Plasma TVs at high altitudes
An interesting factor to consider when planning your purchase of
a new plasma television is altitude. Plasma TVs use millions of
tiny, gas-filled chambers to create a picture. When you move to
higher altitudes, the constant pressure in the chambers and the
now lower ambient air pressure create a buzzing sound
reminiscent of a halogen beer sign. This buzz is a combined
result of the increased power consumption necessary to overcome
the pressure differential, and the increase in fan use because
the high power consumption heats the unit. This change in noise
is really the only difference between operating a plasma
television at sea level and one operating at extreme (above
6,000 ft) altitudes.
This noise increase provides a hint as to the more serious
reason to avoid using a plasma television: lifespan. The life of
a plasma screen is dependent on how hard it works through the
course of its life. Operating these televisions at altitudes
above what they were designed for puts an excess strain on their
various components. Using a plasma TV above 6,000 ft. is more
likely to annoy you with additional noise than anything else,
but it's a bad choice in the long run.
This pressure change is why airplanes chose to use LCD screens
over plasma screens on flights that offer video entertainment.
LCDs use crystals instead of gas filled chambers, and are thus
indifferent to altitude changes. That said, there are
manufacturers who have designed plasma televisions for use at
altitudes up to 9,000 ft. You'll pay for this upgraded design,
so you must decide if the price difference is worth it. So,
check the elevation information for your city to determine if
this should concern you, because it's not always obvious. Denver
is just under the 6,000 ft. window for operating a regular
plasma screen. You may see a slight difference in the lifespan
of the unit here when compared to an identical television
located closer to sea level, but this is likely to be very
small. If you're not sure what your local elevation is, or if
you're close, but still below the 6,000 ft. recommended ceiling,
do some firsthand research. Go to an electronics store and test
out the various plasma TVs on display. Listen closely for a
buzzing or humming. You may find that your local air pressure is
low enough to affect the performance of a plasma unit.
So you've done your research and planning, and you're ready to
buy your plasma television? Now make sure you check your local
conditions and, if necessary, invest in a high altitude plasma
unit.