Overview of Plasma TV Technology Plasma is often called the fourth state of matter following liquids, solids and gases. It is usually used in reference to gases such as neon and xenon that glow when an electrical field is passed through them. All colour Televisions operate using technology that relies on thousands of pixels where each pixel is made up of three separate colours usually red, green and blue. The level of each colour is controlled and individual pixels transition, thus creating an illusion of motion. This is the technology behind all television models including Plasma TVs.
In a Plasma TV, the pixels are formed from three tiny containers of gases. These individual pixels are sandwiched between two electrodes. There are also thousands of tiny tubes and when these are exposed to electric current, the Plasma glows. A CPU receives a picture signal from a cable or antenna and instructs the TV as to how to display the complete picture hundreds of times in a fraction of a second.
Pixels are controlled individually to form different combinations of colours. Plasma TVs contain more pixels than conventional TVs which makes the image perceptibly sharper. The combination of colours is precisely delivered and is usually deeper than in traditional models.
Features to Consider Flat panel Plasma TVs feature a thin, space saving design and offer numerous mounting options. Some of the latest Plasma TVs have only a 3inch depth with screen sizes ranging from 32 inches to around 60 inches. Plasma monitors are highly flexible displaying HDTV, regular TV and home videos. They can also function as a computer monitor. Plasma TVs have higher resolution that accepts signals in many cases from HDTV, DTV and as well as XGA, VGA and SVGA from a computer.
In conventional TV models, there is a noticeable scan line but Plasma models have built-in line doubling that contributes to improved image quality. Plasma TVs have a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9 and a viewing angle of 160 degrees that allows you to enjoy the effect of a DVD video in a wide screen format. The flat screen has no curvature which eliminates distortion around the edge of the picture. They also work well in all lighting conditions.
The refresh rate represents the frequency at which the screen gets updated or refreshed. Plasma TVs have a refresh rate of 100 HZ while traditional TVs have a refresh rate of 50 HZ. Plasma TVs have universal display capability with a range of input options. The Composite Video inputs include NTSC, SECAM and PAL compatible with standard RCA or BNC jacks. In addition, they are equipped with S-Video and Component Video inputs and one or more RGB inputs to accept video signals from your PC. Most manufacturers offer speakers as optional, which can be attached to the side of the TV. If you are an audio enthusiast, you can use your own home theatre speakers that can be hooked up to an external amplifier.
Durability The life span of a Plasma TV is estimated to be 30,000 to 60,000 hours. For regular users that is 10 to 20 years which is longer than cathode ray tube television models. The longevity of the TV is determined by the deductive mathematical calculation of phosphor dissipation. However, you will have almost certainly replace it before it displays traces of diminishing quality - there will no doubt be entirely new technologies available well within that time frame!
Conclusion Plasma TV technology utilises thin materials for producing bright images on a wide screen. Since the pixels are activated individually, the image is sharper and looks bright and uniform from almost every angle. Unlike traditional television models, A Plasma TV is capable of producing images from various video sources including your computer. The high quality image makes these flat panels indispensable and a huge status symbol for both corporate and domestic purposes. When choosing a Plasma TV, be sure to check that its connections are compatible with those on your existing home cinema equipment; that its screen size is appropriate to your room; and that the cost versus functionality trade-off is right for you. There are a lot of older models being offered at seemingly low prices. These may seem a great deal but digging deeper reveals obsolete technology, lower screen resolution, reduced durability and excessive fan noise among other potential issues.
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