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Plasma Television Myths and Facts
by:
Louis Zhang
Myths about plasma television persist even
though these flat panel entertainment wonders have been around for a while
and are widely used in home, offices and public areas.
Like all decisions in life, the decision to purchase a plasma television has
both pros and cons. But that is not this article. This article is about the
debate about what those pros and cons are to help you sort out the raging
shouting matches on the technology forums.
Like any good, religious technology debate the debate between plasma
televisions and LCD screens is as hot as between PC and Mac fanatics.
Anything I say here will be seen as wrong, even with the numbers to back it
up, by one of the camps. Since I have worked at the electronics department
of a major department store before, I have seen the ups and downs of both
camps. Which is why there is a CRT in my living room. Now that all biases
have been aired, let's try to see the debate:
1. Stupid Myths. If it sounds like something your father came up with (like
needing to refill or recharge your plasma television) it is probably stupid.
2. Burn In. Remember the original reason for screen savers? Well, it is
still alive and well today. While it is true that a plasma television used a
certain way will not have burn in, there have been enough examples of
toddlers burning the screen. For the price of a plasma television, any
example is too many. The manufacturers either need to fix the problem or
issue rebates.
3. Fade. Yes, they both do it. The only debate is in how long it takes to do
it. Unfortunately, my last CRT was over 30 years old and still had a perfect
picture. Again, there is not much excuse for any television wearing out.
4. Picture Quality. The manufacturers would have you believe that it is
impossible to get as good a picture quality on a CRT as a plasma television
or an LCD screen. They are lying. There are CRT's with comparable picture
quality, they are just hard to find.
5. The Myth of the Clean Room. Manufacturers love to advertise the image of
a plasma television screen in a picture frame and no other electronics in
the room. Yeah, right. First of all, plasma televisions are hard to hang.
Then you still have all your other stuff that needs to be connected, like
VCR's and cable boxes and game systems.
What they never show on advertisements is the nest of cables, cords and
power strips! Plasma televisions do not have anything built into them to
help cut down the clutter.
6. Durability. Plasma televisions are fragile. Once you decide where they
are going, then they are staying there because you probably had to have them
professionally installed. And if you want one over your fireplace, then you
will need special carpentry to hold it in place.
Okay, most writers about plasma television myths assume that you are stupid.
You probably are not. Therefore, you are not looking for questions on
obvious myths, but the real possible problems that you might have with a
plasma television. I hope that you feel more confident in your decision now.
New technology is always exciting and mysterious. Plasma televisions are no
different. However, if you question closely owners of plasmas to find their
experiences, you will have a better idea of their performance and if these
new televisions are for you. At the price, you want to be right!
Copyright 2006 SilkRoad Networks Inc.
About The Author
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