Plasma TVs at high altitudes

An interesting factor to consider when planning your purchase of a new plasma television is altitude. Plasma TVs use millions of tiny, gas-filled chambers to create a picture. When you move to higher altitudes, the constant pressure in the chambers and the now lower ambient air pressure create a buzzing sound reminiscent of a halogen beer sign. This buzz is a combined result of the increased power consumption necessary to overcome the pressure differential, and the increase in fan use because the high power consumption heats the unit. This change in noise is really the only difference between operating a plasma television at sea level and one operating at extreme (above 6,000 ft) altitudes.

This noise increase provides a hint as to the more serious reason to avoid using a plasma television: lifespan. The life of a plasma screen is dependent on how hard it works through the course of its life. Operating these televisions at altitudes above what they were designed for puts an excess strain on their various components. Using a plasma TV above 6,000 ft. is more likely to annoy you with additional noise than anything else, but it's a bad choice in the long run.

This pressure change is why airplanes chose to use LCD screens over plasma screens on flights that offer video entertainment. LCDs use crystals instead of gas filled chambers, and are thus indifferent to altitude changes. That said, there are manufacturers who have designed plasma televisions for use at altitudes up to 9,000 ft. You'll pay for this upgraded design, so you must decide if the price difference is worth it. So, check the elevation information for your city to determine if this should concern you, because it's not always obvious. Denver is just under the 6,000 ft. window for operating a regular plasma screen. You may see a slight difference in the lifespan of the unit here when compared to an identical television located closer to sea level, but this is likely to be very small. If you're not sure what your local elevation is, or if you're close, but still below the 6,000 ft. recommended ceiling, do some firsthand research. Go to an electronics store and test out the various plasma TVs on display. Listen closely for a buzzing or humming. You may find that your local air pressure is low enough to affect the performance of a plasma unit.

So you've done your research and planning, and you're ready to buy your plasma television? Now make sure you check your local conditions and, if necessary, invest in a high altitude plasma unit.

Jakob Culver is founder of the website www.plasmatvarena.com providing information, articles and reviews about plasma tv's. To find more articles like this one visit the site http://www.plasmatvarena.com/

? Millennium Online Marteting Pty Ltd

This article may be reprinted for use in websites provided that the information box is kept intact. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required: millenniumonlinemarketing@hotmail.com

How To Avoid Plasma TV Burn-In

If you're familiar with the technology behind plasma televisions, you know that the gas contained in each individual pixel receives a charge from a set of electrodes and produces ultraviolet light photons. These light particles hit a phosphor coating on the pixel's walls. If the same picture remains on the screen long enough the phosphors will age prematurely and they will produce a less intense light and color. The phosphor's continuous light will also burn the screen itself, leaving a ghost of an image. This burning of the screen, and the residual image it creates, is called burn-in. Older CRT monitors, as well as ATM machines, are prone to burn-in. This was the reason behind the invention of screen savers; having a randomly shifting image displayed whenever the picture was constant for a certain period of time helps prevent burn-in.

Burn-in occurs in 2 steps: premature phosphor aging and screen searing. A still image will create an unchanging electrical current in each plasma pixel. The resulting continuous flow of photons forces the television's phosphors to release the same hue of light and this, when maintained for a long enough period of time, will damage the phosphors' ability to produce this color light. They will become conditioned, and will never stop producing a weak shade of that same color light, even when no charge is being sent through the pixel. This affects other images that require a change in the pixel's color. Screen searing is the dim, ghost-like image that literally gets burned into the glass of your screen. During a still image, the screen is bombarded with a specific spectrum of light from the phosphors. Since it's given no time to rest, the screen develops a shadowy copy of the image which was frozen on the screen. We most often see this at the ATM, when remnants of the main menu remain on the screen throughout your transaction.

Now that you have an idea what burn-in is, you should know some ways to prevent it from occurring. The root cause of burn-in is a static image. Most newer model plasma televisions have added functions to automatically prevent burn-in. However, owners of older model plasma televisions should be aware of the danger of burn-in and should follow a few simply tips to extend the life of their television. You can avoid static images by turning off your plasma television when you're not watching it. Also, you should steer clear of pausing a movie or a video game for an extended period of time and leaving the television on.

