You've got a dizzying array of tv choices out there in 2006!    You can still get the "conventional" TV set that is heavy, reliable, and relatively inexpensive.    Though you'll find that there are fewer and fewer models available today as manufacturers rush to bring newer models as we'll explore.  Major plasma tv manufacturers include well known names such as Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sony, Pioneer, and LG, among others.  In many people's eyes, Panasonic is leading the pack.  You've got the flat panel, widescreen, big screen, and rear projection models.    You'll find LCD, HDTV, and EDTV.  You'll find sizes ranging from desktop to wall size.   The terminology and choices can be intimidating for sure!  

Basically if you're looking to buy a big screen TV, you'll be faced with three basic choices.... LCD or Plasma, HDTV or EDTV, and screen size.  Customer feedback clearly shows HDTV (rather than EDTV or Enhanced) to be a much superior visual choice for a bit more money.   We also think the plasma picture quality has a slight edge over the LCD, and prices tend to be less as well.  For the sake of simplicity, we're going to focus on what we see as the most popular TV being sold today, the 42" Plasma WideScreen HDTV, a set that you'll find selling in the $2,000 - $3,000 price range.   While the specifications of TV's can be endless, we try to introduce some of the core concepts you'll need to understand.   We'll also try to round up all the feedback and offer you our top three recommended sets.

screen display

For most people, this is the number one reason they pick one TV over another.   Plasma screens are completely flat, which results in excellent image reproductions, but also allows for clear viewing even at angles.  It also eliminates the old "distorted edge" problem on the old tv styles.    You don't need to worry about your speakers being too close to the screen causing magnetic interference, as plasma tv's are composed of millions of pixels that essentially are gases.   The gasses are "triggered" pixel by pixel resulting in a clear and lifelike picture.    Color reproduction is nothing short of fantastic, as these sets can display literally every color spectrum possible.   There are no horizontal lines as you might see on your old TV.   Resolution is another number they'll throw at you...you want at least 1024 x 768. If you start seeing numbers less than that, it's time to ask questions.    Even if your cable provider isn't yet offering HD service, you're going to see finer detail and a more pleasing results with high resolution HDTV. You'll notice this on normal cable, as well as on DVD playback, but actual HD programming will be mind blowing the first time you see it.    Screen depth will be in the 5-8" range, which allows for smooth integration with your room decor, or even to mount on the wall as you would a picture.  We could bore you with a study of the science behind the picture reproduction, but we'll go with the bottom line... the plasma display is stunning, lifelike, and very realistic from almost every angle in the room.

display size

Plasma display measurements are no different than other TV and display measurments, diagonally.   You'll find sizes ranging form 37" to 63" available.   Our focus is on the 42" version, which seems to be a very popular choice.   However, we've discovered one surprising concern in our study of the feedback... be careful not to get too big of a screen.  Yes, this is a case where too much of a good thing can be bad.   Don't underestimate how much bigger than screen is going to look in your family room or bedroom.  For a 42" screen, we found the recommended screen to viewer distance to be about 12 feet.   This is the distance where your clarity will be best.  Obviously the smaller the screen, the closer that distance will be.   Measure out that screen in your room before you walk into that big warehouse to pick out the biggest you can afford!

aspect ratio

The TV of old has an aspect ratio of 4:3 (essentially square).  What you'll find today is the 16:9, or the widescreen version.  While this may not seem important, as all the tv's you're looking at are widescreen, it's important to understand the concept.    The Plasma HDTV you choose will have to "translate" the square broadcast you'll get on most cable channels and translate it to the widescreen 16:9 format.   More and more programming is being recorded with a 16:9 ratio in mind, but certainly not all.   Avoiding distortion is your goal here.    If either of those functions are poorly done, you'll notice.     By putting a square into a rectangle, you're going to see the black lines on the side of your screen.    How effectively the TV performs this translation is important.   All of our top picks perform this task superbly, but we wanted to introduce the concept as it certainly is in your salesman's arsenal of confusion.   Most sets offer different settings on how to handle this, such as "Just", "Full", or "Zoom".

