HDTV (High Definition Television) is an emerging high resolution standard for television and DVD formats. There are 2 resolutions which can be defined as high definition, 1280*720 progressive and 1920*1080 interlaced, both in 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio.

In order to be defined as high definition ready, a display device (projector, plasma, lcd etc.) must meet the following criteria:

i. The device must physically have a minimum of 720 lines in wide aspect ratio.
ii. The device must be able to accept 1280 x 720p and 1920 x 1080i at 50 and 60Hz
iii. The DVI or HDMI input must support content protection (HDCP)

It is on point ii. that many devices fail. Although many devices support a native resolution of 1280*720 or more, some cannot accept a 720p or 1080i signal at 50Hz and require that the frequency be increased to 60Hz, which usually involves using a scaler. You should bear this in mind before you purchase.

The other point to keep in mind when purchasing your display is the native resolution. For example, although an a wide aspect ratio plasma or lcd screen may have a resolution of at least 720 lines, it's horizontal resolution may be less than 1280 columns. So, if you have a resolution of 1024*768, the high definition source will need to be scaled up vertically to 768 lines and scaled down horizontally to 1024 columns, so information will be lost.

Eventually HDTV ready displays will display the follow logo,

PLASMA DISPLAYS

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 84 ", 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:

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. The AV Group 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.