plasmapanels

Plasma panels, also known as plasma displays, are a type of flat panel display technology that was once widely used for televisions and other large screens. They operate by exciting small cells containing ionized gas, or plasma, which then emit ultraviolet light. This UV light strikes a phosphorescent coating within each cell, causing it to glow and produce visible light. The color of the light is determined by the specific phosphors used, similar to how a cathode ray tube (CRT) television works.

Plasma displays are known for their ability to produce deep blacks and vibrant colors, as well as wide viewing angles. They also generally have faster response times compared to early LCD technologies, which made them suitable for displaying fast-moving content like sports and action movies. However, plasma panels also had some drawbacks. They were typically heavier and consumed more power than competing technologies, and older models were susceptible to screen burn-in, where static images displayed for extended periods could leave a permanent mark on the screen.

The manufacturing process for plasma panels was complex and expensive, contributing to their higher retail prices. Over time, advancements in LCD technology, particularly with the introduction of LED backlighting, led to improvements in contrast, color, and energy efficiency. These advancements, coupled with the inherent cost and power consumption challenges of plasma, led to a gradual decline in its market share. By the mid-2010s, most major manufacturers had ceased production of plasma televisions, and the technology has largely been supplanted by LCD, OLED, and other newer display types.