Guide to Plasma TVs

A plasma display panel (PDP) is a type of flat panel display now commonly used for large TV displays (typically above 32"). Many tiny cells located between two panels of glass hold an inert mixture of noble gases (neon and xenon). The gas in the cells is electrically turned into a plasma which then excites phosphors to emit light. It is often used in the home environment and is becoming increasingly popular in modern cultures.

Determine the right screen size based on the floor plan of your home-entertainment room. Plasma monitors are measured diagonally across the screen, just like any other television set. You can typically choose from the following sizes: 32", 40", 42", 46", 50", 61", or 63". Bigger is not always better, especially when you're buying a plasma display to serve as the focal point of a home entertainment center. To get the most out of your investment, remember what your mother always said about sitting too close to the TV-that it's no good for your eyes. For the optimal viewing experience, you need to maintain the right distance between your viewing area and your television screen.

The right distance depends on the size of your TV:

For 32 to 37-inch TVs, you should sit back 6 to 10 feet from the screen itself.
For 42 to 46-inch TVs, you'll need 10 to 14 feet between you and the screen.
50-inch plasma displays look best when viewed from 12 to 16 feet away.
You'll need at least 15 feet of space between you and a plasma screen that's larger than 60 inches.
In determining the appropriate size TV for you, you should also consider the space required to install the unit itself. When recessing a plasma display unit, allow at least 3 inches of open space at the top of the unit and adequate ventilation space-at least 2 inches-behind it as well. Remember, too, that most plasma displays do not have built-in speakers, so you'll need to allow space enough to attach speakers (if you're not using a separate surround-sound setup) on each side of the TV. These speakers usually measure between 3 and 6 inches apiece.

Determine how you're going to install your plasma TV. Plasma technology affords consumers new options when it comes to the physical placement of their TV displays. Gone are the days when you had to configure a room around the television set. Now, you can incorporate the TV into almost any décor, if you give a little thought to the matter beforehand. There are half a dozen ways to install your new plasma TV, which virtually ensures that you'll find the right way to fit one in your home: