What are the disadvantages of plasma television ???

Question

What are the disadvantages of plasma television ???

Answer 1

Of course, not all technologies are perfect, and Plasma TVs do have some disadvantages compared to other TV technologies. Take a look below, but in the end, like us, you will probably agree that Plasma TV advantages outweigh these concerns:

-Potential Burn-In: Because of the phosphor technology in Plasma TVs (see How Plasma TVs Work), it is possible for traces of an image to be 'burned-in' to the display. This is generally only a concern in commercial uses, where images are displayed for long-periods of time. Those that watch stations that offer news tickers may also need to be careful. Burn-in can generally be avoided by making sure that you do not keep a constant image on the screen for extended periods (sometimes as little as 20 minutes), either by turning the television off, or changing the channel.

-Lower Brightness: Although still considerably brighter than rear-projection TVs, direct view and LCD TVs often are able to provide a brighter picture. This is generally only readily noticeable if watching in a very brightly lit room. Latest generation Plasma TVs have improved on the brightness issue considerably, and our only real warning would be to those that plan to do the majority of their viewing in a room exposed to afternoon sun.

-Not the Lightest or Slimmest: Although Plasma TVs are MUCH lighter and thinner compared to direct view and rear projection TVs, a lighter, slimmer technology does exist: LCD TVs. LCD TVs use the same technology as used in most laptop computers. However, it should be noted that LCD TVs are not generally available in the same sizes as Plasma TVs, and in those rare cases that they are, they generally cost considerably more.

-Price: Yes, this is a disadvantage and an advantage. Although Plasma TVs are considerably cheaper than comparably-sized LCD or LCoS TVs, they do cost more than direct view and rear-projection TVs. Of course, it must be mentioned that direct view HDTVs do not exist in the sizes that Plasma TV offers (namely 42-inch and 50-inch models).

-Shorter Life: Compared to other television technologies, Plasma TVs do generally have a shorter life span, and there is no option to repair a burnt out tube or backlight. Most Plasma TVs have a life span of 20,000-30,000 hours based on manufacturer's estimates. This life span is commonly referred to as the Plasma TV half-life, as it is the number of hours over which the Plasma TV will loose approximately half of it's brightness.

Of course, we should note that a Plasma TV with a 20,000 hour life would allow you to watch 4 hours of TV per day for approximately 13.7 years. Even at 8 hours per day, your Plasma TV should provide you with nearly 7 years of enjoyment. So, for most of us, this should not be an issue, and a Plasma TV is a worthy investment.

-Fragility: Plasma TVs are a very fragile technology, and the units are quite easy to damage. Extreme care must be used when moving them, as even laying the Plasma display on it's side can have adverse effects, possibly damaging the unit irreparably.

Answer 2

The plasma could leak out and burn a hole in your house and all the way to the center of the earth.  

What, oh, it's not that kind of plasma set, nevermind.

Answer 3

The price, some burn - in, some rainbows, some viewing angles, some brands, some people can't use them. The usual

Answer 4

All of your friends (who own LCD TVs) will be over at your house watching your new plasma TV all of the time! Your life will never be the same.

Additional drawbacks to owning a plasma TV:

-The colors are just too real & vivid.

-The blacks are too real.

-There's too much contrast/I can see too much detail esp. dark scenes on my new 2008 Panasonic plasma TV (I like the duller images of a LCD TV; besides, there might be scary things in those dark images I don't want to see)

-Color accuracay doesn't change with age (I like to hire a TV tech to recalibrate the color on my LCD TV as it ages because TV techs have very interesting stories)

-Motion is too fast & clear (I like my motion blury & jittery; seeing clearly grass texture, the fans and Devon Hester as he runs back another touch-down at Soldier Field against my team is way over rated; I don't want to see that!)

-Cost too little (I like paying twice as much for the same level of quality)

-Plasma TVs last too long (100,000 hours for the new Panasonic plasma TVs; we all need to accept & embrace change in our lives).

-Too simple (I like complex compensation circuity like 120 Hz that does not work or creates quirky screen artifacts; it gives me something to talk about. Can you say Trible Ball Effect (TBE)?)

-Slight potential for screen burn-in (I like LCD image retention so much better)

-Durable screens (I like soft plastic LCD screens that scratch easily and damage due to mild impacts)

-180 degree viewing angles (I like my LCD screens to wash-out color or lose brightness as I move off of center; it lets me know that, well ... I'm centered)

-My new Panasonic 42" plasma TV does not produce enough heat to keep me warm in winter. In fact, all of the new Panasonic plasma TVs use less energy than last year's models and carry the Energy Star. Who needs that?

-Plasma pixels don't die with age/use (I like to see random LCD pixels die on my TV screen as they age; it adds a level of risk and excitment to my life that I can't get with a plasma TV. In fact, the unique pattern of dead pixels appearing on my PC monitor let me uniquely identify my monitor from anybody elses monitor. This can aid in the identification of my TV in the advent that it is stolen. How can you do that with plasma?!

Answer 5

there are no disadvantages...

Answer 6

my dad is a technician and trust me,he knows what he's talking about!he sasy they break easily. coloured bars randomly show up on the tv. lots of things happen to flatscreens and they are generaly bad quality when it comes to lasting. but they look nice and the picture is amazing!