Burn-in is no longer a serious concern with newer plasma televisions thanks to a technology called pixel orbiter. The pixel orbiter subtly shifts static pictures to continuously keep the plasma screen's phosphors working. By never resting, there is little chance of burn-in. Creating more work for the display may seem like a poor decision with regard to the lifespan of the unit, but keeping the phosphors fresh and changing actually helps the plasma screen last longer.

Jakob Culver is founder of the website www.plasmatvarena.com providing information, articles and reviews about plasma tv's. To find more articles like this one visit the site http://www.plasmatvarena.com/

? Millennium Online Marteting Pty Ltd

This article may be reprinted for use in websites provided that the information box is kept intact. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required: millenniumonlinemarketing@hotmail.com

Pioneer Leading The Plasma TV World

In today's fast-moving, swiftly-growing technological field, it takes a lot to stay in the lead. But Pioneer is doing precisely that with its plasma TVs. With their sharp images and robust feature packages all rolled up into a sophisticated package, it is no wonder that this company is out-pacing its competitors in the field.

The Pioneer PDP-507HD is commonly considered one of the best 50-inch plasma TV across the board. This incredibly versatile piece of entertainment hardware is ideal for those who list image-quality as one of their highest criteria. Reviewers applaud the rich, thoroughly-saturated colours and the deep quality of the blacks, a hue that has been notoriously difficult to capture for other plasma TV companies. This is not to say that the Pioneer PDP-507HD is not adaptable; it comes with a multitude of features, including a CableCARD slot, an electronic program guide, a USB output and a dual tuner PIP. In addition, for those who demand high performance and then insist on have the tools to achieve it, there are many options for those who like to adjust the picture quality to their own exacting standards.

The 43-inch Pioneer PDP-4360 is another landmark in Pioneer's development. This smaller screen has all the crystalline resolution of the other plasma televisions and once again, the colours, particularly the difficult black, are rendered as faithfully as on a movie screen.

The newest in Pioneer's stellar lineup is the Pioneer PDP 607XD. It is marketed as integrated home entertainment, and with 2 HDMI inputs, a PC input, a digital tuner, there is a much greater ability to take advantage of high definition media. This exciting model features Pioneer's seventh generation plasma screen, with improved brightness and contrast, creating the sharp picture quality and vivid colour that is part of the Pioneer trademark.

One feature that is applauded across the board is Pioneer's consistently sophisticated design. Pioneer has chosen to give its plasma televisions a sleek and streamlined grace, something that blends perfectly with a modern home. The thick, high-gloss frames of the Pioneer plasma TVs create a striking impression. When turned off, the screen goes to a deep velvety black and the effect on a bare white wall is quite striking and you can find suitable brackets on http://www.tv-wall-brackets.co.uk. These televisions accentuate your viewing area, commanding it with ease, and their graceful lines are an excellent addition to any home. Another fun feature is the silver stand that is available if you should choose to make the plasma TV freestanding. The inky bulk of the television in the elegant stand has all the charm of a piece of modern art.

The Pioneer plasma televisions have made bringing home a vivid, theater-quality home entertainment center more possible than ever. Like its namesake, Pioneer strides forward in the development of cutting-edge technology and always delivers on it's well-earned reputation.

Peter Thomas is the marketing manager for http://www.plasma-television.co.uk - the UKs leading plasma & lcd tv price comparison website.

An Introduction To Plasma TV Technology

Plasma TVs have become increasingly available, and their cost is lowering all the time. We have all heard about plasma TVs, and advertising campaigns are constantly telling us that they are the status symbol to have. Adverts are extremely effective at glorifying the benefits of having a plasma TV, so much so that it appears that even our pulling power and popularity will be improved. The one thing that these adverts don?t really tell us is what a plasma TV actually is. Here is a brief guide to plasma TVs to help you appreciate this apparent miracle of modern technology.

Plasma TVs have a higher resolution than other conventional display devices which means that they can display the high definition signals of HDTV and DTV. Also, plasma TVs are compatible with the computer signals SVGA, VGA, and XGA.

