At Michaels Audio & Video, we have spent years researching the best plasma technology for this particular area. We are the area's foremost experts on high altitude displays.
Our two most popular plasma's are:
Call us at 970-726-8763 for current prices, or stop in and see the beauty of our high altitude plasmas.
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Do I Need A Special High-Altitude TV?
If you live in the Fraser, Colorado, area, and your choice is Plasma Display Panel (PDP) television, the answer to the above question is yes, you will need the high-altitude technology.
Liquid crystal (LCD) and digital light projector (DLP) displays are immune to altitudinal quirks. But not plasma. This is because the display elements of plasma units—which contain rare natural gases like xenon, neon, and argon—are normally calibrated for the atmospheric pressure at or near sea level. If you run PDP at higher altitude, the unit draws power in its attempt to equalize the atmospheric pressure with the pressure inside the display elements. The result is often a constant, annoying buzz and occasional picture fluctuation.
To overcome this problem, some plasma screen manufacturers have created models that are specially manufactured to run at higher altitudes.
What About PDP TV in Other Areas?
At 5295 feet, Denver lies at the cusp of what most manufacturers list as the maximum altitude at which their PDPs (Plasma Display Panels) function "normally," i.e., quietly, for about 30,000 hours. If you live in Santa Fe, New Mexico, or somewhere else that's at or above 7000 feet, be warned that not all plasma monitors will work well in your area. You should definitely check out the "environmental" or "operational" conditions cited in most television user manuals.
Some manufacturers, like Sony and NEC, have come out with special "high-altitude" editions of their best-selling plasma displays. These sets are slightly more expensive than their sea-leveled counterparts, but the extra expense is definitely worth it if you want PDP.
However, also note that atmospheric pressure seems to differ geographically. We have anecdotal evidence of this bizarre-but-true claim in the form of telephone conversions we've had with plasma TV owners nationwide. The same models seem to be affected differently by altitude depending upon location. For example, a man in one geographical location reported considerable noise coming from his TV at 5500 feet, but someone with the same model TV in a different location reported hers working just fine at 6500 feet! Obviously, air pressure is influenced by variables other than just altitude.
If you live above, say, 6000 feet, your best bet is to go to a local audiovideo store and do some investigating of your own. Figure out first hand just how well plasma TVs operate in their showroom. Listen closely to the display units for any telltale buzzing. And remember to ask questions.
As mentioned above, you can put an LCD or DLP TV into your mountain home without concern, as these two technologies are immune to altitudinal quirks. |
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Call 970-726-8763 or stop by the store to talk with an expert.
We'll help you choose the perfect PDP television for your needs.
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