Although these TVs look similar on the outside, there are differences on the inside.
Learn how plasma TVs work and whether or not these TVs are worth keeping.
This article is preserved for historical reference.
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How Does a Plasma TV Work?
Plasma TV technology is similar to that used in a fluorescent light bulb.
The display panel consists of cells, each containing two glass panels that are separated by a narrow gap.
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Neon-xenon gas is injected and sealed in plasma form during the manufacturing process.
The gas is electrically charged at specific intervals when the plasma set is in use.
The charged gas strikes red, green, and blue phosphors, creating a TV image.
Plasma TV technology is different from its immediate predecessor, the traditional cathode ray tube (CRT) TV.
Thus, there’s no need for a large vacuum tube.
This is why CRT TVs are shaped more like boxes, and plasma TVs are thin and flat.
How Long Do Plasma TVs Last?
If it’s on four hours a day, the half-life would be about 18 years.
Double these figures for a 60,000-hour half-life.
Even at 24 hours a day, a 100,000-hour half-life is about 10 years.
For comparison, a CRT TV loses about 30 percent of its brightness after about 20,000 hours.
Since this process is gradual, most viewers aren’t aware of this effect.
Still, they may need to adjust the brightness and contrast controls periodically to compensate.
Do Plasma TVs Leak?
The gas in a plasma TV does not leak, nor can more gas be pumped in.
If a cell fails, it can’t be repaired by recharging the gas.
If a large number of cells go dark, the entire panel needs to be replaced.
Can a Plasma TV Work at High Altitudes?
Most plasma TVs are calibrated for optimum operation at, or near, sea-level conditions.
As altitude increases, plasma TVs work harder to compensate for the difference in external air pressure.
This may cause a buzzing sound.
In addition, the half-life of the plasma TV is reduced somewhat.
For most consumers, this is not an issue.
Still, there are considerations if you live in an area over 4,000 feet above sea level.
Some plasma TVs are robust enough to work well at altitudes of up to 5,000 feet or more.
There are high altitude versions of some plasma TVs that can hold up to as high as 8,000 feet.
Do Plasma TVs Generate Heat?
However, plasma TVs use more energy than a standard CRT or LCD set.
What Is a Sub-Field Drive on a Plasma TV?
TVs employrefresh rates and motion processingto display smooth images.
LCD and plasma TVs typically have a 60hz refresh rate, but that is not always enough.
To enhance motion response, plasma TVs employ additional technology called asub-field drive.
However, the sub-field drive rate on plasma TVs works differently.
Are All Plasma TVs HDTVs?
Some early model plasma TVs only display 852 x 480.
These sets are referred to as EDTVs (Extended or Enhanced Definition TVs) or ED-plasmas.
ED resolutions are fine for DVDs and standard digital cable, but not for HD sources.
This is where looking at specifications is important.
Will a Plasma TV Work With an Old VCR?
To get the most out of your plasma TV, use aBlu-ray Disc playeror an upscaling DVD player.
What Else Do you better Use a Plasma TV?
If your plasma TV still works fine for you, there’s no reason to throw it out.
However, you could improve your viewing experience by upgrading to a newer throw in of television.