tv mounting

Decide where your TV will go before you go to the store.   If you're planning to mount on the wall, you're going to spend more for the mounting kit.   Also, expect to pay if you want someone else to come into your house and put it up.  This could add several hundred dollars to your bill.   On the other hand, if you are reasonably fit, have two people, and mechanically inclined, there is no reason to pay someone else to do this.    TV's weigh around 75 pounds so it's definitely a two person job to install.    Mounting kits come in either stable do not move forms or in more elaborate pivoting forms.   Consider your room before you pay for the pivot option.   Make sure you'll actually use it.  You can buy the kits from the store for around $125 or you can buy generic versions elsewhere for much less.   They are almost never included in the price of the TV, unless you're getting a package deal.    This is one area people seem to lean toward paying for the entire process.    Just remember that it's not rocket science and most people could do it with some patience and care.  Alternatively, table top stands may be a good option for you.   Never assume that you're getting the appropriate stand included.  Ask and confirm.

video inputs and connections

Without getting into the technical details, it's important that you are aware of your required inputs.   Look at the back of your current TV as a comparison.   Most of the best plasma TV's will have all necessary inputs for VCR, Cable, DVD, PC and digital camera inputs. VGA is what your PC or laptop will require to display properly.    Most sets will require your cable box to still be used, but some of the more recent types are called DCR, or digital cable ready.   With these, you get a cable card from your cable company, if available, and you've eliminated your box which is a nice feature.  Make sure this is available from your cable company before looking for this feature.  There are different kinds of inputs.   You should consider S video inputs as a minimum as they'll give you the best viewing from a DVD or DVR player.   Component video inputs are yet another step up in terms of quality of signal brought into the TV from components.  And finally, HDMI is the best all around connection option.  Determining your use of input cables will also help you decide on whether front, rear, or side connections are best for you.

what not tips  

Don't get an HD "ready" TV.  Get one with an HD tuner already built in if possible.  Also, don't get tricked into an EDTV (rather than HDTV) version.   Sure, you'll save a few hundred dollars, but we think that if you're spending a few grand, don't skimp at this point.   The added realism is worth it.     Also, as stated above, make sure you measure your room ahead of time. We've talked to people who went through all the work of getting their TV home and installed, only to discover it was simply too big.   Also, while we're usually not fans of the additional warranty that stores offer, we suggest that this is at least worth considering for the plasma TV's because they haven't been in circulation for too many years.  On the other hand, repairs needed seem to be low. Plasma TV's are sometimes criticized for the halos, or fuzz, that will circle light (bright) objects on top of a dark background.   Try to look for this when comparing different options.  In addition, when you're comparing TV's at your electronics store, be sure to ask what the source of the video feed is.   Is it normal cable?  Satellite?  DVD?  HD?  It's important to realize that they will present the in store displays in the best light possible, which may not be your "normal" viewing options at home. Ask to see other video sources as well if you're so inclined. Consider upgrading to Monster component cable for better picture when you buy.

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Level of Competition:   8  [?]
WhatNot Latitude:        2   [?]

	Panasonic 42" HDTV model: TH-42PHD8UK	Philips 42" HDTV model: 42PF9630A	Panasonic 42" HDTV model: TH-42PX50U
	High Performance - Panasonic's 8th generation model building on excellence.   Low frills with great success in what people want, an incredibly realistic display at a great price.	Great Plasma - Awesome display from a well known brand.  Users rate it very highly.	Great Alternative - Solid performance with a good offering of options and features.
bottom line	Your getting nothing but a great screen display with this one.  Wall mount or stand is extra, you'll also need to connect to a home stereo as no speakers are included.   The picture is so good, you'll want it anyway.	Some of the institutional reviews give it poor ratings, however, users overwhelming rate it very highly.  A little pricier, but comes with more features and hookups.	Another plasma display in a fine Panasonic line.  Plenty of features.  Good feedback.
cost (approx.)	$2,400	$2,800	$2,900
color (trim)	black	silver	matte black & silver
contrast ratio	3000:1	3000:1	3000:1
resolution	1024 x 768	1024 x 768	1024 x 768
weight	69.4 lbs	92.6 lbs	76.1 lbs
pedestal stand	no	yes	yes
cable card ready?	no	yes	yes
dimensions	40.2” x 24.0 ” x 3.5”	48.8" x 26.8 " x 4.1 "	42.05" x 27.7 " x 3.8 "
other features or comments	* "sleek design" * "buy the HDMI board before you install" * "superior picture quality"	* "Auto size" adjusts screen automatically to fill screen (aspect ratio) * "picture quality stunning" * Ambilight background lighting * HDMI inputs (2)	* "Great remote control" * "Vividly realistic" * V-chip and sleep timer * HDMI input (1)
concerns	* Extra cost of anything but the display itself * Onscreen menus a bit small	* Speakers are of lesser quality than comparable set speakers	* Limited image scale choices * Standard inputs limited