subject: What Is The Plasma In Plasma Tvs? [print this page] As the electronics industry has moved from CRT (cathode raytechnology) televisions to the new plasma technology, wehave all watched as our television pictures became clearerand crisper.
Even though plasma technology isnt all that new, theapplication of it in our televisions sets is. We allunderstand how a plain picture tube works in a televisionset.
What exactly is this plasma stuff?
Plasma is formed when two gases, neon and xenon, areelectrified and the resulting phosphors (a substance thatcan emit light after being radiated in some way) begin toglow.
To get a little more scientific, the atoms that make up theneon and xenon release their negative electrons to floatabout and leave ionized positive atoms. When you haveenough of theses ionized atoms, you get plasma.
You dont need to be a science teacher to understand howall of it works, but plasma is showing up in more than justour television sets.
It was used in computer displays in the 1960s and is usedtoday in waste treatment, welding and drilling, propulsion,lasers, and instrument sterilization in medical offices andhospitals.
The Difference Between LCD And Plasma TVsWhen going to your electronics store to purchase a newtelevision set, consumers should be educated as to the
difference between LCD (liquid crystal display) and plasmatelevisions.
Each has their pros and cons, but both will give theconsumer a phenomenal picture.
Plasma televisions work by the electrifying of the gasesneon and xenon to make plasma. These televisions come insizes between 32 and 63" in size, have flat panel displays,and produce a clear crisp picture.
A consumer can view a plasma television in a 160 degreeangle and are made for high definition viewing with theproper signal.
Some of the downfalls of a plasma television includeincreased cost, screen burn-in, and the production ofannoying buzzing noise at altitudes higher than 6,500 feet.
LCD televisions work in a similar way except they useliquid crystal instead of neon and xenon. They come insizes between 20 and 50" in size, have flat panel displays,and usually have a built-in tuner, not to mention a clearsharp picture.
A consumer can view LCD televisions in a 120-130degreeangle. They operate well in high altitudes and are energyefficient.
The downfalls of a LCD television include a slightly slowerresponse time which can produce a trailing effect, limitedviewing angle, and some color concerns due to lightingissues where the television is placed in the room.
Depending on what the consumer prefers, both televisionsare worth the money spent on them. LCDs are still betterfor computer use is desired, but there are some plasmamanufacturers producing sets that can be used as a computermonitor as well.
The average person, though, will recognize the technologyin their television sets.
As plasma televisions continue to advance, you canguarantee the use of it in other applications will continueas well.
Before long, plasma technology may become one of the mostwidely used applications around the world for numerousthings.
And it will still make Star Trek look really good on yourtelevision.
