Comparing the Different Plasma Televisions
The past decade has seen tremendous advancements in plasma TV technology. When it comes to delivering vivid colors and crisp motion, plasma TV’s have long been the preferred choice of consumers. However, despite these advancements one does not need a degree in engineering or science to understand the basic principles of how this technology works.
Plasma technology was first developed for computer monitor systems in the early’60’s and the first companies to bring this technology to the retail market were Fujitsu and Phillips. Moreover, the first units for sale in the US were more of a status symbol since they debuted with a hefty price tag of over $10,000. However, today’s refined production techniques allow plasma units to retail for a much lower and accessible price.
A plasma TV is made up of thousands of tiny individual cells between two screens. In addition, the cells which produce the pictures are sandwiched between the screens and filled with a combination of noble gases such as helium, xenon, and neon. Electrodes are also installed on both screens so they are located on the front and back of cells. Furthermore, the electrodes generate electricity and their purpose is to heat the gas into a plasma state.
To understand the inner workings of a plasma TV one does not require a degree in chemistry or engineering. Firstly, the noble gases most often used in the production of a plasma TV are helium, xenon, and neon. The gases are contained in thousands of tiny cells that are sandwiched between two screens. Long electrodes are also placed in front and behind the cells to generate the electricity required to heat the gas into a plasma state.
The picture on a regular television set is made up of thousands of individual pixels and it is no different for plasma TV’s. Every pixel on a plasma unit is subdivided into three sub pixels with a coating of either a red, green or blue colored phosphor. The three colors are used in traditional cathode ray tube televisions which is why a plasma TV can closely replicate the colors of older models. Blending red, green and blue together also allows the plasma system to create just about any tone imaginable.
Pulse-width modulation regulates the intensity of the phosphor coating on each sub pixel and it works by controlling the amount of current that flows through the thousands of individual cells. Moreover, internal controls activate the pulses at a rate of thousands of times per second and the varying intensity allow for the incredibly sharp and vivid colors that are associated with plasma televisions.
When it comes to contrast ratio, plasma TV’s usually offer the highest ratio in comparison to LCD and DLP televisions. Contrast ratio is the measure of the ratio between the highest white and the darkest black which is important in determining the overall quality of a picture.
Plasma TV’s have always been considered on the forefront of high definition and flat panel television technology. Thanks to the increase in demand and more cost effective production techniques, these engineering marvels will soon be found in just about every home.
Zeeman Haus enjoys writing articles online on a variety of subjects. You can check out his latest website on 7 Inch LCD TV which reviews and lists the best LCD TVs to help you pick the best one for your needs.
categories: lcd tv,lcd,plasma tvs,samsung,Fujitsu,Phillips,television,electronics,computers,home,family,gifts,shopping,products