What is a Plasma TV?
A Plasma TV is a television that uses a Plasma screen. A Plasma screen is made up of very small gas-filled cells, called sub-pixels, which emit ultraviolet light when an 
electric current is passed through them. They're arranged in groups of three, each coated with either red, green or blue fluorescent material that glows when the gas is excited. These groups of three are called pixels.
It's the small size and large number of these cells that give the plasma screen a more detailed image than the more traditional TV screen.
Plasma TV Pros
Why a Plasma TV might by the right choice for you!
> Quality
Picture quality is generally good.
> Size
They're very thin (often less than 10 cm) for their width and height. They can be wall-mounted in some situations.
> Flat Screen
They have a flat screen, which means no distortion at the edges.
> Uniform Brightness
Uniform screen brightness when they're new and probably for life if properly cared for.
> Aspect Ratio
The 16:9 aspect ratio is well suited to both DVDs and digital TV broadcasts.
> Avoid Speaker Distortion
No image distortion from speakers. A plasma screen is unaffected by strong magnetic fields, so you can put your speakers as close as you like.
> Connectivity
They can accept a wide range of input signals, including most TV signals (PAL, NTSC and SECAM) and have a number of input types, such as standard RCA jacks, S-video, component video and often HDMI. Also, most will accept output from a computer via RGB inputs.
Plasma TV Cons
Some cons to consider before buying a Plasma TV!
> Cost
They're still not cheap. Expect to pay around $1500 to $2000 for a 106cm model. High definition models will add substantially to these prices and a 127cm 1080p screen can still ring the till well over $6,000.
At these prices you should get lots of attention both in the store and when it comes to after-sales service. Check warranties and how much help you'll get installing it at home.
> Dead Pixels
Pixels aren't repairable. If one or more cells stop working and you find it noticeable, you may have to have the whole thing replaced.
> Plasma Screen 'Burn In'
Plasma screens can suffer from ‘burn-in'. This is where a static image on the screen for long periods can become semi-permanent. It is more likely to be a problem early in the screens life but may be reversible by displaying an even grey screen for a time. Also, if you watch a lot of 4:3 aspect ratio TV (including free-to-air digital TV) on a plasma screen, the cells in the middle will age more quickly than those on the edges, which in extreme cases could lead to uneven brightness over time.
> Tuner Included?
Some don't come with a TV tuner: they're just a screen, and you'll have to pay extra for the tuner - and speakers may be extra.
> Heavy Screen
They're heavy despite being thin. Typically a 106 cm screen (measured diagonally) weighs anything from 29.5 kg to 45 kg, the latter about the same as a normal 68 cm TV.
> Background Noise?
They produce heat when operating and may have a built-in fan to help with cooling. Listen to it with the sound off in a quiet room to make sure it isn't distracting in quiet sections of a movie.
> Too Hot for Comfort
If you live in a very hot part of the country, be aware that most manufacturers suggest operating temperatures below 35°C or 40°C.
How long will a Plasma last?
Estimates vary from as low as 10,000 to more than 60,000 hours.
At around four hours' viewing a day that equates to seven and 41 years respectively, which is more than you'd expect from a normal TV. However, these figures are based on an even loss of brightness and don't take into account the possibility of one group of cells aging more quickly than those around them, which would result in an irreversible darker spot. This is a real possibility if you were to watch a lot of free-to-air television or play computer games in 4:3 format.
Generally warranties vary from one to five years and most exclude pixels that malfunction (unless there's more of them than the manufacturer deems acceptable), burn-in and heat-related problems.
The number of dead pixels that'll be covered isn't always stated. Since the other warranties we've seen are vague in this area, using phrases like "within normal commercial tolerance" to describe pixel failure. The retailer should explain the manufacturer's pixel policy before you buy a plasma screen. If they don't and you find noticeable dead pixels, they're obliged to replace the screen.
LCD versus Plasma TV?
The decision to buy a LCD or a Plasma TV should be based on your particular requirements. Plasma TVs offer bigger sizes and better quality under some conditions, however the gap between LCD and Plasma is closing. Before you go out to buy, compare the pros and cons of LCD TVs from Choice. For more information on the latest tests by Choice on LCD TVs go to the Choice TV Buyers Guide.
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