Plasma

Test Procedure

This test was performed using small area white patterns (square for horizontal readings, and a 2% circle for vertical readings) and a light meter that collimates light rays in a similar manner to the human eye. It measured brightness fall-off as a viewer approaches an acute horizontal or vertical viewing angle for each plasma TV. For H-axis and V-axis readings, a special rig using speaker stands, L-brackets, and a metal ruler with holes in each end was used to ensure a constant distance throughout the measurement arc from the light meter to the small white pattern on the center of each screen.

Results and Conclusions

On average, the light readings taken at the widest horizontal angles (22.5 and 157.5 degrees) were no lower than 1/2 the intensity (50%, or 1 f-stop dimmer) of the values measured on-center (90 degrees). In the vertical axis, the light readings averaged 51% of the oncenter values. At no point in this test did the readings show evidence of degradation of black levels (i.e., higher levels of black).

From the test results, it is safe to say that plasma TVs provide images of consistent brightness and contrast over a total viewing angle of 157.5 degrees in the H-axis and V-axis. It would not be advisable to try and watch any television program beyond these angles; the images would be severely compressed horizontally or vertically.

Consumer Perspective

Plasma TVs provide the widest viewing angles of any flat-panel or rear-projection TV technology; performance on a par with CRT HDTVs. Sit high, low, or off to the side, and image brightness and contrast are quite consistent. There are no “bad seats” when watching a plasma TV.