Interior Design

Make Room for Technology

A jaw-dropping high definition plasma TV makes a bold statement wherever it's placed. To guarantee maximum impact and enjoyment, prospective buyers should consider the ideal size and appropriate placement to showcase a new, stylish HDTV. Before selecting a unit that is too small or too big, take the time to plan and measure before heading to a retail store. Pioneer offers this checklist to help shoppers make the perfect choice when it comes to a new plasma TV:

Start By Measuring

Figure out the distance in inches from where family members and guests generally sit to where the new plasma TV will be placed. Divide that by 2.5 to get the best screen size to fit a room. For example, if the distance from the couch to the TV is approximately 9 feet (105 inches), the new plasma TV should be approximately 42" diagonal. Shoppers should remember that the new HDTVs are wider than a typical television screen. So even if 42" sounds big, in reality, it's not much larger than a 36" TV. It just has wider proportions.

Look for A Small Frame

When measuring the space for the TV, shoppers should also consider the frame (or bezel) of the plasma. The whole idea of a flat screen is its slim form factor, so avoid a TV that has more frame than picture. Instead, prospective buyers should look for a large screen size with a small frame so it feels like the picture just pops, while everything else fades into the room's background.

Ditch the Armoire

Hiding a TV in a bulky cabinet is so 90s! Today's flat-panel TVs are like works of art, worthy of being the center of attention in any room. With a new plasma TV, owners can put their old armoires in the den to store books and photo albums; or to the spare bedroom for out-of season clothes and linens. With the clunky cabinet out of the way, a new brilliant plasma TV gains its rightful place in the spotlight.

Display Choices for Any Room

Plasma TVs offer numerous display options, from unique and modern floor stands suitable for a contemporary home entertainment setup, to placement atop a low table or credenza near other home theater components. For a dramatic installation, many people opt to hang a plasma TV on the wall. With this popular option, owners should keep in mind that the job often requires professional help and a specialty wall mount to ensure the plasma is stable. Plasmas weigh a lot less than traditional tube televisions, but it's still important to make sure they're anchored properly. Some plasmas come with wall mounts, while some come with a tabletop stand. Shoppers should ask their dealer which accessories are included, and which require an additional purchase.

In the Eye of the Beholder

When choosing where to display a new plasma TV, keep the screen at eye level for those who are seated, not standing. This offers family members and guests a comfortable viewing position from all angles - making those extended sessions on the couch watching movies and sporting events a pleasure for the entire audience.

Clean and Care for Your Plasma

After buying a state-of-the art plasma TV, it is important to protect this new investment. Owners should treat it like their favorite pair of leather or suede shoes, and maintain its beauty with careful cleaning. Unlike a bulky, old-fashioned tube TV with numerous crevices to dust, a slim plasma TV only has a limited surface to keep clean.

To keep a Pioneer plasma TV in tip-top condition, follow these guidelines:

Be gentle! To safely remove smudges and fingerprints, dust the screen gently with a soft cloth, such as the microfiber cleaning cloth that comes with all Pioneer plasma TVs
Avoid all chemicals. Don't use ANY cleaning solution to clean the screen, as chemicals can cause permanent damage. All that is needed to clean a plasma is a soft cloth slightly dampened with water. Carefully wipe it down and the job is done