Plasma Technology
If you are wondering how exactly this technology works, here is a brief explanation. The three coloured pixels, red, blue and green are evenly distributed throughout the screen. By combining these colours in varied proportions, the television produces a spectrum of colours. The pixels include neon and xenon gas. Every pixel has sub-pixels of red, blue and green phosphor that are individually controlled to produce 16 million colours or more. When the pixels have an electrical charge applied, the gas activates to form plasma that issues invisible UV light. This UV light interacts with coloured phosphors to create visible light, producing the picture.
How to Choose a Good Plasma TV
The size of the screen is one of the main features for consideration. There are different choices of screen sizes available from 32” through to 63” and greater. As you may imagine, it is important that you choose a screen size based upon the size of your room as a sensible viewing distance is needed to see the picture correctly, rather than individual pixels. A Plasma TV reproduces images accurately across the room and has a widescreen ratio of 16:9 with a viewing angle of 160 degrees contrasting the brightest of whites and the darkest of blacks with a ratio of 3000:1 or more which is better than many of today’s LCD screens. When considering the space required, do bear in mind that some manufacturers do not offer integrated speakers and tuners so you will require extra space to place speakers.
Plasma offers sharp images with higher resolution, illuminating all pixels uniformly on the screen. It does not use electron beams as do conventional CRT TVs, so there is no issue with protection from magnetic fields, which can result in image distortion using CRT. The higher refresh rates of 100 HZ in the latest Plasma models reduce flickering, giving a clearer picture. Due to its minimal physical depth, Plasma also gives you varied mounting and installation options. The Plasma TV is for most people a relatively expensive proposition, but one that makes the investment worthwhile.
Watch Out for Older Models
Be aware of some of the older Plasma models which may be offered at seemingly unbeatable prices. Some of these will have issues with excessive fan noise because earlier iterations of the technology generated a great deal more heat. In addition, some may have issues with screen burn where part or all of the screen becomes ‘fatigued’ over time with repeated use.
Multi-Functional Display and Connections
A Plasma TV is multifunctional, capable of displaying HDTV (in many cases), video and cable TV. The TV screen can also function as a computer monitor. It can accept most video formats with inputs typically including composite video, S-video, component video and one or more of RGB, DVI and HDMI. A model with a set of front or side panel A/V inputs will be ideal for ad hoc video game and camcorder connection. DVI and HDMI are digital connections that support high picture resolution and can handle HDTV formats.
Advantages of a Plasma TV
- The latest Plasma technology produces space saving designs and crisp images.
- Plasma TVs have flat screens with no curved edges therefore avoiding image distortion.
- The technology still offers the largest screen sizes in the market.
- Most Plasma sets offer high quality inputs that are ideal for game consoles.
- More mounting and installation options.
- Many current Plasma TVs have the ability to display progressive scan and HDTV images.
Conclusion
A well chosen Plasma TV can be the centrepiece of the living room, offering years of reliable service and crystal clear imagery. Used in tandem with a good sound system, a large screen Plasma can help in creating a realistic ‘theatre’ effect -- without the rustling crisp packets and sticky schoolchildren! There are so many manufacturers and models now available that the unwary consumer may be cornered into a ‘deal’ on an obsolete model with potential noise and screen burn issues. Take time to understand the current generation, select the size according to the room for which it is intended and decide whether HDTV is important to you as this comes at a premium. Needless to say, you should also check connectivity options to ensure compatibility with your home cinema equipment, games consoles, computers and any other devices you may wish to connect to your new Plasma TV.
Sean Clark is Director of eCommerce at Tribal UK.
Find a guide to buying Plasma TVs at www.tribaluk.com - your home for quality electrical goods delivered FREE of charge to your door!