Do I Need 1080P on a 42 Plasma?

A plasma television has both pros and cons when compared to LCDs.

Before you purchase a 42-inch plasma television, it is important you consider the differences between plasma HDTV formats. Plasma TVs come in 720p, 1080i and 1080p resolution. Each format is either a progressive scan or interlaced.

Formats

HDTVs with 720p have roughly one million pixels, while a 1080p TV has twice as many. In order to experience the higher detail that a 1080 resolution offers, however, you will need to buy a large enough TV (42-ich or larger).

Interlaced vs. Progressive Scan

Although there are fundamental differences between the two, for the common viewer, a 1080i resolution is not discernable from 1080p. The only noticeable difference between 1080p and 1080i may occur during sporting broadcasts and other fast-moving scenes, where 1080p offers slightly better edges and less motion blur.

Plama vs. LCD TVs

The benefits of plasma TVs include their slim design, wall mounts, superior contrast ratio, wider viewing angles compared to LCDs, and high refresh rates which lead to almost no blurring, even during fast-paced sporting events. Downsides include greater susceptibility to screen burn-in, decline of image brightness over time, greater weight, and they generally use more electricity than LCDs.

References

• TheBestPlasmaTV: 1080p vs 1080i
• CNet: Plasma vs. LCD
• TheBestPlasmaTV: 720p vs 1080p