Home >> 8 ways to buy a plasma / LCD screen >> Step 4
Consider audio options
Philips and Sony are the only current plasma TV manufacturers that incorporate built in speakers into the plasma frame. Most other manufacturers offer optional speakers, which can be attached to the side of the plasma TV. Amplification of these speakers comes through 7 to 12 watt amplifiers, which are built into the plasma display (this is plenty of wattage for excellent audio output). Many users will want to attach speakers to the amplifiers for watching simple programming such as the news or displaying the unit in a board room or at a trade show. There are two options to consider here:
- The user may purchase flat, slim speakers which attach to the sides of the plasma monitor
- The viewer may choose to use his or her own bookshelf or satellite speakers.
Small cube type speakers may also be attractively mounted on the wall beside the plasma display TV.
In addition, home users will often use a sound system with surround sound or their external amplifier/receiver component. Some manufacturers of plasma TVs offer no built in amplifiers for sound. In this instance an outboard amplifier/receiver must be used.
