How to Buy a Plasma TV

When buying a Plasma TV, keep in mind that there really is not best brand, only the one you like most! But major Japanese brands like, Panasonic, Sony, Hitachi, JVC, Toshiba and Pioneer are all very reliable brands.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Decide whether you want EDTV or "true" HDTV. EDTVs have fewer pixels on the same size screen and are generally only available in 42" or smaller screens. Many people find it hard to tell the difference between the cheaper EDTV plasmas and the higher resolution HD displays, but the best way for you to decide is to go look at the same program on the two TVs side by side at your local retailer.
2. Look for the contrast ratio. The higher the ratio the more "real" the picture appears. 800:1 is the lowest. New models offer 3000:1 ratio
3. Check in some stores to determine for yourself whether you can see a difference from the distance from which you will be watching. If you can, decide how much you are willing to pay for that difference.
4. Decide whether you want a consumer or a commercial set.
5. Determine which features you need, which are "nice, but not critical," and which you are unlikely to use. Consumer sets have more features, flashier styling, and (sometimes) better warranties, as well as having to meet somewhat more stringent government standards. Commercial sets offer great value. They provide very good PQ for the money, but tend to be minimalist in styling and features, and things like table stands, HDMI/DVI inputs, tuners and speakers are extra cost options that can drive the cost up beyond the consumer version if you add them.
6. Consider whether want to buy on the internet or from a local retailer. The former is usually less expensive, but if something goes wrong, returning the big, expensive machine could be a hassle. Also take into account that you can avoid paying sales tax when buying from many online retailers, which can save you hundreds on an expensive TV. Commercial sets are scarce in local stores while many internet vendors do not offer the consumer versions.
7. Focus on a manageable number of models by weeding out those that don't meet your criteria.
8. Check out "expert" reviews, such as CNET and Consumer Reports. Read user comments on various sites all over the net. Reviews are invaluable, because choosing a TV set on a sales floor is difficult and frustrating.
9. Look at the sets you are considering in more than one store. Too much depends on the picture settings, ambient lighting, and even the quality of the feeds.
10. Don't get paralysis from analysis. There will always be something new arriving soon. Prices will always drop over time. The fact is, most current plasmas are very good and their prices are reasonable for the pleasure they provide.
11. Use comparison shopping sites like DealMine.com or Yahoo Shopping to discover how prices vary at different stores.

Tips & Warnings

• Dell plasma TVs uses Korean glass and American circuits. On sale, they offer a terrific value, but controversial quality control.
• LG (Zenith/Goldstar) and Samsung are second and third in global sales (behind Panasonic), so they have something going for them, but some believe the Korean manufacturers have inferior quality control.
• Philips tends to be overlooked, although their commercials about ambilight do a lot toward raising public awareness of flat panel displays.
• When comparing different sets in a store, employees tend to be very helpful since it is such a large ticket item and will let you do many things that you wouldn't be able to do if buying something like a CD. Many stores will allow you to change settings on display models and even bring in your own DVD/video game system to test out the pictures.
• Fujitsu plasma TVs have an avid following, but many knowledgeable experts believe they are overpriced.