Unlike other display devices, plasma TVs have a transistor electrode for every pixel cell which means that there are none of the scan lines that are visible with regular TV sets. The whole image is evenly lit across the display by these electrodes, and not produced by an electron beam which is the cause of scan lines.

Top-of-the-range plasma TVs have display capabilities of over 16 million colours. This ensures that the picture has far more realistic colour than that shown on a conventional TV screen. This is because they are able to show far more shades of colours compared to the lesser quality TV screens.

Plasma TV screens are completely flat which has two benefits. There is no edge distortion, unlike on more curved conventional TV screens, and also there is a far wider viewing angle. The viewing angle of a plasma TV is 160 degrees, and allows the image to be seen properly from more areas of the room where the TV set is situated. This makes plasma TV screens ideal for large groups to view, and lessens the need for more than one TV set to be placed.

Of course, the main benefit that most people are aware of with plasma TVs is their space-saving quality. They are extremely shallow, and can therefore be installed in many more locations than a conventional TV set. The depth of a 50 inch screen is approximately 4 inches, and it can therefore be hung on a wall.

John Rivers is the owner of TV Home Center. Find out what you need to know before you buy a plasma tv or video projector.

Plasma TV Verses LCD TV

When shopping for a new TV it's important to determine which technology is best suited for your needs. In the world of flat panel televisions, you'll have to choose between a plasma television and an LCD. Obviously, the technologies behind these units are quite different. Plasma televisions use gases like xenon and argon to create their pictures. LCDs use a layer of electrically responsive crystals that can be altered to vary the spectrum of light shining through at various locations on the screen. How will you know which technology to choose? Here are some observations that may help you decide.

Both LCDs and newer plasma televisions have comparable life spans. The LCD is purported to last several years longer, but both units will last for decades. Also, the picture quality with both of these units is about the same. Some LCDs provide a more crisp resolution, but on the whole there is little difference. Finally, newer generations of plasma televisions have reduced power consumptions comparable to that of LCDs. This previous advantage was corrected from the power vacuum first-generation plasma units. LCDs don't have to worry about phosphors and aren't at risk for burn-in. This difference is being corrected with each new generation of plasma television. LCDs are also lighter and thinner than comparably sized plasma televisions. This is very useful if space if a premium in your home, though the size difference is only a matter of an inch or two in depth. LCDs are also considered much less fragile than their plasma counterparts. These are apparent advantages in favor of an LCD television, but do these differences really affect you, the viewer? A thinner television doesn't always have a superior picture. In fact, plasma displays are usually brighter and more vibrant. Also, how often do you carry your plasma television around? Does its weight and durability really affect your decision? In the average home, a television remains in the same spot for years, if not forever.

The factors that should affect your purchase relate more to the picture. Plasma displays have a greater viewing angle and don't lose as much contrast as you move away. A plasma can be viewed clearly from almost any location in a room, thanks to their 160 degree viewing angle. Also, as you look at larger model televisions (over 40 inches, for example) you'll see that plasma screens are cheaper and maintain a thin profile. LCDs are still being refined in their larger models. There are functional considerations to be made as well. Will you be using your plasma screen as a primary display for your personal computer? If so, you'd profit from an LCD panel that would display a detailed computer images more crisply, and with no risk of burn-in.

LCDs have many uses where they are a superior display choice. Different functions and locations may lead you to purchase an LCD. However, if you're just looking for a television, then plasma is your best bet. Plasma televisions have a list of advantages over LCDs when it comes to true picture quality, brightness, and color. LCDs have their niche uses, but a plasma is a superior choice in television.

Jakob Culver is founder of the website www.plasmatvarena.com providing information, articles and reviews about plasma tv's. To find more articles like this one visit the site http://www.plasmatvarena.com/

? Millennium Online Marteting Pty Ltd

This article may be reprinted for use in websites provided that the information box is kept intact. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required: millenniumonlinemarketing@hotmail.com

Plasma TV Wall Mount

For those who want their home theatre to imitate the cinematic experience, a plasma TV wall mount is a good investment to save space and to give a great effect. A plasma TV wall mount is easy to install yourself, but if you prefer, you can hire a professional to do the job for you. The price of a typical plasma TV wall mount can range from $60 to $350, and it is a good idea to invest in the best plasma TV wall mount you can afford, since plasma TVs are quite delicate and you cannot risk having your plasma TV fall to the ground. However, most plasma TV wall mounts do the job sufficiently well.

