New to the Plasma forum and wondering what all the 'lingo' is that everyone keeps referring to? This may help ...
Common Plasma Glossary of Terms
break-in / break in period / panel Aging
Common convention is that after ~100 to 200 hours of displaying alternating full white to full dark the plasma discharges have become 'stable' and the plasma can have "final" display settings calibrated. Tweaking the display settings before this time will result in (potential) settings that will need to be re-adjusted to get the best picture quality. Break-in will help with image rentention.
(Thanks Pioneer http://www.avical.com/articles/avica...in-report.html)
Discussion:
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=949107 Master Burn-In/IR/Break In Thread Part II: All Posts Here Only
See also: IR, MLL, PQ
burn in
Long term image rentention, even after the plasma has been turned off, cooled, and turned back on. Do. Not. Want.
Early plasmas in the 2000's suffered from this. It is mostly a non-issue now a days but it doesn't hurt to be cautious.
See also: IR
buzzing - (Thanks Panasonic) http://www.highdefforum.com/134709-post4.html
(Thanks greenland) http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...8#post18335568 The Official LG xxPK550 Owner's Discussion Thread (no price talk)
Calibration
Tweaking the input color channels to give a "better image." The final results are limited to the quality of the meter, optional software such as CalMAN or ControlCAL, and the skill/experience of the calibrator.
Examples: (i.e. Descriptions of calibration)
* Chad B - LG 50PK550 plasma http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...8#post18358288)
* Cleveland Plasma - Panasonic 50G25 calibration report https://clevelandplasma.com/store/20...g20__tc_pxxg25
Dithering
A processing effect where colors are inter-mixed to simulate a wider gamut then the device is physically able to generate natively.
Panasonic plasmas owners may be interested in (Thanks redwolf4k) http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...6#post19127876 tc-p50s2 crappy picture...
Discussion:
* no specific thread unfortunately -- search for your specific model you are interested in
Reference:
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dithering#Examples Examples of color dithering
DSE - Dirty Screen Effect
Lighter and darker streaks on the panel. Most visible when the camera pans vertically over a solid color background. If after using a microfiber cloth and distilled water to clean the outside of your plasma the streaks don't go away then you have DSE.
(Thanks mittene) http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...3#post15940293 How common is "dirty screen effect" for current Pioneer 9G Owners?
Example:
http://www.avforums.com/forums/attac...ap-picture.jpg exaggerated "artist's rendition" of DSE
Discussion:
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1113122 How common is "dirty screen effect" for current Pioneer 9G Owners?
FI - Frame Interpolation
See: Soap Opera Effect
floating blacks
While watching a movie the processing algorithm in the plasma will dynamically adjust the darkest levels making them lighter or darker resulting in flickering "grays." One solution is to adjust the brightness lower, or buy a professional model (Panasonic), or (worse cast) from a different manufacturer (Pioneer).
Discussion:
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...6#post18361266 hydrogin explaining levels 0-255
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...6#post18361266 hydrogin's technical explanation.
Holy Grail
The mythical über plasma that does everything perfect. Some bibles describe the Pioneer Kuro as being God's chosen. Some heretics would argue that the professional Panasonic bible should be used instead. You decide which religion is "right" ...
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=920011 Official Pioneer Kuro Pictures Thread.......
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=733641 TH50PHD7UY and TH50PH9UK - IamAnoobieCheez beautiful pics
* http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/...d.php?t=261309 The _classic_ "Steaming Rat"
input lag - The delay from when an input (video) signal is detected to when it has been decoded, processed, and displayed.
Discussion:
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1166196 The Official Plasma Input Lag Thread.
IR - Image Retention
The short term effect where "static" images displayed for long times tend to have a "ghost effect". Game Menus, HUDs, and Cable TV LOGOs tend to be the worst.
Discussion:
* Thanks borcth! http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...1#post18378421 The Official LG xxPK550 Owner's Discussion Thread [no price talk]
See also: burn in
ISF - Imaging Science Foundation
A type of display mode that has certain requirements for image quality. Compare and Contrast to THX mode.
Judder
(Thanks Nektarios) http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...8#post19389998 why don't plasmas have a higher refresh rate?
line bleed (Thanks Dayton!)
When a horizontal or vertical image results in ghosted line extending to a neighboring image due to power not being evenly distributed along the row or column. This is common when a scene consists of a lot of lines for example one containing window blinds, stairs, or the like.
Masking
Rich Harkness' ingenious method of adding black masking tape all around the plasma in order to bring out the color saturation of the plasma.
MCFI Motion Compensated Frame Interpolation
It is not needed on plasmas.
Discussion:
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...6#post19389986 why don't plasmas have a higher refresh rate?
MLL - Minimum Luminance Level
Also known as: black level, background luminance, idle luminance, pre-discharge
The lower the number, the darker the image can be. As plasmas age, they require more voltage which drives up the MLL. Luminance can be measured in either the footlambert (fL) for Imperial units , or in candela (cd/mq) for SI units. (Note: 1 fL = 3.426 cd/m^2)
Discussion:
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1167339 Panasonic ~ 0.008fL to ~ 0.023fL
See also:
* http://finiteblack.blogspot.com/ Taking pictures of your MLL.
