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Frequently Asked Questions
about Plasma Displays
 What
is flat screen Plasma technology?
Flat
panel plasma display is the latest display technology and the best way to
achieve displays with excellent image quality and large, flat screen sizes
that are easily viewable in any environment. Plasma panels are an array of
cells, known as pixels, which are composed of three subpixels, corresponding
to the colors red, green, and blue. Gas in the plasma state is used to react
with phosphors in each subpixel to produce colored light (red, green, or blue).
These phosphors are the same types used in cathode ray tube (CRT) devices
such as televisions and standard computer monitors. You get the rich dynamic
colors that you expect. Each subpixel is individually controlled by advanced
electronics to produce over 16 million different colors. All of this means
that you get perfect images that are easily viewable in a display that is
less than six inches thick.
 What
are the advantages of choosing Plasma?
Some obvious examples are the size and resolution ranges. You can purchase
a plasma screen from 37" all the way up to 63", additionally there
is a wide range of resolution choices for different applications. These differences
allow you to work within your price range and requirements to find the perfect
fit for your application.
Unlike projection screens or LCD panels, which are designed to concentrate
reflection to a narrow viewing area for brightness, plasma screens permit
an exceptionally broad viewing angle -- over 160 degrees. This means that
no matter where audience members are in the room, the brightness and clarity
come through.
What
is the difference between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratio?
Standard TV is displayed in a 4:3 aspect ratio; the video signal is 4 pixels
wide for every 3 pixels high-the standard size box you are used to seeing
on TV. The 16:9 aspect ratio is the wide image you would see at a movie theater
or on a DVD with a "widescreen" setting; it is much wider than it
is high.
Plasma panels are available in a variety of configurations. Along with varying
resolutions, panels come in two aspect ratios: 4:3 and 16:9. 4:3 ratio is
the same as conventional televisions and computer monitors. Where, as is the
case with current broadcast standards, the media has been formatted for these
devices, 4:3 ratio delivers a quality picture that fills the entire screen.
Presentations that have been prepared on conventional monitors will appear
as they did on the original authoring platform, completely filling the screen.
There is an exception in SXGA (1280 x 1024) resolutions, where the actual
aspect ratio is 5:4, due to legacy issues of that pixel count.
In the 16:9 ratio,
plasma panels are capable of delivering wide-screen media without "letterboxing"
or blanking of parts of the screen. Wide screen panels are typically capable
of higher resolution in data modes and capable of displaying wide screen video
formats such as HDTV. What's more, 16:9 panels are also capable of displaying
media prepared for traditional 4:3 screens via letterboxing. With video cards
available from Plasma-USA, users can take advantage of the larger perspective
by preparing presentations and other media for wide-screen showing.
What
is DTV and HDTV?
DVD's and satellite systems have a digital encoding for their content- giving
a much clearer picture than the old analog TV signal. To play it on your analog
TV, the digital signal has to be converted to an analog format. Showing it
on a digital display means no conversion need so take place, and the picture
is greatly improved, with about 10 times more picture detail. So a DTV digital
television means pure digital signals played on a digital display. HDTV is
the hightest DTV resolution standard. (There are 18 DTV standards, and 6 of
them are HDTV in varying formats. There are also SDTV - Standard Digital TV
formats)
The formats which
represent HDTV are 1020i and 720p. The "i" and the "p"
in the format names refer to interlaced and progressive scanning. In interlaced
scanning, half of the lines in a full frame are scanned onto the screen in
a sixtieth of a second, followed by the remaining half of the scan lines in
the next sixtieth. The odd lines are scanned first, then filled in by the
even lines.
There are TV
stations who broadcast in "HDTV" now, an the FCC mandates that all
stations be capable of broadcasting HDTV by 2006.
What
native resolution is right for me?
A variety of resolutions exists for plasma panels, such as:
42" - 1024x1024, 852x480, 1024x768 XGA, 853x480. etc.
50" - 1280x768, 1365x768, etc.
60" - 1365x768, 1280x720, etc.
The higher resolutions are ideal for situations where detail is important
(small text, spreadsheets, CAD documents, etc). Lower resolutions are more
ideal for streaming video, when smaller details may not be noticed.
Keep in mind all uses of a screen when determining appropriate resolution-a
screen used primarily for video may not need the higher resolution required
of text applications.
Do
plasmas display small text well?
When dealing with small text such as an Excel spreadsheet, resolution is the
most important factor. The higher the resolution, the clearer the text.
What
is a video graphics card, and why would I need one?
Standard monitors and TV's display images with a width-to-height ratio
of 4:3. Wide-screen resolution has a ratio of 16:9 or 16:10.Wide-screen displays
will "stretch" a 4:3 image to fill the screen which distorts the
picture. A picture can be "scaled up" to fill the screen. There
is no distortion in this approach, however, large amounts of the picture are
cut off or lost at the top and bottom of the screen. Wide-screen displays
driven by PCs containing a graphics card, can display a distortion-free wide-screen
image. Some graphics cards also allow you to rotate the image as needed for
vertical display.
