Plasma TVs are the coolest
As plasma TVs become more affordable, demand is skyrocketing. That's because plasma TVs offer amazing picture quality combined with a super-thin design that allows the TV to be mounted right on the wall--or displayed on a flat panel stand. Plus, plasmas offer a variety of screen size options that are sure to satisfy any couch potato.
How does plasma work?
Without getting too technical (hey, it's all about the picture, right?), here's a quick breakdown of what makes plasma TV tick: inside of the slender display are hundreds of thousands--and sometimes millions--of tiny glass, plasma-filled chambers. When the TV is turned on, the electricity excites the plasma and causes the chambers to glow. That's a plasma picture in a nutshell.
Plasma perks
Now that you know a little more about the technological magic behind plasma displays, what about the perks? Aside from an amazingly focused, realistic picture, here are some of the key features of plasma TV:
Slim design
Most plasma displays are no more than 4-5" thick, which means you can place them virtually anywhere, no matter the screen size. Just add a wall mount and you're ready to go.
Intense color
New plasma TVs can display up to 68 billion colors. How's that for a realistic picture?
Wide viewing angles
With many projection TVs, the picture quality changes as you shift around the room. Not so with plasma, which offers some of the widest viewing angles in the industry, next to LCD (not to mention a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio). This means you can enjoy an amazing picture no matter where you're sitting.
PC compatibility
Most plasma TVs also feature a PC input, which means you can hook up your PC or laptop with ease, then surf the web on a cool big-screen TV. If your TV also has a picture-in-picture function, you don't have to miss your favorite shows to do it, either.
Wondering if plasma TVs are durable? Although early plasma models had the potential for wearing out with frequent use, concerns about the durability of plasma TVs are outdated. Many new models boast a lifespan of over 20 years at 8 hours of viewing a day! So even if you watch your plasma TV often, you can be confident that your plasma screen is made to last.
Want another flat-panel option? Read about LCD TVs