Now may be a good time to think about replacing your old, bulky picture-tube television with a new, state-of-the-art, flat-panel plasma television. The HD revolution is well underway, and cable/satellite companies are offering subscribers more High-Definition content than ever before.

The most outstanding feature of a plasma television is the crystal-clear clarity and high resolution of the picture. Generally available in a variety of resolutions ranging from 720p, which is better for smaller models where high-resolution is not as important, all the way to 1080P, the highest resolution available. If you intend to receive HD programming, make sure that you shop for a Plasma TV that is HD compatible; some plasma TVs are actually EDTVs, or Enhanced-Definition Televisions. While having greater picture clarity and higher resolution than your old picture-tube set, EDTV does not have the superior HD picture quality of a true HD compatible Plasma Television.

Plasma TVs are also much lighter and thinner than traditional TVs. Typically only a few inches thick and less than half the weight of a similarly-sized analog television, A plasma television can free-up valuable floor-space and be mounted on a wall since they lack a traditional, bulky picture-tube.

Plasma televisions can also display up to 16.77 million colors, far more than displayed by traditional sets, and with no blurring, phosphor lag, and a faster screen refresh time, images remain crisp and clear even during fast-moving action or sports scenes. This is a problem for LCD technology, which was developed for reading text on a computer screen. Plasma screens also have a higher contrast ratio, allowing for deeper, darker blacks rather than the varying shades of grey of LCD screens.

Though both are quickly dropping in price, a plasma television is usually less expensive than an LCD television of a comparable size, particularly when comparing models with larger screen sizes.

It is also easier to re-create a home movie theater experience with a plasma television. With larger screen sizes available, 37-65 inches as opposed to the 17-56 inches of most LCD screens, flat-screen plasma TVs are ideal for multiple viewers. They also have a wide, 160-180 degree viewing angle, allowing viewers to sit around the room instead of requiring them to sit directly in front of the set since there is no color or image degradation when viewed from an angle.

Internet connectivity is another feature people are growing interested in these days, and a plasma TV can be used as a computer monitor when hooked-up to your computer. This allows you to surf the net, do computer work or even play games on that huge, crystal-clear screen from the comfort of your sofa. Some newer plasma TVs are even internet-ready.

Cable and satellite companies are beginning to offer more high-definition programming to their subscribers every month, making the purchase of a flat-screen plasma television more attractive than ever. With their incredible picture clarity, millions of colors, deep blacks and falling prices, a plasma television is a great addition to an home theater system.

Shopping for a TV used to be an easy process. Because so few technologies existed twenty years ago, shopping for a television was as easy as looking at the price and size of the TV unit. This is not true today. Because there are so many different, competing technologies such as LCD, CRT, rear projection and plasma, you must be educated before purchasing a TV. Its time to ask yourself, should you buy a plasma TV?

A plasma TV is a flat panel television and it has benefits and disadvantages just like every other piece of technological equipment. Therefore, you must weigh the advantages against the disadvantages to decide whether are not to buy a plasma TV. These advantages and disadvantages will be discussed at length.

Lets take a look at the disadvantages of plasma televisions. First, plasma TVs are normally heavier, require more power consumption and run hotter than LCD counterparts. Also, flat panel plasma TVs carry a bigger risk of screen burn in. but this risk is greatly diminished by the fact that most plasma televisions are up to date with the newest technologies. The final two disadvantages of flat panel plasma televisions are the fact that they do not perform well at high altitudes and they tend to have more glare on the screen.

There are also advantages to owning a plasma television. Other technologies cannot provide the superior motion tracking, deep blacks and collars, increased contrast ratio and the large assortment of big screen televisions sizes that plasma technology does. If you are purchasing a television specifically for the use of high definition cable services and Blu-ray picture, then you should probably purchase a plasma television if you want flat screens.

One common issue that is raised concerning plasma televisions is the idea that they are superior to LCD televisions because they do not contain mercury. While this may be true, the mercury that is used an LCD televisions is extremely safe. Therefore, to be honest, wise consumers do not have to worry about this threat because it is essentially a figment of the plasma television manufacturers imagination.

The original question was, Should you purchase a plasma television? This question can only be answered based on your unique view of the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a plasma television. Here are two situations which may enlighten your choice.

Most homes today are air conditioned and do not rely on a lot of natural sunlight. Therefore, the heat buildup and glare disadvantages of plasma televisions are likely be relevant to the modern home. On the other hand, if you relied mainly on primitive cooling methods and natural sunlight, then you may find that the disadvantages of owning a plasma television are more prevalent in your home.

As is the case with every product, plasma televisions have worthwhile points of interest and areas which can be improved. However, when compared to other technologies currently on the market, a plasma TV will likely fit your homes situation better than competing technologies will. Ultimately, the choice is yours whether or not to purchase a plasma TV or an LCD flat screen television for your home or business. However, it would appear that plasma televisions have the upper hand.