Plasma TV: Input Capability & Magnetic Field Immunity

Input Capability

Standard video signals that come via the inputs of composite and s-video as also video terminals with high quality component are accepted by almost all plasma monitors. Selection of right screen depends on the user’s consideration for other inputs. Digital inputs like HDMI or DVI are included in the modern plasma televisions. These digital inputs can accept HDTV signals in digital formats from devices like cable box, satellite and even DVD players. A plasma TV can also double as a PC monitor. This is possible when the plasmas include inputs such as VGA or DVI PC. There are plasma models that are fitted with input boards that can be interchanged. They allow exact configuration of plasma display tailor made for specific needs. Such plasma displays are mostly used in commercial or business broadcasting installations.

Satellite/Digital Cable

When using a satellite or digital cable, the external box supplied by the provider is used. However to feed the plasma TV, the external box must have a minimum s-video connection. Boxes with only a composite connection cannot provide good quality picture. For local cable viewing where digital is not available, the standard cable box does not work and some form of tuner is required.

Immunity From Magnetic Field

A TV under CRT technology stands the risk of distortion of picture if placed very closed to such components as a loudspeaker containing strong magnet. This does not happen in case of a plasma TV which is immune from magnetic field because here unlike the conventional CRT display, electron beams prone to be affected by magnetic field are not used. Therefore a plasma TV can be located close to a loudspeaker of any type without causing image distortion. Even when transiting from one hemisphere to another, plasma displays can be used because of their immunity to the magnetic fields of the earth. That is why ships on voyage are using plasma technology.