References:
* http://www.crompton.com/wa3dsp/light/lumin.html - Brightness, Luminance, and Confusion
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot-lambert
Moving Picture Resolution
The cheaper plasma's do NOT have a native resolution of 1080, thus the scaler has to "fake" it when given a 1080 source by taking advantage of limitations of human perception to "effectively" display a higher resolution. The "tricks" to fake it are different when the image is static or dynamic, and thus the standards to measure what is the "perceived resolution" needs to be modified.
Discussion:
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...1#post14659401 Moving Picture Resolution ?
panny - Panasonic
What Panasonic plasma owners/fans affectionately call the Panasonic plasma models.
Phosphor Trailing
The "ghost" effect of a moving image.
pio - Pioneer
What Pioneer plasma owners/fans affectionately call the Pioneer plasma models.
PQ - Picture Quality
Overall quality of the image. Encompasses:
- colors (purity, saturated, muted, washed out, tinted, gamut)
- edges (sharp, crisp, fuzzy, graininess)
- black levels ("true black", grey, gamma)
- motion compensation (motion blur)
refresh rate
How many times the plasma can update/refresh the display. The most common setting is 600 Hz which is 10 subfields each refreshing at 60 Hz.
Notes:
* This is not to be confused with the movie playback of 24p as that is frame rate of the source input material where as refresh rate is the frame rate of the output display. The frame rate and refresh rate are uncoupled / independent of each other. e.g. 24p @ 48 Hz (may have flicker), 24p @ 60 Hz (default), 24p @ 72 Hz (new emerging standad), etc. Generally a higher refresh rate results in a more "stable" image.
* Also note that refresh rate is independent of input lag.
See also: input lag
Discussion:
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1285072 why don't plasmas have a higher refresh rate?
rising blacks - Forthcoming...
sammy - Samsung
What Samsung plasma owners/fans affectionately call the Samsung plasma models.
Service Menu
The (advanced) calibration options tucked away in the firmware. Requires a secret remote code to activate / enter.
Soap Opera Effect (Thanks Greg Black!)
Discussion:
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...1#post18414721
Videophile
The geek who takes PQ way too serious compared to your average Joe. Everyone has a hobby -- we just happen to like tweaking our displays to get the best picture possible. We're not obessive, just passionate (well most of us!) Just keep the "flaming" friendly between Plasma, LCD, LED, DLP, and Projectors. ;-)
Common Plasma Glossary of Terms
break-in / break in period / panel Aging
Common convention is that after ~100 to 200 hours of displaying alternating full white to full dark the plasma discharges have become 'stable' and the plasma can have "final" display settings calibrated. Tweaking the display settings before this time will result in (potential) settings that will need to be re-adjusted to get the best picture quality. Break-in will help with image rentention.
(Thanks Pioneer http://www.avical.com/articles/avica...in-report.html)
Quote:
There is no question that these displays need breaking-in. Out of the box, the default settings rendered a grayscale that was too warm as well as green. During the 213-hour break-in process, the display became warmer and more green - not dramatically so, but enough to warrant putting in some hours before making an appointment for calibration. Plus, it's never a bad idea to wait a few weeks to ensure that you don't have a lemon anyway.
There is no question that these displays need breaking-in. Out of the box, the default settings rendered a grayscale that was too warm as well as green. During the 213-hour break-in process, the display became warmer and more green - not dramatically so, but enough to warrant putting in some hours before making an appointment for calibration. Plus, it's never a bad idea to wait a few weeks to ensure that you don't have a lemon anyway.
Discussion:
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=949107 Master Burn-In/IR/Break In Thread Part II: All Posts Here Only
See also: IR, MLL, PQ
burn in
Long term image rentention, even after the plasma has been turned off, cooled, and turned back on. Do. Not. Want.
Early plasmas in the 2000's suffered from this. It is mostly a non-issue now a days but it doesn't hurt to be cautious.
See also: IR
buzzing - (Thanks Panasonic) http://www.highdefforum.com/134709-post4.html
Quote:
"The picture scanning drive circuits operate at high frequencies and powers.
It is these circuits that cause the buzzing sound. The circuits are used to
create both the picture and reuse energy to keep the unit efficiency high
and panel heat emission low. This over-heating control is very important on
the panels that do not use fans i.e 37” and 42” The resulting loss of fans
makes for a quieter panel operation."
"The picture scanning drive circuits operate at high frequencies and powers.
It is these circuits that cause the buzzing sound. The circuits are used to
create both the picture and reuse energy to keep the unit efficiency high
and panel heat emission low. This over-heating control is very important on
the panels that do not use fans i.e 37” and 42” The resulting loss of fans
makes for a quieter panel operation."
