Step 3: Is a 1080p Resolution Plasma TV Worth the Extra Money?
One of the key determining factors in selecting your plasma screen should be its resolution. Plasma TV resolution refers to the number of actual pixel cells contained in the plasma display element (i.e. "glass"). HDTV (high definition TV) plasma TVs are always more expensive than EDTV (enhanced definition TV screens) due to the fact that it costs manufacturers much more to make the plasma display element. EDTV resolution plasma TVs are now discontinued. However, there is the new 1920 X 1080 (1080p) resolution which many manufactureres have adopted as their core resolution. These "1080p" plasma televisions cost a good bit more money, but delivery marginal return on investment.
A 1080p resolution plasma TV may or may not offer a better picture than a 720p HDTV resolution TV; it all depends upon the input signal and the quality of the Plasma TV manufacturer and model. Certainly internal processing circuitry is very important. An 1080p signal may not appear any better than a 1080i signal in many cases. Please see our complete article on this topic at 1080p vs. 720p (1080i), Is 1080p worth it?. One note on this topic is that the highest resolution signal being broadcast by either cable, satellite or broadcast TV is 1080i or 720p. When viewing one of these HD signals a 1080p plasma TV will not increase picture quality just because the plasma is a higher resolution. The 1080p plasma must up convert the signal to show it in its native pixel resolution. Thus a "720p plasma" will have just as good or better picture quality with these signals.
Aside from the increase in quality from HDTV sources, a higher resolution allows for much better display of computer super high resolution computer signals. This is especially the case with text or numeric data displays, which may be distorted and unreadable if scaled improperly.
To understand the resolution of the plasma TVs you are researhing, look at the specification for the plasma screens native pixel resolution.
Plasma TV Native Pixel Resolutions
EDTV Resolution 840 X 180 (discontinued)
High-Definition HDTV Plasma TV Resolutions
1024 X 768 (720p) found on many 42" plasma screens
1366 X 768 (also a 720p or 1080i resolution) found on 50", 60", & 65" plasma screens
1920 X 1080 (1080p) Super high resolution found in plasma screen sizes from 42" to 103".
Generally, a plasma TV screen is considered "High Definition" if the second number of the resolution is at least 720 pixels.
If you are unsure about spending extra money for an HDTV plasma, we suggest checking with your local cable or satellite provider to see what HDTV channels are available in your local area. You can start with the links in our HDTV Programming Guide. Also consider whether or not you'll be using your plasma TV as a PC monitor and if so, what display resolutions you intend to use.
10 Steps to Buying a Plasma TV
Popular Articles |
    |
