Home Video Asylum

TVs, VCRs, DVD players, Home Theater systems and more.

Re: wall mounted thin style tv/monitors. what should i be looking for ?

I have a few comments for you. Although it may look asthetically good above a fireplace, I caution people when they want to put their plasmas above a fireplace. Looking up is not comfortable for long term viewing. Several customers have told me they regretted putting their plasma so high and are getting headaches and stiff necks from looking up and sometimes to the side and up with chairs off center. If, however, you sit back far enough that you aren't straining at all or you have recliners that allow you to look at the monitor with your head somewhat in a lowered position, then it would not be a problem at all. Put your head in a normal straight forward position and look up and then down without moving your head. Notice how it is comfortable to look down and not up?? Just something to think about.

The most confusing aspect of 42" plasmas to most consumers is the ED vs HD difference ( All 50" and larger plasmas are HD ). ED plasmas simply have larger pixels and therefore there are not as many of them in the same space as an HD with the smaller pixels. This means the ED set will not be quite as capable of reproducing the finer detail in a high definition picture. It does not mean you can not watch a real HD program. In fact at a distance of approximately 12 feet for a 42" plasma, I find it difficult to see the difference. ED sets are almost always the least expensive sets and some have very good pictures. HD plasmas will not do anything more than an ED, except that they have a smaller pixel which gives you more detail when watching HD programs. If you have a close viewing distance ( you will have to determine this on you own as your eye sight will make a difference ), say within 8 feet, or you would like to use your laptop on the plasma, an HD plasma would definately be preferable. One of the biggest benifits of plasma to me is the high contrast picture quality that does not change as you move around the room. Although DLP's and LCD are significantly better than the older traditional CRT based big screens, they are no match for a plasma. Many people have heard false rumors about plasmas only lasting a few years, but many popular HT mags and the manufacturors are doing everything they can to dispell these myths, as most plasmas are now rated in the 30,000 to 60,000 hour range. And this is only to half brightness, you don't have to throw it away, it just won't look as bright and vivid as when new. Most CRT based TV's will show their age in about ten years, but since the change is slow and gradual most people are hardly aware their TV isn't as good as it used to be. Good luck.


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