Plasma TV – A Mini History Lesson
Would you believe that the plasma TV came about as a direct result of scientists needing a better computer monitor? It is true. The LCD and plasma television are a direct byproduct of computers. Mankind can attribute so many technological marvels to the computer’s development. It should be no surprise that our viewing enjoyment is a consequence of the scientific community needing to forge ahead and blaze new trails.
It all began in 1964 at the University of Illinois. At this time, computer monitors were simple televisions. You have to realize that the televisions at this time were cathode ray tubes. They had to continuously refresh themselves in order to display correctly. That was a big problem when using a television as a computer monitor. Sure it was okay for watching tv shows, but the resolution for computers was terrible. By the end of the year the first plasma monitor was in operation.
Today’s plasma TVs have millions of cells that comprise the color and resolution of the screen. That initial plasma monitor was only one cell. However, it was still a step in the right direction. There was a set back, though. Liquid crystal displays became the more acceptable method and plasma technology was put on hold. Fast forward a few years and flat screen television sets became widely popular.
The one constant in life is that life moves ahead. Technology and knowledge continuously grow. New ideas are developed and make their way into our everyday lives. The plasma TV is no different. When it debuted it was very expensive. As new technology was developed and more manufacturers began mass producing the televisions, the prices began to fall. The people who once could not afford the TV can now have as many as they want in their homes for their viewing pleasure.
Thank you scientists at the University of Illinois for bringing men and women everywhere the ability to watch games on a plasma TV. Where would technology be if necessity had not demanded you devise a new computer monitor? We would probably still be watching our big screen television sets and never knowing that a clearer picture was possible at a decent price.
