Sony TV - What to look for when buying a Plasma TV

To buy the best plasma TV for your needs you have to do more than just pick one of the top models. You have to know what you need and what features will provide the most value for you.

Is Plasma the Best Choice for You?

You need to first of all make sure that the plasma TV is the best choice for you. LCD TVs are very similar but at the same time they are different. Both technologies have advantages and disadvantages; you have to understand what each technology has to offer and decide which type of HDTV is best for you. Depending on how you use the TV, one might be better than the other.

Please refer to my earlier Blog posting.

Optimal Size and Resolution

Optimal size and resolution are the most important things you have to know before going to buy a plasma TV (or any HDTV for that matter). The amount of detail you see is determined by three factors: Viewing Distance, Screen Size, and Screen Resolution.The viewing distance is a constant value. Unless you intend to move your armchair or couch back and forth the viewing distance will always be the same. Just to be absolutely clear, by viewing distance I am referring to the distance between you – the viewer – and the plasma TV. You need to know this distance so go and measure it.

Viewing Distance



You should determine what is the best screen size and resolution for you depending on the viewing distance. There are two resolutions available – 720p and 1080p. Though the exact resolution of a plasma TV screen can have more “flavors” it is somewhere close to 720 or 1080 pixels on the vertical axis. Screen sizes are from 42 inch up to 65 inch.

You must be able to see the full detail and at the same time not see the actual pixels that make up the image. Use the table below to figure out what size and resolution is best for you.

Keep in mind that those figures apply only for quality high definition content. If you watch SDTV, even on the best plasma TV it won’t look too good and those figures below don’t apply anymore. You might also ask why you would buy a 720p plasma TV instead of the 1080p which offers the highest quality. The answer is simple: price.

The larger the screen is, the more you have to pull out of your wallet for it. Also you should know that the difference between 720p and 1080p is not that obvious.

Plasma TV Technical Specifications

This blog only present only the most important things you have to know before buying a plasma TV.

We need to understand what we need and why! The salesperson in a store doesn’t always know or want to give you useful recommendations. In conclusion, the most important advice from me is to be informed and know exactly what the technical specifications meant.

I will be sharing with everyone on the technical parameters and specifications when looking for a Plasma TV in my next blog. Stay tuned.