 | 42- to 46-Inches: $600-$1,300 |
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 | 50- to 58-Inches: $1,200-$2,900 |
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 | 60- to 65-Inches: $1,800-$5,000 |
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| Plasma televisions, along with LCD TVs, are a popular type of thin, flat panel TV display. Plasma TVs often have better contrast and black levels (intensity of the various shades of black), more accurate color reproduction and better viewing angles than LCD TVs. However, plasma TVs consume more power, can be heavier than LCD TVs and are still slightly susceptible to screen burn-in. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Plasma TVs generally display 720P or 1080P lines of high-definition vertical resolution, meaning each frame of video is fully displayed with either 720 or 1080 lines.
- The smaller plasma TVs have a viewing diagonal of 42" ($600 to $1,000) and 46" ($1,000 to $1,300), such as the Panasonic VIERA X1 Series TC-P42X1 42" Plasma 720P HDTV at only $600 or, for 1080P resolution, the Panasonic VIERA G10 Series TC-P42G10 42" for $900. The Panasonic VIERA G10 Series TC-P46G10 1080P TV is a 46" panel at around $1,100.
- The next sizes up are 50" ($1,200 -$1,800), 54" ($1,600 to $2,400) and 58" ($1,800 to $2,900) displays. The Samsung PN50B650 is a 50" 1080P display for around $1,200. For a 54" display, the Panasonic VIERA TC-P54G10 is $1,600. The Samsung PN58B650 58" plasma TV at $1,800 has received good reviews.
- In larger sizes, plasma TVs come in 60" ($1,800 to $4,000), 63" ($2,400 to $4,000) and 65" ($2,700 to $5,000) diagonals. The 60" 1080P 600Hz LG 60PS60 is $1,800; the Samsung PN63B550 at 63" is around $2,700; and the 65" Panasonic VIERA TC-P65V10 costs around $4,000.
What should be included: | - The technology behind plasma TVs consists of hundreds of thousands of tiny pixel cells containing gases which are held between two sheets of glass. When the gases in these cells are excited by electricity, the gas is turned into plasma and light is emitted, which in turn is translated into color and images.
- In addition to the plasma TV panel itself, there should also be a remote control and batteries, a cleaning cloth and a ferrite core (used to shield cables from interference).
- For those who decide to mount the TV, a cover for the bottom (where the stand is removed) should also included.
Additional costs: | - There may be either a delivery or shipping fee of $50 -$150, based on distance, but most places will often offer free shipping or delivery as part of a sales promotion.
- To wall mount the plasma TV, the cost can range from a few hundred for materials and a simple self-install to several hundred for more difficult setups requiring professional installation.
- If the TV is not wall mounted, stands and cabinets can range from less than a hundred to several hundred dollars for nicer home entertainment furniture.
- A surround sound setup would cost several hundred dollars as well depending on the quality of components used.
- To actually watch TV shows, cable TV ($11 -$127), satellite service ($20 -$110) or over-the-air broadcast TV signals are required. Cable and satellite prices vary based on the programming package chosen. High-definition cable or satellite service can add $8 -$10 per month. Broadcast TV, while free, still requires an antenna ($10 -$200).
Discounts: | - TV manufacturers sometimes offer rebates as an incentive to buy their models.
- Some brick and mortar stores also offer discounts on store display models and TVs that were returned (open box items).
- TIP: Online retailers offer refurbished items (with a limited manufacturer warranty) if one doesn't mind buying a slightly used or blemished model.
Shopping for a plasma tv: | - Panasonic, Samsung and LG are the larger and more reliable manufacturers of plasma TVs. Store retailers such as Best Buy and Sears offer plasma TVs.
- Online retailers like Amazon and Newegg.com also sell plasma TVs.
- The Amazon warehouse outlet also offers refurbished and open box plasma TVs.
- Note that while buying online can offer substantial savings, if a return is required due to some mechanical issue, then arranging for a return may be slightly more troublesome than just going back to a brick and mortar store.
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Article updated February 2010 |
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