What
is burn-in?
Burn-in happens when an image becomes permanently etched into the plasma panel.
It usually occurs when a pixel is activated for a long time with no changing
movement, causing it to age prematurely. Bright words, lines, or logos consistently
displayed on the screen for an extended period of time will cause burn-in.
This might include a company logo constantly displayed in the corner of a
promotional video. Instances such as this are common in public lobbies and
transportation terminals.
The second most common cause of burn-in is a typical computer menu screen.
The bright borders of Windows or Mac desktops, icons, and browser frames will
often burn in over prolonged periods. Another cause of burn-in is displaying
a 4:3 image on a 16:9 display, allowing the left and right border lines of
the image to burn into the wide screen display.
The best way to prevent burn-in is to avoid logos or menus that remain still
on the screen. Additionally, check the specifications of the plasma screen
you are researching to see if they offer some sort of burn-in protection such
as power management settings.
What are the differences between
commercial and home-use models?
The FCC is responsible for evaluating this technology for the likelihood
of interference, suggests ways that assist in product introductions
FCC Regulations:
Class A -- For Commercial use: digital device or peripheral that has been
tested and complies with commercial environment limits. Class A equipment
generates radio frequency energy that may cause harmful interference to radio
communications if not properly installed. Class A devices and peripherals
should be promoted for the use in commercial, industrial or business environments.
Such devices and peripherals are not intended for the home because of the
likelihood of harmful interference of radio communicating. Corrective measures
would be required at the owner's expense
Class B -- For
Home use: digital device or peripheral that has been tested and complies with
residential environment limits. Class B equipment generates radio frequency
energy that may cause harmful interference to radio communications if not
properly installed. Class B devices and peripherals should be marketed for
use in residential environments. Such devices are not intended for use in
commercial, business and industrial environments. There is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation.
How
does the environment affect plasma?
Each plasma screen will have specifically listed specifications for use, such
as operating temperature and maximum altitude. Check the .pdf file for each
screen to determine if the screen will work in your environment.
Plasma panels are absolutely flat, which reduces the glare that might be seen
on a traditional computer monitor or television screen. If overhead lights
may be a problem in your application, consider purchasing a tilting wall mount,
which would allow you to tilt the screen a few degrees down and thus eliminate
much of the glare.
For Plasma display outside, there are special cases and covers that can be
made for your screen and will allow it to be shielded from the elements while
receiving proper ventilation and cooling.
How
can I mount my plasma?
We offer plenty of mounting options such as the following:
- Wall Mount
(flat or tilting)
- Floor Stands
- Desk/Table
Stands
- Ceiling Mounts
- Lifts
- Carts
For mounting
plasma panels into a wall (or cabinet) or above a fireplace, please consider
the operating temperature of the plasma (this can be found on the specification
.pdf for that plasma) and make sure you have proper ventilation or fans to
keep the plasma panel from overheating.
Can
a plasma be mobile?
Plasmas can be attached to rolling carts, transported in appropriate cases
for use in trade-shows and other events. They can be shipped (though great
care must be taken with the screen), and generally none of these movements
are issues as long as care is taken to maintain temperature and altitude issues.
Plasmas should always be transported in an upright position-never rested flat-and
always remember that they are fragile and as much care as possible must be
taken.
What
are my audio/speaker options?
Philips is the only plasma manufacturer that has built-in speakers with their
panels. Most manufacturers offer optional speakers that will attach to the
side of the TV. Many users would like to add speakers to their plasma display
for simple programming such as news or other display uses. This can be done
with one of two options. Either purchase slim speakers which attach to the
sides of the display, or use separate speakers.
Why
are some plasmas so much more expensive than others?
If the prices are confusing you, then check two important factors. What is
the resolution of the screen you're looking at, and what is its size? These
are the two most important factors in determining price of screens, and they
can make a dramatic difference in price.
What is included with my Plasma?
Since the uses for Plasma are so varied, it makes more sense to be able to
choose the accessories and options which will be completely appropriate for
your application. That's why your basic plasma comes only with the power cord
and remote control.
How
quickly can I get my plasma?
As soon as you are ready to purchase, call and check on the ETA for the screens.
If they are in stock they can be shipped immediately. The cheapest and most
typical shipping option is a 3-5 day ship, and generally we do not ship overnight
as the screens are too easily damaged with such a quick transfer.
Who
do I contact for technical support and customer service?
For repairs and maintenance the manufacturer of your plasma panel can provide
you with an authorized repair list or instructions for service options. Multi-Media
Solutions will provide technical support for all plasmas we have sold.
How
long will they last?
This varies considerably between manufacturers but usually from 20,000 to
30,000 hours. After this time the plasma screen will only be at around half
the
original brightness. If you used your plasma screen for 5 hours a day every
day
it would last over 10 years. At the end of the plasma screen's life, the screen
will be very dull and you will need to replace the plasma screen with a new
one. This is one advantage plasma screens have over LCD projectors, which
have a bulb life of usually
2,000 hours before replacement.
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