Guys, you may want to cover your eyes for this bit of information. The plasma TV was not developed by men wanting a better viewing experience for their favorite sports. There, the truth has been let out of the bag, so to speak. Walk into any electronics or television store and you will see LCD and plasma television screens, but the first plasma screen television was invented to be used as a computer monitor.

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.

Panasonic Plasma
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 tv’s has 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 Panasonic 42 plasma tv sets became widely popular.

Pioneer Plasma
Where would the world be without technology constantly pushing it forward? Sure a plasma TV did not put man on the moon or allow for cell cloning, but it was a huge development at the time and has greatly affected the economy. Three years ago a plasma television 42 inch wide was considered only for the rich and famous. Today, many consumers can now afford to own one of the Panasonic plasma tv technological marvels.

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? Time can only tell what new marvels scientists will come up with next in their quest for the bigger, better and more colorful boob tube.

I found this funny so I’m passing it along (true story).

My neighbors and us go out every Wednesday for diner. Over diner our neighbors brought up the fact that they just ordered their first HDTV. I told them that was great and that you’re going to love it. I then asked them what size they bought. Beaming he said, we bought the biggest one they had on display, a 52 inch Sony. I’m just thankful that I didn’t have any fluids in my mouth at the time because everyone would have been sprayed. You see, the distance from their living room wall, where they plan to place the TV, and the seating area is at best, 6 feet away. Using the 3 - 5 rule (see earlier post on the 3 - 5 sizes rule) the biggest size should be a 30 inch HDTV.

I said to both of them, remember when you were kids and you went to the movie house and you sat in the first row or two? You laid your head back and looked straight up at the screen and you moved your head from side to side to see everything on the screen. I said, with the size you just ordered, that’s how your going to view your new HDTV.

My son said this was lame but I’ll tell you anyway. My neighbors don’t watch much TV but they are both very big into football and that’s why they wanted a HDTV, so they could enjoy watching football games. I told them that before they turned on the game to make sure they had their helmets on because they’re going to feel like they’re right on the field with the players.

Happy Ending:
Don’t you just love it when there is a happy ending! My neighbors cancel their order for the 52 inch HDTV and plan to reorder a more appropriate size.