One of the key determining factors in selecting your plasma screen should be its resolution. HDTV (high definition TV) plasma screens 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.

A high-resolution monitor may or may not offer a better picture than an EDTV resolution monitor. That really depends upon the signal input and the manufacturer make. An HDTV signal may actually appear better on a non-HDTV/ EDTV resolution plasma screen depending upon other considerations such as the contrast ratio, brightness, and manufacturer make of the plasma.

Generally, when comparing a high-resolution plasma display with an EDTV resolution plasma - both from the same manufacturer - with an incoming HDTV signal, the viewer will find a 10-15% better picture from the higher resolution unit IF they are watching the two units side by side. Non-HDTV/EDTV plasmas may look better with lower end video signals such as regular cable or satellite TV - as well as DVD. This is because they have less converting to accomplish from signal input to signal display. Again, this will depend upon manufacturer make and the internal scaling and converting technology of the plasma.

So why make plasma displays with higher resolution which cost more? Aside from the minor increase in quality from HDTV sources, a higher resolution allows for much better display of computer XGA signals (1024X768) - the most popular current computer display output resolution. This is especially the case with static images and numerals such as an Excel spreadsheet.

With streaming video content such as DVD, TV, HDTV the more important question is about the internal conversion and other essentials such as contrast. Higher resolution can, but does not in many cases, equate to a better picture.

To figure out which plasmas have high resolution all you need to do is look at the screen's native pixel resolution:

Non-HDTV resolution: (480p signals)

853 x 480 typically found on non-HDTV 40", 42", 43" & 46" plasma screens

HDTV plasma screen resolution: (720p and 1080i signals)

1024 X 852 found on 32" plasma screens
1024 x 1024 found on 42" & 43" plasma screens
1024 X 768 found on 42" & 43" plasma screens
1365 X 765 found on 50", 61", & 63" plasma screens
1365 X 768 found on 50", 61", & 63" plasma screens

All plasma screens are considered HDTV compatible or HDTV ready in that will all convert the signal somewhat and display it. Most manufacturers including Panasonic and NEC offer two versions of their 42" screens, one with the standard 853 x 480 resolution and the other with a 1024 x 768 or 1024 x 1024 HDTV resolution.

If you are unsure about spending additional money on an HDTV plasma, we suggest checking with your local cable or satellite provider to see what HDTV channels are available in your local area. As well, think about what computer resolution you will be displaying and what kind of content. You may also wish to join TitanTV.com which shows what channels are available and coming soon in your local area.

The following are updates on upcoming 2003 and beyond HDTV commitments by broadcasters. As you already realize, we are only the messengers. But it is a frequently asked topic so we wanted to report on what we could find out.

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