What is a Plasma TV. An Introduction.

Within a span of 4 to 5 years the TV technology has grown enormously. So many technologies that flooded the market. So many varieties to choose from.

The most impressive of the lot is the Plasma TV. Sleek, slender and ultimate picture quality.

What is Plasma?

Plasma is often called the "Fourth State of Matter", the other three being solid, liquid and gas. A plasma is a distinct state of matter containing a significant number of electrically charged particles, a number sufficient to affect its electrical properties and behavior. In addition to being important in many aspects of our daily lives, plasmas are estimated to constitute more than 99 percent of the visible universe.

What is a Plasma TV

Plasma television is a flat, lightweight surface covered with millions of tiny glass bubbles. Each bubble contains a gas-like substance, the plasma, and has a phosphor coating. Think of the bubbles as the pixels. Essentially millions of Neon signs. Now, think of each pixel-bubble as having three sub-pixels - one red, one green, one blue. When it is time to display an image signal (RGB or video), a digitally controlled electric current flows through the flat screen, causing the plasma inside designated bubbles to give off ultraviolet rays. This light in turn causes the phosphor coatings to glow the appropriate color making your Plasma TV provide the best video image anywhere. Millions of RGB bubbles glowing and dimming to make a rich, vivid image.

Is it same as LCD?

No, they are not the same as an LCD screen. An LCD screen uses back lighting for its illumination but plasma displays are self-lit, which produces a far brighter picture. Nor should the "flat panel TV's" you may see in stores be confused with a plasma display. These flat panel TV's, like plasma displays, do have a flat screen, so they don't have the edge distortions of a conventional curved screen. But they use CRT's and that means it is biger in size.

Advantages Of Plasma Displays Over Regular TV's

* 4" thick, and can be hung on a wall
* Much larger picture
* Higher color accuracy
* Brighter images ( 3 to 4 times brighter)
* Better resolution
* High-definition capability
* 16:9 aspect ratio vs. standard 4:3
* Can be used as a monitor for a PC or Mac
* Images don't bend at the edge of the screen
* Reflections from windows or lights are minimized
* Wider viewing angles
* not effected by magnetic fields

Consider these things before you buy your plasma or flat screen TV

Determine the right screen size

Plasma monitors are measured diagonally across the screen, just like any other television set. You can typically choose from the following sizes: 32", 40", 42", 46", 50", 61", or 63". Sitting too close to the TV-that it's no good for your eyes. For the optimal viewing experience, you need to maintain the right distance between your viewing area and your television screen.

The right distance depends on the size of your TV:

* For 32 to 37-inch TVs, you should sit back 6 to 10 feet from the screen itself.
* For 42 to 46-inch TVs, you'll need 10 to 14 feet between you and the screen.
* 50-inch plasma displays look best when viewed from 12 to 16 feet away.
* You'll need at least 15 feet of space between you and a plasma screen that's larger than
60 inches.

Audio options.

At this time, Philips and Sony are the only manufacturers that incorporate speakers into the frame structure of plasma televisions. Other manufacturers offer optional speakers that can be attached to the side of the display unit. Of course, you might also choose to use your own bookshelf or satellite speakers, in which case they'll need to be hooked up to an external amplifier/receiver component.

Placement options.

Placing a Plasma TV at the right place and right direction is so very important to get the most out of it. You may like to hang it on the wall or place it over a Table Stand.



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