• Consider the disadvantages of a plasma television.Plasma panel image by Nikolay Okhitin from Fotolia.com
  
  Purchasing a new television is a big investment requiring research on different models. There are many advantages to plasma screen televisions, but there are also some disadvantages to consider.
  
  

Cost

• Plasma televisions are typically more expensive then other types of televisions. They are also less efficient to run, which may increase your monthly electricity bill.
  
  

Size

• If space is an issue or you do not want a television taking up a large portion of your room, size could be a factor. The smallest plasma screen television available is 42 inches. Plasma televisions are also thicker and heavier than LCD televisions.
  
  

Viewing

• Although a plasma television has a crisp and clear picture, it is often best viewed in a dim room. Glare is an issue when sunlight comes directly through a window or there is a bright light in the room. The screen is also difficult to see if viewing from an angle. You must be careful not to allow a still image to remain on the screen for long periods of time. This may cause the image to burn into the screen.
  
  

Other Cons to Consider

• Plasma screen televisions have a shorter life expectancy than other televisions on the market. An average plasma will last between 20,000 and 60,000 hours. Plasma televisions produce quite a bit of heat in comparison to other televisions and can be easily damaged if laid on there side. It is also important to be careful when moving them in cold weather, condensation can cause permanent damage.