Plasma displays are emissive (self illuminating) displays and do not require a backlight. Each pixel contains three sub-pixels (or cells) of microscopic, gas filled, fluorescent lamps in the primary colors red, green and blue (RGB). Variation of the intensity of these sub-pixels reproduces a wide palette of colors. The fluorescent lamps require a scintillator (phosphor) coating to convert their invisible UV radiation into visible light.

Plasma Display Strengths

Wider, more vibrant color range equates to more realistic pictures. Plasma displays do not create the RGB sub-pixels by filtering the backlight as with an LCD displays and have a wider range of color reproduction from the scintillator materials available.

Very wide viewing angles ensuring that the dimming, contrast loss and color shift at larger angles from the display centreline occur are minimized.
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Samsung’s Series 6 (includes 58 inch PN58B650 and 50 inch PN50B650) plasma HDTVs feature increased energy efficiency (40 percent over previous model) and media center features. The natural strengths of plasma televisions shine through with an enormously high contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1 supporting picture quality and a response time which is to order of a 1,000 times faster than LCD HDTVs (0.001ms) delivering fast moving on-screen action without blurring. They can be identified by their rose black Touch of Color (ToC) bezel with curved transparent edges.

The specification for the 2009 Series 6 Samsung plasma HDTVs matches the Samsung Series 8 plasma HDTV recently reviewed in detail with the following exceptions:

• No Crystal Full HD Engine
• 10W vs 15W speakers
• No Built in Woofer like 850
• Dimensions are larger – not the same slim cabinet

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Pixtronix has finished development of its new MEMS based PerfectLight DMS (Digital Micro Shutter) display technology. The display, demonstrated at this months SID Display Week 2009, delivers exactly what both consumers and manufacturers are looking for; significant energy savings (75 percent) without compromising video quality.

Pixtronix was established in 2005 and is led by experts in the fields of displays, optics and MEMS (Micro-electromechanical systems). Having completed development of a PerfectLight DMS display prototype, the company is now searching for manufacturing partners. While initially targeting smaller display sizes for portable multimedia devices, Pixtronix can scale the display sizes to suit large screen products such as HDTVs.
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Samsung’s Series 8 Full HD (1080p) plasma HDTVs for 2009 feature increased energy efficiency, ultra-slim depth and media center features. Natural strengths of plasma televisions shine through with an enormously high contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1 and a response time which is to order of a 1,000 times faster than LCD HDTVs (0.001ms) for fast moving on-screen action without blurring. It must be noted that these models are pleasing to the eye with their slim profile and their chrome-like, translucent accents to the bezel.

The series 8 Samsung plasma range consists of the 58 inch PN58B860 and PN58B850 and the 50 inch PN50B860 and PN50B850. The difference between the B860 and B850 models is about $100 in RRP and the inclusion of the Crystal Full HD Engine and Cinema Smooth with the B860 models. For the small difference PTek suspects that most customers will opt for the B860 models.
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Sony’s Z series (Z5100) models are (along with the XBR9) the first networked BRAVIA LCD HDTV models with “widget” Internet applications for delivering real-time information to your screen as well as video streaming capability using the integrated BRAVIA Internet Video Link. The Z5100 models include the 52-inch KDL-52Z5100, 46-inch KDL-46Z5100, and the 40-inch KDL-40Z5100.

Notable features of the Sony Series Z (Z5100) include:

• Motionflow 240Hz technology. For near elimination of any motion blur during fast onscreen action.
• The BRAVIA Engine 3 – the latest update
• Energy Star 3 certification for impressive power savings.
• 24p True Cinema for watching films at the 24fps for smoother video
• XrossMediaBar (XMB) with enhanced 3D favorites Menu
• Internet powered TV Guide Onscreen
• BRAVIA Sync for controlling the television and CEC supporting external AV equipment connected by HDMI
• BRAVIA Link Compatible
• 4 HDMI inputs
• Single PC, component, composite and S-video inputs

The Sony Z5100 models share an identical specification to Sony XBR9 reviewed in detail by PresentationTek except for the differences listed below.
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Sharp’s Memory LCD, displayed at the Society for Information Display’s (SID’s) Display Week 2009 conference in San Antonio, TX sets a new benchmark in ultra low-power graphic display technology. This is the kind of display technology applicable to electronic readers such as the Kindle or Sony Reader. However, the display also holds other technology leaps which make it a candidate for any future mobile display applications.

The Memory LCD on displayed at SID will soon be joined by other product line entrants featuring additional sizes, color displays, and custom shapes (including octagonal and round). The panels are have been targeted by Sharp for applications including mobile phones, watches, remote controls, and other mobile electronics.

Key technology advances of importance to application developers include:
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Samsung Series 4 (B460) HD (1366 x 768 pixels) resolution LCD HDTVs provide an impressive high definition picture which in certain viewing conditions appears as equally detailed as Full HD (1080p) . The B460 models have a solid performance specification including a 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio - the foundation for picture quality. The comparatively fast 6ms response time works to remove any blurring and smooth motion of fast moving on-screen action as found in sports and action movies. Connectivity options include three HDMI 1.3 ports.

There are three B460 models; the 32 inch LN32B460, 26 inch LN26B460 and the 22 inch LN22B460. They can be distinguished quite easily from other Samsung LCD HDTV models as they have a black bezel surrounding the display apart from the bottom and neck which are transparent for an appealing modern look.
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Sony’s XBR9 series of Full HD (1080p or 1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution LCD HDTVs includes the 52 inch KDL-52XBR9, 46 inch KDL-46XBR9, 40-inch KDL-40XBR9 and 32 inch KDL-32XBR9. The series follows on from the Sony XBR8 and for once the prices are actually lower.

There are some significant differences between the series contributing to the lower prices with the most prominent one most likely being the WCG-CCFL (Wide Color Gamut - Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) backlight for the XBR9 compared to the LED backlighting as with the XBR8. Running costs for the XBR are significantly lower for the XBR8 models with, for example, a 46 inch XBR8 drawing 240W compared to 350W for the same size XBR9 which is truly surprising given the low power draw of LED lighting. Achievement of the lower power requirements can be attributed to the XBR9 models advanced power saving features including Dynamic Backlight Control. It’s no surprise that the XBR9 is certified to Energy Star 3.0.
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Elmo’s P30S is a new addition to its popular P30 line of document cameras. New features added to popular attributes of P30 models include greater image power and clarity through full-motion video of 30fps (frames per second), XGA/SXGA/720P HD selectable output, and 16x optical zoom.

Notable features of interest to educators include:

• advanced progressive scan camera system with 1.35-megapixel CMOS image sensor (XGA, SXGA and 720P HD (16:9) resolutions)
• 16x optical zoom (up to 64x with auto focus)
• free-angle camera arm and lamp for flexible, custom positioning and lighting
• lightweight, compact and attractive design for easy portability
• user-friendly interface for presenters
• built-in LCD monitor (3.5 inch) for presenters to view the document cameras imaging while facing the audience.
• output accommodates both PC and analog sources
• images can be presented live or saved to a PC for future use
• bundled software programs with presentation aids, annotation tools and split screen options for comparison purposes.
• SD memory card-ready port for convenient data transfer
• USB 2.0 PC interface
• slideshow adapter to display conventional slides

ELMO have considerable experience with producing document cameras and the P30S and any of their products are worthy of serious consideration by educators and presenters.

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

Elmo P30S Digital Visual Presenter - Document camera - color - optical zoom: 16 x - USB

SECURITY PLATE, ELMO P30S

CASE, HARD FOR ELMO P10S and P30S

BASE LIGHT BOX FOR P10S, P30S, EV-2000AF