LG demos plasma TV display with 30,000:1 contrast
updated 11:35 am EDT, Wed October 24, 2007
LG 30,000:1 Plasma TV
LG today said it was using the FPD International expo in Japan to demonstrate a plasma TV panel with a 30,000:1 contrast ratio, setting a new record for the visual quality of flat-panel sets. Called the G Platform, the new display would double the 15,000:1 ratio of today's better plasmas by actively creating blacks in an image. Most manufacturers today rely on black-tinted, clear panels that only generate black passively; the G Platform uses better plasma phosphors and dielectrics to actively remove color from the scene, LG says. The change still allows for other advanced display technologies, such as doubling the refresh rate to 100Hz (on PAL screens) or 120Hz (for ATSC in Japan and North America) to cut back on motion artifacts.
These improved plasmas should also reduce noise at the edges of objects in view and should also be particularly quiet despite the active circuity behind each set, LG claims, suiting them to home theaters where even background electronic noise can be heard during quiet movie scenes.
Most models have not been announced, though the company announced that the world's first-ever 32-inch plasma TV will use a variant of the technology alongside 42- and 50-inch sets, all of which will display video up to 720p. Two 1080p models at 50 and 60 inches will also make an appearance, LG says. G Platform screens should launch beginning before the end of the year, though the company did not say which of the sets would be available in the US.
