Plasma Television FAQ

Plasma monitors do not come with built in tuners. An NTSC/ATSC television signal must be passed through a satellite box, cable box, HDTV receiver, VCR/VHS device, or an outboard tuning device. Most of these components offer an RF style cable input (what we think of as a cable connection). Signals are then passed to the plasma TV using the following connections: From a satellite box an s-video cable is normally utilized. From a cable box a composite RCA to RCA or RCA to BNC connection is used. From an HDTV decoder box a 15 pin VGA to 15 pin VGA cable is normally used; though 3 cable component RCA to component RCA or BNC is also often an option. From a VCR/VHS an RCA to RCA or BNC is normally used though S-video is better option if available on the VCR. Optional decoders will have a mix of the above options.

What is so great about a flat viewing surface?

A flat viewing surface is advantageous for several reasons. First, the image itself is more realistic. With a conventional tube TV the image is distorted by the curvature of the glass. With Flat TV the image is not distorted in this fashion at all. Second, the viewing angle is wide on most flat monitor surfaces. Flat TV's are viewable from anywhere in the room with a normal viewing angle of 160 degrees. This surface appears brighter and clearer to the viewer, especially from an angle. Finally, the flat surface minimizes the viewing interference of reflections from room lighting.

What is so great about a flat viewing surface?

Native Resolution

The number rows of horizontal and vertical pixels that create the picture. The native resolution describes the actual resolution of the plasma display and not the resolution of the delivery signal. When the delivery format is higher or lower than the flat screen's native pixel resolution, the delivery signal will be converted to the plasma's native resolution through an internal converter. Generally, the closer the incoming picture signal is to the native pixel resolution on the plasma display monitor - the better the picture. For example, a VGA computer signal of 853X480 will match up perfectly with a plasma monitor with 853X480 native pixel resolution, while an XVGA signal of 1024X768 will match up better with a plasma monitor that has the higher resolution of 1024X1024. There are more considerations here that deal with the quality of the internal converter/scalar, and also whether or not the monitor is progressively scanning (853X480) or interlacing the signal (1024X1024). All 42" inch plasma display monitors are HDTV ready, while none will show the true HDTV signals of 1080i. However, they will benefit from the better signal and show something very close.

The options available for native resolution include: 1024x1024, 1024x768, 1280x768, 1365x768, 640x480, 825x480, 853x480.

What are my options for sound with a plasma TV?

There is only one plasma TV maker that incorporates built in speakers into the plasma frame (Philips). Most manufacturers do however offer speakers as additional options which can be attached to the side of the plasma TV. Amplification of these speakers comes through built in 7 or 8 watt amplifiers which are built in to the side of the plasma display (this is plenty of wattage for excellent audio output). Many users will want to attach speakers to the amplifiers for watching simple programming such as the news or displaying the unit in a board room or at a trade show.

There are two options to consider here: The user may purchase flat, slim speakers which attach to the sides of the plasma monitor The viewer may choose to use his or her own bookshelf, or satellite speakers. Small cube type speakers may also be attractively mounted on the wall beside the plasma display TV. In addition, home users will often use a sound system with surround sound or their external amplifier/receiver component. Some manufacturers of plasma TVs offer no built in amplifiers for sound. In this instance an outboard amplifier/receiver must be used.

Aspect Ratio (simply the ratio of width to height of the monitor)

Today's conventional NTSC TV signals are transmitted with an aspect ratio of 4:3 (the nearly square TV picture to which you are accustomed). All HDTV and some SDTV signals will be transmitted with an aspect ratio of 16:9 in the near future. HDTV broadcasts are delivered in the exciting, new 16:9 wide-screen format, the same aspect ratio in which movies are made. Most plasma TVs are manufactured in the widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio.This wide view lends itself to better DVD viewing because it displays the motion picture in its originally intended aspect ratio format.

Distance: How far away from the plasma should I be?

Pixel distortion or motion artifacts can occur on early generation plasma monitors when displaying an incoming signal with poor resolution (some cable channels - a signal of around 250 interlaced is generally poor). However, this "pixelating" effect is lessened by increasing viewing distance from the plasma display. With early generation models I generally viewed the proper distances as 8 to 12ft. on a 42" plasma tv and 12 to 16ft. or more on a 50" plasma. Now, with the many improvements that have been made to the units, the latest 50" models can be viewed comfortably from 9ft. So it really becomes a matter of preference. I view a 42" plasma from 16ft. in my own home and it looks superb.

Plasma / Flat Screen TV Screen Size

The majority of plasma TVs on the market have 42" and 50" screens, though there are a couple of monitors now with 61" sizes. There are also new sizes being introduced of 37". LCD (liquid crystal diode) monitors/TV's are sized between 10" and 28" and are very similar to plasma monitors in terms of clarity, depth, color brilliance and their conveniently flat design. The best values in plasma displays and LCD monitors will be found where there is much competition between manufacturers in one size of monitor.

Is it true that LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays) last longer than plasma displays?

No. These days, they both last about 60,000 hours. Plasma is also more efficient and gives a better picture on larger screens because each phosphor cell is illuminated as needed. LCDs use bulbs that require full power all the time.

Will I have to "recharge" my plasma?

No. It is a myth that plasmas need to be recharged or refilled.

Are the brightest panels best?

There's no question brighter looks better, but beware! Some plasmas have their settings pre-adjusted at the factory to astronomical levels that will quickly burn out your display.

What is 16x9 aspect ratio?

Width-to-height relationship on a display device. It is part of the HDTV standard and is also called "widescreen," similar to what you see at a movie theater.

How will DVDs and regular TV look on a plasma TV?

As good as they possibly can, with the right display. Not all Plasmas are geared for hi-def; you should look for one that can make the most of any signal.

What would make a plasma outdated?

Not much. Only low resolution and antiquated connections can date a plasma.

Can I use a plasma panel for anything other than TV?

Now you can! Some plasma displays can be used with PCs, but until now, you couldn't use your PC and watch TV on the same screen simultaneously.

Will the heat from the fireplace harm the plasma TV?

There are a few precautions to take before implementing this TV application. First, take a thermometer and tape it to the wall above the mantel (where the plasma TV will be placed). Then and build a fire, let it roar while. Check the thermometer. If the temperature is above 90 degrees then the area is receiving too much heat - either escaping from the front of the fireplace and rising up the face, or radiating through the chimney to warm the outside wall. In this situation it would not be advisable to run the plasma for a long period of time while its environment is hot. Though the Plasma TV has its own cooling system, the surrounding heat will force the Plasma TV to work harder to cool itself, thus shortening the life of the unit over time. The Plasma TV may still be run for short periods without harming the unit even with the environment heat at 90 degrees or above.

If the plasma display is not turned on during the operation of the fireplace, then the unit will not be harmed at all even though the temperature surrounding the unit may be warm.

Can the Plasma TV be mounted onto a brick fireplace?

Yes, cement anchors may be used with the wall mount to secure this application.

Will the Plasma Display TV be too high? Can I tilt it?

Even though plasma TVs typically have a 160 degree viewing angle, tilt wall mounts may be purchased if the mantel is high. A tilt wall mount application will allow the user to tilt the unit from up to 15 to 25% vertically. With this mounting installation the user will have the choice between a flat or tilted affect while adding only 1.75 inches depth to the plasma TV. A flat wall mount can add as little as 1.25 inches to the depth. So, the difference is only half an inch.

Can I just place the plasma on the mantel?

A typical table stand for a Plasma TV is between 4 and 6 inches in depth.

Will Plasma TVs become outdated soon?