00:06So it's laid out, you've had a long day, you sit down at your TV, you push the power button,
00:11but nothing happens.
00:12Looks like it's time for a new purchase.
00:15Today we're going to take a look at the Plasma TV and examine how you can enhance your lifestyle with
00:19some viewing pleasure.
00:21I'm Rory Mackay, you're watching Tech Bits on CIB24.com.
00:42Roughly 20 years ago, buying a TV was simple.
00:45The CRT, or cathode ray tube, came in a variety of shapes and sizes.
00:51They were bulky, heavy, and typically all of them had similar specs.
00:55It's only recently, within the past 10 years or so, that we've started to see the introduction of the flat
01:01screen really take shape.
01:02They've made them cheaper and more affordable for the end user, so they've developed a lot more technology and better
01:10ways to produce them.
01:11There's a lot more options available.
01:13One of the early additions to the flat screen family, that is still going strong today, is the Plasma TV.
01:20Plasma TVs are comprised of two panels of glass, and they contain little chambers of inert gases, and these are
01:27called cells.
01:28Now, these cells emit light in different colors when electricity is applied across them.
01:34These cells are also arranged in groups of three, and they form the pixel.
01:38Now, each cell in the pixel represents one of the primary colors when the electricity goes through it.
01:43So, they basically fire on and off, and create the appropriate color to form the image on your screen within
01:49the pixel.
01:52Plasma TVs offer excellent image quality, but it's at the cost of a high energy consumption.
01:57There are certain brands that have been developed that kind of lower the energy cost,
02:02and there are quite a few different Energy Star compliant models that kind of hedge against this effect.
02:08Plasmas also offer excellent contrast ratio, which is very important.
02:13Contrast ratio is basically the difference between the brightest and the darkest parts of the image.
02:19In essence, the higher the contrast ratio, the better the image.
02:23Now, plasmas typically are around five million to one.
02:27However, you need to be careful when you're examining these numbers or this data,
02:31because there is no enforced industry standard.
02:34Most of the manufacturers follow an ANSI standard, but you should make sure that most of the companies are in
02:41line,
02:42because otherwise, it's just a long shot.
02:45Plasma TVs are also excellent, because they offer a wider viewing angle,
02:49meaning that you can sit almost anywhere in the room, and you can still watch it.
02:54Another great feature is that there's less motion blur.
02:58This is basically when you have an image that breaks up on the screen right before your very eyes.
03:03The faster refresh rates and response times on the plasmas enhance the performance of the TV,
03:09when there is a lot of motion moving right across the screen.
03:13Plasmas are a great selection and a nice addition to any room or wall or desk.
03:18They take up very little space, but there are some disadvantages to consider before purchasing.
03:24Because of the technology involved in the plasma, there's a possibility of what is referred to as screen burn.
03:29And what this means is you can't leave the stagnant image or a stagnant image on the screen for an
03:36extended period of time.
03:37Or it leaves sort of a residual that you will see during other content,
03:42when you're watching different shows, particularly with white backgrounds and such.
03:46Now, luckily, there have been advancements in the technology that reduce the occurrence of this.
03:51And also, there's procedures that the manufacturers have built into the TV that you can do if a burnout has
03:58happened.
03:59It is generally not an issue if you're watching movies or programs that are constantly changing.
04:04It's really only an issue when you're gaming or you leave something on the screen for a very long time.
04:09Perhaps one of those log burning fireplace programs or certain things like if you hook your computer up to it.
04:23Plasmas also use more power than the average flat panel or many of the other flat panels in general.
04:30They run a lot hotter and this can be an issue in smaller spaces.
04:34They're also a bit heavier than other flat screens. Some of them can also weigh up to 80 pounds.
04:39Plasma TVs offer an excellent picture for a minimal price.
04:43They have a great contrast ratio and they are relatively sleek and sexy.
04:48Many manufacturers offer them as a great option for your viewing pleasure.
04:52If you choose a plasma for your home theater, you won't be disappointed.
04:57Just make sure you remember to bring your popcorn because you won't want to take your eyes off that screen.
05:02I'm Rory Mackay and don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
