf toy, or tiny fingernails from kitty cats and children. Any of these items can unintentionally brush against your Flat Screen, leaving a scratch that can be visible whether the television in turned on or off.
The secret to removing light scratches from your Flat Screen TV is to use the proper tools. Here is the list of tools to gather:
1.) Isopropyl Alcohol – Available from grocery stores, drug stores, hardware stores
2.) Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloth – Available from sunglass stores, Wal-Mart, Target
3.) Distilled Water – Available at grocery stores, Wal-Mart, drug stores
Never, ever use Windex, glass cleaner, or other window cleaning solutions on your Flat Screen TV. Additionally, never use paper towels on your Flat Screen TV, as this is the quickest way to permanently damage your screen with thousands of little scratches.
Firstly, mix a 50/50 solution (half Isopropyl Alcohol and half distilled water) in a liquid safe container. Isopropyl Alcohol is usually listed at 90% pure, so mixing a 50/50 solution results in a cleaning solution that is nearly perfect for our needs.
Secondly, dip your Micro Fiber cloth into the solution and begin to gently rub the scratch on the TV in a circular motion. It is important not to rub too hard, as friction from the Micro Fiber cloth can make the scratch worse. Continue to use a circular motion while keeping the Micro Fiber cloth damp with your Isopropyl Alcohol and distilled water solution.
Finally, the scratch should begin to disappear as the Isopropyl Alcohol in your cleaning solution evaporates. If the scratch does not begin to disappear or becomes worse – STOP! You may have a scratch that needs a more thorough fix. Our next article will address such a situation! Remember, the easiest way to remove scratches from your Flat Screen and LCD TV is to prevent them in the first place. Take a look a Micro Fiber Dust cover from OriginalDustCover.com for the best protection of your TV.
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Consider the Basics When You Want To Purchase Your Flat Screen TV
Although it may seem brand new the technology behind flat screen TV has been around for a number of years. Now that there have been improvements in manufacturing technology they are now easier and cheaper to produce and therefore more readily available to the average consumer. The level of quality and affordability to which we now have access as consumers is causing us to raise the bar of our expectations for other technology in consumer electronics as well.
Of course now that we have this fantastic level of consumer technology in our televisions we need to maintain that level of quality in those components we use such as speakers and other necessities. The largeness of the screen and the superior colors and picture quality all contribute to the overall entertainment experience of simulating a large professional movie theater experience. With the improvements in technology and global production benefits the level of quality and affordability will only get better for the consumer.
The amazing colors and stunning picture quality can be attributed to the use of xenon and neon gasses within the set. These safe gasses inertly move between two flat panels of glass. This procedure allows for the display of 16000000 colors which is what provides such a superior picture.
The longevity of a flat screen TV can be measured in a qualitative manner based on the number of hours it can run until the quality of it's picture degenerates to 50 this is called it's "half life". The standard half life is about 60 000 hours. An excellent warranty that includes free or low-cost service will contribute to full enjoyment of every hour.
You'll find that the standard flat screen TV is about 4 to 5 inches deep and is thinner than your normal television. The thinness of the device allows a great deal of flexibility in determining where to install it. Mounting it on the wall becomes an option that you didn't have with your previous TVs.
The flat screen TV is a delicate piece of equipment and this needs to be taken into consideration when moving and placing it. Even small bumps can cause unexpected problems in screen quality and if a repair is possible it can be quite expensive. Parents should consider installing one so that it is high enough to avoid flying toys and rough housing children. You can use wall mounts so that you can tilt it down for a comfortable view.
Now that they are more obtainable you see that there are also special cabinets and furniture as well that will go along with your purchase. No matter your eccentricities you are bound to find a match to your flat screen TV accessory requirements. You will find that you can protect your flat screen TV in a sturdy cabinet that is also quite stylish as well.
When considering how much to spend when you buy a flat screen TV make sure to not only consider the actual television itself but also a warranty furniture like cabinets and accessories as well as any delivery costs. Today's larger versions use a lot of electricity however this technology is constantly evolving and in the near future the consumer will have access to more energy efficient models that will be less expensive to everyone.
Flat Screen TV . . . How Big is Big?
Picking the right sized Big Screen TV for your needs can’t be boiled down to a simple formula. There are many things to consider before you’re ready to make a purchase.
How large is the space in your living room where the flat screen TV will go? Is there room around the TV for ventilation and Dolby Surround Sound speakers? How much do you want to spend? How far away will the viewers be sitting?
You’ll also want to know if a Home Theater System fit in the room. Would you have more space if you install a wall mount instead of a TV stand? Do you want to buy a discount or high end Big Screen TV? And most importantly, how jealous will the neighbors will be?
