Plasma TVs are the hottest thing in home entertainment, offering a crystal clear image with high quality resolution. The monitor is often less than a few inches thick, so it doesn't need as much space as its traditional counterparts. It uses less electricity than a regular television and, unlike the old CRT TVs, there is no image disturbance if the monitor is placed near large speakers.

But with so many plasma TVs on the market, how do you know which is the best one to buy? Firstly, you should decide on your budget. Knowing how much you have to spend will definitely be a good place to start. Plasma TVs generally start at around $700.00 and can go as high as $4,000.00, so it's important to know what you can afford before you start shopping.

Once you've worked out how much you want to spend, you need to decide whether you want your new plasma television to consist of more than just a plasma display or if you want it to have a TV tuner, as well. The pricier plasma TVs will have a tuner attached to it, while more modest versions will have a separate tuner box. Some models will come with their own speakers, allowing you to listen to your favourite programs, in Nicam stereo.

You should also try to make sure that the model that you choose runs quietly. Some models are known to be very noisy, because they often rely on fans for a cooling system, which can ruin your home entertainment experience. The good news is that many new models have been re-designed so that they do not need fans.

With the proper planning, you should be able to find the perfect plasma TV to fit your budget, which will last you for years to come.