Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - another Plasma tv question

I am lookin at getting either a Plasma or DLP tv I like the flatness of the plasma.
I have noticed they do run hot like a big heater is this normal? And my next question is how to clean the screen is it sensitive like my laptop computer were you can not touch it eccept with a feather duster?
If it runs hot how about if you direct cooling fans to it will it make it last longer?

There is a difference between DLP and plasmas. PLasmas are a true flat tv, DLP's have a flat screen with a typical bulky backside. If your wanting to mount the tv, then you need to go with Plasma. If you are wanting to put it on the stand and wanting a bigger tv for lesser money than the DLP is the way to go. Plasma's do run hot, but not to the extent you are meaning. I have seen some of them that are hot to the touch in certain areas, but they are usually the what I call "el cheapos." You need to have proper ventalation on all plasmas, but I wouldn't go as extreme as a cooling fans going around it. As far as the screen goes you do need a special cleaning agent for it. You can't use like windex or multipurpose cleaning agent on it. Monster and RCA sell some cleaning agents made for Plasma's, LCD's, and DLP tv's.

Hope that answered your questions,

Stuntman

Thanks stuntman you did answer all the questions I had. I am most worried about the heat because I relate heat into early component failure. (I still do not trust plasma tvs). My wife is giving me all kinds of hints to get one.
I am going to do some more homework before I sink a large chunk of change into something I do not trust to begin with.

A viable alternative to Plasma, for flat panel, is LCD, and in a couple years maybe, SED.

I have not even looked at the LCDs I was not aware that LCD was avaiable in TVs.
Is the picture real clear and what if any are the drawbacks to a LCD set.
What about size they make large LCD tvs say in the 50> range?
how about price?

LCD's have nice pictures. I would even venture to say some of the latest ones can rival with plasmas. They top out on size around 40-46''. You can find ones bigger than that, but you almost paying for a new car to get one. At the 40" mark, the plasmas become more economical to purchase. If your looking at 50" or more, stick with Plasma. It won't break your pocket book like an LCD would. For example, most 50'' plasmas go for around 3000-4500. Sharp makes a 45'' for about 3500; they also make a 57" for about 10,000.00. They also make a 65" LCD for about 17,000-20,000.00. In my opinion, your most cost-effective choice at 50" is plasma. Helpful hint: Research as much as possible before you buy. You don't want to rush into buying a TV that you may regret later on.

Hope that helps,

Stuntman

Thanks stuntman I will do my homework I can promise you that.
Yep 17-20 thousand is way out of my budget for a TV:)
2-3 thousand is all I can justify for a large TV.Maybe up to 3.5.
This is crazy I recall my dad bought a brand new car in 1965 for as much as a TV costs these days:o .