Like all decisions in life, the decision to purchase a plasma television has both pros and cons. But that is not this article. This article is about the debate about what those pros and cons are to help you sort out the raging shouting matches on the technology forums.
Like any good, religious technology debate the debate between plasma televisions and LCD screens is as hot as between PC and Mac fanatics.
Anything I say here will be seen as wrong, even with the numbers to back it up, by one of the camps. Since I have worked at the electronics department of a major department store before, I have seen the ups and downs of both camps. Which is why there is a CRT in my living room. Now that all biases have been aired, let's try to see the debate:
1. Stupid Myths. If it sounds like something your father came up with (like needing to refill or recharge your plasma television) it is probably stupid.
2. Burn In. Remember the original reason for screen savers? Well, it is still alive and well today. While it is true that a plasma television used a certain way will not have burn in, there have been enough examples of toddlers burning the screen. For the price of a plasma television, any example is too many. The manufacturers either need to fix the problem or issue rebates.
3. Fade. Yes, they both do it. The only debate is in how long it takes to do it. Unfortunately, my last CRT was over 30 years old and still had a perfect picture. Again, there is not much excuse for any television wearing out.
4. Picture Quality. The manufacturers would have you believe that it is impossible to get as good a picture quality on a CRT as a plasma television or an LCD screen. They are lying. There are CRT's with comparable picture quality, they are just hard to find.
5. The Myth of the Clean Room. Manufacturers love to advertise the image of a plasma television screen in a picture frame and no other electronics in the room. Yeah, right. First of all, plasma televisions are hard to hang. Then you still have all your other stuff that needs to be connected, like VCR's and cable boxes and game systems.
What they never show on advertisements is the nest of cables, cords and power strips! Plasma televisions do not have anything built into them to help cut down the clutter.
6. Durability. Plasma televisions are fragile. Once you decide where they are going, then they are staying there because you probably had to have them professionally installed. And if you want one over your fireplace, then you will need special carpentry to hold it in place.
Okay, most writers about plasma television myths assume that you are stupid. You probably are not. Therefore, you are not looking for questions on obvious myths, but the real possible problems that you might have with a plasma television. I hope that you feel more confident in your decision now.
New technology is always exciting and mysterious. Plasma televisions are no different. However, if you question closely owners of plasmas to find their experiences, you will have a better idea of their performance and if these new televisions are for you. At the price, you want to be right!
Copyright 2006 SilkRoad Networks Inc.
Myth: Get Rich Quick
While there are many investors who make incredible amounts of money in a short time, it is important to remember that they also lose money quickly. Very few people ever ?get rich quick. In fact, the ideal that you can ?get rich? at all is a myth. Very few people generate wealth by using the stock market.
Fact: The stock market can help people build a nest egg, save for retirement, and enjoy a better lifestyle. Most people do not have enough money to take advantage of a ?hot stock.? Even if a stock does double in a year, most investors lack the funds to create true wealth or enter the ranks of the millionaire crowd. If you invest $1000, you only make $1000. The stock did well, but the investor lacked the capital to make a fortune.
This makes the stock market a poor choice for someone who wants to invest money so they have extra to pay down debts, or cover their monthly bills.
Myth: Knowledge Reduces Risk
Many people believe that taking a weekend long $2000 workshop turns them into instant stock experts. This is not true. There are several strategies that work in the stock market investing arena, but knowledge does not lower risk.
It is a fact that knowledge is vital to stock market investing success. It may help the investor avoid common traps, or being the victim of a scam. It may help them make wiser choices and give them a set of guidelines to help them research a stock, and buy/sell at the right time. But, it will not take all the risk out of investing.
Myth: Follow the Experts
There are many experts teaching workshops, and on the Internet. These experts make picks and predictions all the time. Sometimes they are right. Sometimes they are wrong. They may be worth listening too, but following another person's advice leaves the investor following the crowd.
It is a fact that most investors already have an area they are familiar with, either through work, or local businesses. This area often gives them insight into the industry and the politics involved. This foundation can help an investor slowly become an expert on that particular industry. Someone whose family worked in the steel industry for three generations will be able to read between the lines and separate the fact from the PR and propaganda. They can read the cover ups of the CEO and understand that something is wrong. Or, they may see something the CEO hints at which others did not pick up.
Myth: Weekend Investors Can Make it Big
There are many who promise that investing is easy, just follow their A-B-C plan to success. If that was so, Warren Buffett would be out of a job. Investing takes time and skill. It is a field where a small investor can increase their wealth. There will be setbacks, some will rock the investors? confidence to the core.
The fact that investing is a hobby for many does not mean that it is fun and entertaining. The investment world is dominated by investment banks that make the big deals, float companies, and deal in multiple currencies and commodities. They invest in the brightest MBA minds and prepare to make incredible profits - this is not a game to them.
If you too want to be successful, than consider your investment portfolio as a business. Do not follow the myths and trends. Do your work, invest in yourself, and prepare to make money.
Mark Walters has sinced written about articles on various topics from Marketing, Modelling and Real Estate. Mark Walters is a third generation entrepreneur and author. He offers free training and investing videos designed to speed you towards financial independence at. Mark Walters's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.