Plasma TVs at high altitudes

First, do you even know your altitude? You may or may not be surprised at the altitude of your area. Many cities or towns have websites that will give you information about the altitude of your area. These websites contain lots of other interesting information, as well. If you live at an altitude at 5,500 feet above sea level or higher, you may have issues with your Plasma TV. At a height of over 6,500 feet about sea level, you need to assume you will have altitude problems with Plasma TV.

There is very little difference in visible picture quality. The chief high altitude symptom you'll detect will involve your Plasma televisions' operational noise levels. Because of the increased pressure on the gases contained in its glass substrate, the unit must work harder to cool this display element. So, if your Plasma TV set has fans, the fans will be significantly louder because they're running harder. If your Plasma TV utilizes a convection cooling system (one without fans), then you'll notice something akin to a buzzing sound emanating from its rear panel. Another thing to consider with respect to altitude and Plasma TV is longevity: Since PDPs work harder at higher elevations, they will not last as long up high as they do down low.

Plasma televisions use 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.

The best way to see how your television will perform is to go to a showroom & see for yourself. If you are in place with high altitude, you will be able to get a relatively good idea of how it will perform in your home by measuring its performance on the sales floor.