What are the qualities that would tend to tip the balance in favour of Plasma screens, and, in a second phase, what are the criteria for selection between one model and another?
Why a Plasma screen?
If one listens to the analyses and different points of view of the main manufacturers, plasma has multiple openings onto the market.
Today, the principle interest of Plasma remains its potential for utilisation in various situations: exhibitions, showrooms, shops, etc… and for a large number of applications, whether they be timetable display, advertising, meeting animations, demonstrations, games, etc.
In addition, as was the case for LCD screens, Plasma screens are insensitive to electric and electromagnetic fields.
Choosing between different models.
- Size
Measuring the size diagonally (21', then 40', 50' and now 60’), the plasma screen allows the user to meet a variety of needs.
The big plasma screens, apart from their “classic” utilisation (see below), are used generally for Home Cinema, and are a direct competitor for vidéo-projecteurs in this particular segment of the market.
- The Digital Boom
The new plasma screens are able to display both graphic information and video sources, whatever their source may be: PC, Macintosh, Cable TV, satellite signal, Internet, local networks, CD-ROM, video cassettes, DVD, Laser discs, etc...
The wise buyer should look into these capabilities in whatever model he or she is considering, depending upon their immediate or future needs.
- Resolution
One should ensure that the plasma screen is able to display not only “native resolution” 852 x 480, but also (via a converter) a computer image of 1024 x 768.
- Size DOES Count
You have to come to a compromise between bulk (these days you can find plasma screens that are less than 10 cm thick) and the need for ventilation, which remains one of the touchiest points of this new technology.
- Weight
Depending upon utilisation, weight can play an important role.
Plasma screens these days weigh between 30 and 40 Kg.
- Luminosity
Here again, one has to remain cautious, because while the search for the best luminosity appears to be legitimate, the downside can be that of material with a shorter life span (keep a close eye on the guarantee...)
>Conclusion
As for all display products, the choice of a flat screen comes down to a set of pertinent theoretical criteria that should always be added to by visual observation.
One has, nevertheless, to be objective. For example, when testing the screen, ask the demonstrator to cut the sound for a while. It’s a fact that great sound quality will enhance your impression of the screen’s image!
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This article is an extract from the Guide Cleverdis France, whose cover and summary can be found in our press review.
A word from the CineNow! editorial staff
Price: this element, judging by those who wish to, and are able to orient themselves towards this kind of technology, is still much too high in comparison to what one can obtain for the same price from other machines destined to the same public.
It is true however that for some time, prices have been tending to drop. A plasma screen that would have cost more than 15,200 Euros less than 2 years ago will now sell for around 10,500 Euros, and this trend is accelerating.