FUJITSU PDS-4222

Concentrated Technology

Fujitsu currently occupy the envied position of leader in the field of Plasma screen production. The number one position is amply merited because the Japanese company is a visionary precursor in this technology which is reputedly difficult to master and develop.

It all began in 1960, with the creation of an R & D department dedicated to screens using a revolutionary process: Plasma. Almost a half a century later, and with some 10 years technological lead over their competitors, the company could well have rested on its laurels, limiting costs of research and development.

And yet... Fujitsu is launching into the new millennium with a more than complete video range, including 42 inch plasma monitors for professional use (the PDS-4221) and domestic use (the PDS-4222 ALIS) – as well as two large tri-LCD video projectors, that we’ll be talking to you about in the near future.

Here, we’re taking a closer look at the PDS-4222 ALIS, a panel developed for the broader public, comforting the manufacturer in its position as “grand master”, in the face of competition which, over time, is becoming increasingly virulent.

Fujitsu are thus proposing a real little gem: luxurious and with excellent performance levels, benefiting from an ideal harmony, as much in its more than exemplary silvery finish as in its reduced bulk - 8,5 cm deep, for almost symbolic dimensions and weight (1035 (L) x 640 (H) mm and 31.5 kg).


High Definition

Here, there’s no compromise from Fujitsu, who have not hesitated to include the latest that technology has to offer in the shape of a fifth generation plasma panel, using a new video processing technique called AliS (Alternate Lighting of Surface). This new process results from a total rearrangement of the display electrodes allowing for the doubling of the number of electrical discharges in the structure, which thus means more ultraviolets hitting the Red, Green and Blue phosphorous. The effect is prodigious, because, according to the manufacturer, the performance levels of the panel have been improved by almost 80% (more contrast, luminescence and, above all, less video noise).

The video specifics that have been announced are also incredible… Firstly, the PDS-4222 includes a panel whose 1024 x 1024 pixels maximum resolution will leave more than a few competitors pale. This resolution means the screen is compatible with HDTV and SDTV formats, as much for so-called “domestic” video signals as for those emanating from a PC. Following this, the video stage admits a contrast ratio of 400:1 - obtained here without interpolation – as well as the management of 16,777 million colours (256 RGB tints). In brief, a pleasure for the eyes to behold, not to mention that the addition of luminosity, contrast and definition levels allow for a much wider viewing angle (160 degrees Horizontal/Vertical) than that of the competitors.

The PDS-4222 is also able to handle most display formats, with the panel being compatible in 4/3 centred and Wide Screen (16:9) full screen. A zoom allows the user to choose between four image sizes – 14:9, 16:9 truncated, etc. In addition, an “Auto” mode adjusts the image automatically, depending upon the video input used (uniquely in Video or S-Video).

As is (unfortunately) the custom at Fujitsu, who limit themselves to the design of monitors, no TV tuner is integrated into the unit: you will thus have to content yourself to attaching it to a video-player (sacrilege!) or a digital demodulator such as those provided by digital satellite or cable “bouquet” providers such as TPS or Canal Satellite.


Interfacing

Above all a monitor, the PDS-4222 is equipped with ultra complete interfacing, in particular for Home Cinema use:

- 1 composite video input
- 1 S-Video Input
- 1 Component Input (3 BNC)
- 2 Audio Outputs,

Moreover, a section has been dedicated to the transfer of computer generated signals such as VGA, SVGA and XGA, thanks to a D-sub 15 RGB computer input.


Other than its video characteristics, its should be underlined that the PDS-4222 disposes of two integrated loudspeakers. These should however only be considered as “back-up” speakers, as they only develop one watt per channel. You should thus either opt for a full sound system, or for the optional additional speakers at a cost of around 625 Euros each.

Considered by the professionals as the best performing 106 cm unit on the market, the PDS-4222 is “logically” the most expensive, with its recommended retail price being in the area of 16,390 Euros. It is currently available everywhere.