How Altitude Affects Plasma TVs

One of the most common concerns a plasma television owner has is how to avoid burn in. Burn in occurs when a static picture displayed on your plasma TV ends up embedding itself into the display; this creates a duplicate ghost-like image, even when you are watching something else, such as a movie or television show. This essentially ruins your plasma TV and forces you to invest in another one.

However, another concern of plasma television owners that is often overlooked is how the altitude of their particular area may affect how it works. Most people are aware that altitude can affect how you use your stove and oven in particular. You have to adjust cookings times and temperatures depending on your altitude. Nobody every thinks twice about buying a plasma television when they live in the Rockies or other higher altitude area, even though it should definitely be a concern.

Plasma televisions user natural gases, such as Xenon, Argon and Neon, to display pictures. These gases are compressed into tiny glass fixtures in the display and are ignited when you turn on your television. When you reside at about sea level, the pressure inside and outside these fixtures are generally the same. When you begin to go above sea level, the pressure outside changes while the pressure inside stays fixed. Imagine being in a submarine that can control the pressure on the inside, its construction allows it to dive to the depths of the ocean. Most plasma televisions are not made that way, they are meant to be used in places where the pressure is relatively the same inside and outside those fixtures.

Thinner air at higher altitudes causes the pressure to flucutate outside the fixtures inside the plasma display. Once that occurs, the pressure inside the fixtures changes to match the pressure on the outside to equalize again. This causes the gases to create a buzzing sound, the display needs more power to maintan some sort of balance and continue performing at the same level it is meant to perform at. It also increases the need for cooling inside and can overlock the fan keeping things at a level temperature inside the plasma television.

Generally, you can not tell picture-wise that a plasma display is being affected by its altitude. The noise level is what will tip you off that you might have a problem. Pay particular attention to whether or not you hear a buzzing sound when the TV is in use, also pay attention to whether or not you can hear the internal fan spinning faster than normal. These are signs that you may have your television at an altitude it cannot handle performace-wise. If you notice any other noises coming from the back panel of your plasma telvision, this can also indicate a problem due to altitude. Buzzing, rumbling or even clicking can indicate problems induced by altitude as well as something else throwing off its pressure.

If your plasma television is new, you may notice a dull in colors, if this occurs within the first two to three months, your TV may also be experiencing problems. Since the television has to work harder at maintaining an equal pressure inside between the fixtures and the outside world, it means its lifetime usage is being eaten up quicker than normal. If at any time you think the altitude might be affecting your television, call a professional and have them take a look. It is better to diagnose the problem early before it is too late to do anything to try and save what is left of your plasma TV. Plasma TVs have a shelf life, and you can check on your particular model in its manual or through the manufacturer, if you notice problems occuring earlier than anticipated, get it checked out. It is better to be safe than sorry. Taking the time to do just that might save you a headache in the long run.

Most plasma television manufacturers will recommend that you use their TV below 6000 feet. Specific altitude-based televisions, made by Pioneer and Panasonic, allow for 7500 to 9100 feet. However, it is important to keep in mind those are special-made plasma telvision displays, and they are not available everywhere. If you are shopping for a TV that will be kept at that height, you should check out the specifications and make sure you are getting a plasma display that is made for that altitude. Otherwise, you may find yourself buying a new one well before you thought you would have to.

LCDs and DLP televisions are practical alternatives to owning a television at a higher altitude level. You do not want to buy a television that is not going to last. Being educated about how altitude will affect things in relation to buying a new television is the only way avoid this costly mistake. Nowadays, plasma televisions cost a lot of money, and you do not want to see your hard earned money go to waste by buying a television that does not last as long as it should. Ask questions, do your research and find the right plasma TV or television in general for your home at any altitude level.