When television stormed into homes across the globe 75 years ago, they were operated by cathode ray tubes (CRT) that fired a beam of electrons inside a large glass tube. Although CRT TV sets produced a sharp image, they had some serious drawbacks: the tubes not only eventually burn out and must be replaced, but they also are quite bulky. If a larger image was desired, the tubes had to become larger as well. This created large, chunky TV sets that took up a considerable amount of space in a watcher’s living room.
With today’s plasma TV technology, the problems associated with CRT televisions have disappeared! In fact, since plasma TVs are widely available and come in many sizes without taking up a vast amount of space, you may now only find CRT televisions in an electronics antique store!
Plasma TVs, as compared with the old CRT sets, have a flat panel display. Available in many sizes, they are remarkably compact; most plasma TVs are only six inches thick. They can be free-standing or mounted on a wall, taking up very little space wherever they’re placed. Customers can choose the size of their plasma TVs to fit their space needs; 32, 37, 42, 50 and 60-inch models are the most widely available and popular sizes.
How do plasma TVs work? The technology’s central element is fluorescent light that is a plasma; this is a gas that creates light and energy like that you’ll find in fluorescent lamps. There are no tubes involved meaning that there’s nothing to burn out that must be periodically replaced. Plasma TVs are a great choice for customers who want high definition (HD) pictures that are remarkably sharp, crisp, bright, and exceptionally well-defined.
When shopping for a plasma TV it helps to know about those that are the highest-rated among electronics reviewers and customers. Favorites include:
• The Samsung LN52A520 50-inch HDTV
• The Panasonic TC 32LX85 32-inch HDTV
• The Pioneer KURO PDP 5010FD 50-inch HDTV
• The Panasonic TH-42PH10UK 42-inch HDTV
• The LG 42PC5D 42-inch HDTV
• The Phillips 50PFP5332D 50-inch HDTV
• The Panasonic TH-65PF9UK 65-inch HDTV
Plasma TVs are a bit pricey, depending upon the size of the model you choose and where you shop; generally, prices range from $800 to $3,000 for a good quality brand. Many on-line plasma TVs sell for much less than an electronics store. When shopping on-line, you don’t get a chance to actually view the picture quality, but these merchants offer a liberal return policy if you aren’t satisfied with your television. You can also purchase mounts, stands, and attractive furniture to house your set; these accessories are often included in the total package of the plasma TV model you select.
Before you invest in a plasma TV, it’s best to do your homework before you shop; study the consumer and electronics expert reviews to find the right set at the right price.
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