subject: Plasma Tvs - Should You Buy One? [print this page] The newest craze in media technology is the plasma television. But, with any new technological trend, there are many questions. For example, does plasma TV have any real benefits? What's the difference between a plasma tv and a traditional one? What makes a plasma television special?
The main difference between plasma televisions and traditional televisions is in the way that images are produced. In a traditional TV, images are produced through a Cathode Ray Tube, or CRT. This is essentially a large tube through which an electronic beam scans the tube and lights up red, blue, or green phosphors on the surface of the tube, which results in the images we watch.
Plasma televisions are different because the images come to us through a very different and new process. Inside a plasma television, there is a display with two panels, containing cells and a gap that separates the panels. The gap contains a neon-xenon gas. This gas has been sealed within the screen as plasma. Viewers are able to see images on-screen as a result of the phosphors being struck by the charged gas.
With these differences in image production, plasma televisions are able to grant several new benefits to the viewer. Plasma televisions are able to produce a better contrast ratio and more vibrant colors than televisions in the past. Another benefit is that they are typically less bulky, thinner and can be mounted on a wall, which can result in a more relaxing viewing experience.
Another chief advantage is that there is also a much smaller degree of motion blur, which is extremely helpful in watching content with a large degree of rapid motion. There is also an increased ability to view images at wider angles. When combined with the previous factors, it contributes to an overall better viewing experience.
Though there are many benefits to plasma televisions, there are also many disadvantages to consider. Chief among these drawbacks is that there is a greater possibility that plasma TV screens can have images burned into them. Though product updates have cut down on the frequency of this happening, it's still a possibility that needs to be considered by a future buyer.
An additional flaw is that plasma televisions can be subject to reflection glare in brighter rooms. They can also potentially be ineffective at higher altitudes, which is as a result of the gases in the screen not being able to operate as effectively. Finally, while many households may want a large television, plasma TVs don't usually come smaller than 37 inches and can be bulkier than some other similar televisions.
New technologies always bring new questions and factors to consider. Households today have more options to consider than ever before. But, in the final estimation, plasma televisions remain an exciting new technology that can result in an entirely new and beneficial viewing experience for any viewer.