• Measure the space where you plan to install the TV. Subtract one foot from the resulting measurement to allow for the frame and ventilation space. This will give you a rough idea of what sized Plasma TV will fit in the space (a five foot long space is needed for a 50” TV).
• Big Screen TV screens are measured diagonally like all TV screens. The most popular screen sizes are 42-inch and 50-inch, although many sizes are available between 32-inch and 108-inch. Because TV screens are measured diagonally; a 50” screen will have a horizontal measurement somewhat shorter than 50”.
• How high on the wall should your Plasma TV be mounted? A flat wall mount should be slightly above the viewer's eye level. The bottom of the screen should be no more than one foot higher than the eye level of a seated adult. A tilt mount can be installed much higher than that, over fireplaces and even on bedroom ceilings.
• A careful shopper can find a name brand 42-inch HDTV Flat Screen for around $1,000, and a 50-inch for about $2,000. You can spend much more, but the price of Plasma, LCD and DLP TVs has dropped significantly in recent months.
(If you’re not familiar with some of the terms used above: HDTV, Plasma, LCD and DLP, you should Google the "123 Guide To Plasma TV.com")
• A wall mount takes up much less space than a TV stand. Flat Screen TVs are less than 4 inches thick, a flat wall mount adds 2 inches and a tilt mount 4-6 inches. A TV stand can require space varying between 6 inches and 10 inches.
• The Size of Table Stands vary with the style and make. Plan on a table or base with at least 12 inches in depth and a minimum width 6 inches longer than the bottom of the table stand.
• How much viewing space is available in the room? The comfortable viewing distance for smaller Big Screen TVs is 6 to 10 feet; the largest plasmas can be easily viewed from 6 to 20 feet away.
• Consider the space needed for all the accessories your Big Screen TV will require; a TV stand (or wall mount) , a home entertainment system with speakers, a digital cable box and an HD-DVD player.
• Last, but not least, how jealous will the neighbors be when they see your new 50-inch Plasma?
Only you can decide what size Flat Screen TV you want to purchase for your family. Do a little planning, make informed choices, and you’ll be much happier with your new Big Screen TV!
It's as easy as 1 2 3!
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Your Flat Screen TV Will Be Your Source For Hours Of Entertainment And Amusement From Home
Although it may seem brand new the technology behind flat screen TV has been around for a number of years. This technology was once considered to be unobtainable however due to advancements in manufacturing it is now easier to produce and as a result more affordable to everyone. The level of quality and affordability to which we now have access as consumers is causing us to raise the bar of our expectations for other technology in consumer electronics as well.
Those who favor contemporary decor can find metallic stands with glass shelves. Regardless of what furniture is chosen to house one it should be particularly sturdy. Even though the cost of a flat screen TV is coming down they are still not cheap. .
As they become more widely available specialized furniture and cabinets have also come on the market. There are accessories now to match the many unique needs of the flat screen TV owner. So that not only is this delicate piece of equipment well protected but that it is also fashionable to present and comfortable to watch.
The flat screen TV is a delicate piece of equipment and this needs to be taken into consideration when moving and placing it. Make sure that you do not jostle or bump your television because the last thing you want to do after you purchase it is to pay to have it fixed. Another benefit of placing it on the wall is that it is out of reach of children and animals. Wall mounts are available to allow the television to tilt downward and adjust for proper viewing comfort.
The modern version is fast becoming a staple in your standard home theater system and is often accompanied by additional high-tech components such as surround sound speakers. The ability to build a large screen with high end picture quality and reliability as well as to utilize that same level of proficiency with the componentry is what allows for such an immersive experience. Because of the every increasing proficiency of production as well as the cheapening of raw materials and Improvements on technology the level of consumer satisfaction and access to superior quality products will only get better.
The primary metric by which the longevity of the flat screen TV is measured is by it's half-life which refers to the point in time when the quality of the picture degenerates to half of it's original level of quality. Sixty thousand hours is the standard half life for you average set. To ensure maximum enjoyment from your television a warranty can be obtained to take care of minor or major issues.
These pieces of technological prowess owe their stunning color to unique technology that utilizes neon and xenon gases. These gasses are safe and they are captured between two panels of flat glass. They produce over 16 million colors including a perfect black which enhances the cinematic quality of the picture.
Budgeting considerations for when you purchase your flat screen TV should include the cost of the television itself as well as any needed furniture such as cabinets and accessories any warranties and the effect on the homes electric bill. Today's larger versions use a lot of electricity however this technology is constantly evolving and in the near future the consumer will have access to more energy efficient models that will be less expensive to everyone.