How altitude affects the performance of a Plasma TV?
July 13, 2007
How altitude affects the performance of a Plasma TV?
Plasma TV uses rare gases like xenon, neon and argon which are enclosed between two glass sheets. For the optimum performance of the plasma TV, there must be a balance between the pressure of these gases inside the plasma display panel and the atmospheric pressure. In other words, both the pressures should be more or less equal for optimum performance. However, when the altitude increases, say above, 2500 ft above sea level, the atmosphere becomes thinner, resulting in low atmospheric pressure. In such conditions, the gases inside a plasma TV tend to work hard to produce the display. During this process, a plasma TV usually produces more heat and a sort of buzzing noise when it is working.
Most of the plasma TVs are designed to work at sea levels or within 3000 ft ASL. However, if you happen to live in higher altitudes, say in a place over 5000 ft ASL, you should go for a plasma TV which is especially designed for such conditions.
It is fairly easy to find out whether your plasma TV struggles to cope up with low atmosphere outside. One way is to feel the heat emitted by your TV. Another way is much easier the buzzing noise can be heard when your TV works much harder. Nowadays, this problem is being eliminated as newer plasma TVs come with design and calibration suitable for higher altitudes
How does a Plasma TV work?
May 18, 2007
Both Plasma TV and the conventional CRT-type display use phosphors to produce the display. The screen of these display systems is made up of tiny spots known as pixels which have a phosphor coat on their back.
We can also compare a Plasma TV with a fluorescent lamp although on a superficial level. Not only they use the luminous properties of phosphors, they also use inert gases like argon, neon, xenon which in a plasma state, emit invisible, ultra-violet photons. In a fluorescent bulb, these emitted photons strike the phosphorous coating of the inner wall of the bulb resulting in a radiant glow, which fills our rooms.
However, a Plasma TV, which works on the same principle, has innumerable tiny fluorescent lamps, which are called pixels. Each Pixel, in its turn, has three tiny sub-pixels coated with red phosphor, green phosphor and blue phosphor. The pixels or cells are filled with rare gases like neon and xenon and the entire network of pixels is placed between two sheets of glass.
Two sets of electrodes address electrodes and display electrodes form two separate grids, one along the rear glass plate and another along the front glass plate. Once electric current is passed between the electrodes, it excites the noble gases to release the electrons thereby producing ions and free flowing electrons in the mixture. These charged particles rush towards electrically opposite charged electrodes, collide with each other and emit invisible, ultra violet photons. These photons react with the colored phosphors (RGB) in the sub-pixels and give visible light.
The overall shade of the pixel depends on the intensity of each sub-pixel which is proportionate with the level of electricity passing though it. To show a gamut colors, these three basic colors, RGB, are blended in different combinations by varying the intensity of each color. Plasma display Panels have a special feature, PCM (pulse code modulation) which modulates the electric pulse at a rapid rate and enable the production of more than 17 million colours.
What is Plasma?
May 10, 2007
Plasma is a special form of matter, which is unique from solid, liquid and gaseous states of matter. Although plasmas have a few common, fundamental properties with gases like indefinite volume and size, they significantly differ from gases by their electrical properties. A typical gas, like air, is electrically neutral, as the number of positive charged particles and negative charged particles in their atoms are equal in number. However, when a source of energy like heat or electricity is introduced into this state of equilibrium, it makes some or all negative particles (electrons) get loose, added or lost, thus making the gas ionized or electrically charged. It is the degree of ionization which actually determines the state of plasma. Thus, plasma refers to an ionized gas with unique properties like good electrical conductivity and their strong interactive nature in the electromagnetic fields.
Plasma has a wide range of applications in the present world. For example, neon signs and fluorescent lamps use noble gases like argon, neon, and xenon, which become plasmas when the electric current is passed in the tubes containing these gases.
PLASMA TV BUYING GUIDE
September 7, 2006
The advent of digital broadcasting and other technological advances has pushed TV entertainment to higher levels of viewing pleasure for consumers. Initiatives to turn to digital broadcasting have become increasingly popular, even institutionalized by government authorities in some countries. Thus emerged digital television (DTV), high definition television (HDTV), Digital Versatile Disk (DVD-Video), computer video, and digital satellite broadcasts.
What is a Plasma TV?
Plasma TV is usually associated with those ultra-thin, space-saving TV displays that can be hung on walls. But there is more to Plasma TV than their ultra-thin figures. Wikipedia defines plasma display as “ an emissive flat panel display where light is created by phosphors excited by a plasma discharge between two flat panels of glass. Simply put, the plasma display is composed of separate glass compartments or cells that infused with neon-xenon gas suspended in plasma. Once electrically charged, the gases emit green, red and blue phosphors, forming what is called as pixels. This element basically gives Plasma TV brighter display and wide color range.
Plasma TV Buying Tips
There is a plethora of choices available when shops around for plasma television that is just right for your home. But it would be a good idea if one knows the right specifications and features to look for in a Plasma TV. Here are some basic tips on buying plasma television.
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- First of all, survey the room where the Plasma TV is to be placed in. Consider the size of the room before you choose your Plasma TV. Remember that plasma displays are usually larger than your usual LCDs, with largest sizes up to 71 inches diagonally. New models may churn out larger sizes, but generally plasma TV offers the largest option in terms of size. Considering the size, it necessarily follows that the plasma TV youve been eyeing must fit in your room. Color and graphical flaws are more obvious up front; so observe the right viewing space away from the TV screen. The basic rule is to sit at a distance 1.5 to three times the screen width away.
- A Plasma TV can be mounted on a wall and you can have the best video art there is. But before you do, make sure that the wall can absorb the TVs weight. While they are relatively lighter than other types, Plasma TVs can weigh up to 30 kgs.
- Check out the brightness feature. Remember that brightness or luminance refers to the brightness of a screen, and is expressed in cd/m2, 2000cd/m2 for example. The higher the number, the more luminous the wide TV screen. So take note and consider the brightness feature, especially if you intend to place it in a dimly lighted or brightly lighted space.
- Usually expressed in ratio, the Contrast feature of a TV screen refers to its capability to display the colors black and white. The contrast ratio refers to the graduation of shades of color gray that the TV is capable of displaying. It determines the quality of detail that can be seen when dark scenes are displayed.
There are many other features that one must consider before buying a plasma television. But to get the right one for you, stick to the basic rule of thumb know what you are buying.