Your plasma TV wall mount should contain at least the following items:

? Wall plate
? Rails
? Arms

The wall plate attaches to the wall and the rails are for the back of the television. There should be two perpendicular arms with devices to connect to the back of the plate. The rails enable you to move the TV to the right or the left across the wall and enable you to lift the TV off, if necessary.

You need to select a plasma TV wall mount suited to the type of plasma TV that you have. The average size is 26-41? and weighs up to 100 pounds. A typical plasma TV wall mount can handle this type of set. However, if you plasma TV is larger than this and weighs more than 100 pounds, you will need a two stud wall mount.

It is possible to install your plasma TV wall mount on a concrete wall, although you will need a different type of plasma TV mount. Cement anchors are needed to keep you TV in place on a concrete surface, and you can also find long belts and other devices specially designed for concrete. As with any type of Plasma TV mount, ensure that your cement anchors are sturdy enough to hold a heavy unit.

When you install your plasma TV, you might not be certain about what height you want. If you have a typical, flat plasma TV wall mount, you will need to put your plasma TV at the correct height. However, many people like to have their plasma TV?s a little higher. One reason is that, since plasma TV are so vulnerable to damage, those with children prefer to put their plasma TV as high up as possible to avoid stray balls from hitting the screen. If you want to put your plasma TV up high, you will need a special plasma TV wall mount that tilts so your set can face downward at an angle. You will also need a tilt plasma TV wall mount if your set is not completely flat, but has a gentle curve at the back.

You can purchase a plasma TV wall mount with fixed arms or with articulating arms that move along a 90 degree swivel. The articulating wall mounts may cost a bit more, but are worth the investment if you like to view your television from different angles. They are not much more difficult to install than fixed arm wall mounts, and are just as durable.

Ensure that your plasma TV wall mount is sufficiently durable. It is a good idea to install your television along with a friend who can help you take your plasma TV on and off the mount while you are testing it for durability. A partner can also see if there is any ?giving? or wobbling, and this second pair of eyes might just save your set. If you are unsure of your abilities, it is worthwhile to hire a professional to install your plasma TV mount.

Marcus Grant http://www.SigK.com www.lcd-flat-screen-tv.net

Plasma TVs And Your Home Entertainment Center

It seems as if everyone these days is showing off their expensive flashy new home entertainment centers. They're linked wirelessly to computers, have more speakers than a Rolling Stone's concert, and cost more than a midsize luxury sedan. They feature DVD players, DVR or Tivo, CD players, MP3 players, and anything else you can imagine. The centerpiece, though, still remains the same: the television.

Plasma TVs have recently been introduced to the market. They are extremely flat television panels which make them very easy to mount on either a wall, in a cabinet or on other specially designed furniture. Plasma TVs are known for their wonderful quality and almost all plasma TVs come already equipped with an HDTV (high definition television) tuner which will allow you to watch all the HDTV channels that have been so widely discussed lately. The quality is amazingly realistic.

As mentioned before, the plasma TV is completely flat. It much more easily manipulated than conventional CRT TVs and won't burn out like rear projection TVs and LCD TVs. Mounting the plasma TV on the wall and adding rows of seats to a home theater will surly add a commercial theater feel to any room. Along with some of the high end sound systems available on the market today, the difference between a well equipped home theater with a quality plasma TV and a commercial theater is hard to distinguish.

If mounting the plasma TV on the wall isn't an option, try commissioning a carpenter to create a custom made cabinet. This may be a better option as it would allow for built in compartments for cords, DVDs, VHS tapes, DVD player storage, and more. Inside the cabinet, a custom mount could be created for the plasma TV. Add to this some remote control doors on the cabinet and one could have oneself a pretty Godfather-esque setup.

In conclusion, if you wish to become the talk of the neighborhood with your brand new home theater or home entertainment center, be sure to have the finest centerpiece available with a large, high quality plasma television.

John Rivers is the owner of TV Home Center. His website offers LCD TV Reviews and Flat Screen TV Buying Advice.