(Thanks greenland) http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...8#post18335568 The Official LG xxPK550 Owner's Discussion Thread (no price talk)
Quote:
"According to some people with expertise on the subject, including D-Nice, the move by Plasma makers to go to the bonded single sheet of glass design, is causing the normal buzz from plasma panels to be heard more. Apparently, the older design, with an additional sheet of glass in front, helped to contain some of the buzzing sound."
"According to some people with expertise on the subject, including D-Nice, the move by Plasma makers to go to the bonded single sheet of glass design, is causing the normal buzz from plasma panels to be heard more. Apparently, the older design, with an additional sheet of glass in front, helped to contain some of the buzzing sound."
Calibration
Tweaking the input color channels to give a "better image." The final results are limited to the quality of the meter, optional software such as CalMAN or ControlCAL, and the skill/experience of the calibrator.
Examples: (i.e. Descriptions of calibration)
* Chad B - LG 50PK550 plasma http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...8#post18358288)
* Cleveland Plasma - Panasonic 50G25 calibration report https://clevelandplasma.com/store/20...g20__tc_pxxg25
Dithering
A processing effect where colors are inter-mixed to simulate a wider gamut then the device is physically able to generate natively.
Panasonic plasmas owners may be interested in (Thanks redwolf4k) http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...6#post19127876 tc-p50s2 crappy picture...
Quote:
If you do not like cinema as mentioned in the original post, your probably going to want to use Custom over Standard mode, as standard mode uses heavy dithering, which will give a very grainy look. Custom mode however, has little to no visible dithering, like cinema mode, but is not soft like cinema mode.
If you do not like cinema as mentioned in the original post, your probably going to want to use Custom over Standard mode, as standard mode uses heavy dithering, which will give a very grainy look. Custom mode however, has little to no visible dithering, like cinema mode, but is not soft like cinema mode.
Discussion:
* no specific thread unfortunately -- search for your specific model you are interested in
Reference:
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dithering#Examples Examples of color dithering
DSE - Dirty Screen Effect
Lighter and darker streaks on the panel. Most visible when the camera pans vertically over a solid color background. If after using a microfiber cloth and distilled water to clean the outside of your plasma the streaks don't go away then you have DSE.
(Thanks mittene) http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...3#post15940293 How common is "dirty screen effect" for current Pioneer 9G Owners?
Quote:
I think it would be helpful to distinguish what "dirty screen effect" is. I've always thought that it referred to the faint grayish vertical streaks that can be seen when there's a panning shot across a relatively lighter-colored background (if the background is a solid color or at least almost uniform in color). The vertical streaks that appear are fairly uniform in width, and look fairly uniformly spaced from each other. And as I understand it, it has nothing to do with any other kind of screen uneveness, residue on the screen, or the purple blobs that some people can see on their screen when the TV is turned off or on and showing a black/blank screen while light hits it in a certain way.
I think it would be helpful to distinguish what "dirty screen effect" is. I've always thought that it referred to the faint grayish vertical streaks that can be seen when there's a panning shot across a relatively lighter-colored background (if the background is a solid color or at least almost uniform in color). The vertical streaks that appear are fairly uniform in width, and look fairly uniformly spaced from each other. And as I understand it, it has nothing to do with any other kind of screen uneveness, residue on the screen, or the purple blobs that some people can see on their screen when the TV is turned off or on and showing a black/blank screen while light hits it in a certain way.
Example:
http://www.avforums.com/forums/attac...ap-picture.jpg exaggerated "artist's rendition" of DSE
Discussion:
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1113122 How common is "dirty screen effect" for current Pioneer 9G Owners?
FI - Frame Interpolation
See: Soap Opera Effect
floating blacks
While watching a movie the processing algorithm in the plasma will dynamically adjust the darkest levels making them lighter or darker resulting in flickering "grays." One solution is to adjust the brightness lower, or buy a professional model (Panasonic), or (worse cast) from a different manufacturer (Pioneer).
Discussion:
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...6#post18361266 hydrogin explaining levels 0-255
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...6#post18361266 hydrogin's technical explanation.
Holy Grail
The mythical über plasma that does everything perfect. Some bibles describe the Pioneer Kuro as being God's chosen. Some heretics would argue that the professional Panasonic bible should be used instead. You decide which religion is "right" ...
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=920011 Official Pioneer Kuro Pictures Thread.......
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=733641 TH50PHD7UY and TH50PH9UK - IamAnoobieCheez beautiful pics
* http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/...d.php?t=261309 The _classic_ "Steaming Rat"
input lag - The delay from when an input (video) signal is detected to when it has been decoded, processed, and displayed.
Discussion:
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1166196 The Official Plasma Input Lag Thread.
IR - Image Retention
The short term effect where "static" images displayed for long times tend to have a "ghost effect". Game Menus, HUDs, and Cable TV LOGOs tend to be the worst.
Discussion:
* Thanks borcth! http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...1#post18378421 The Official LG xxPK550 Owner's Discussion Thread [no price talk]
See also: burn in
ISF - Imaging Science Foundation
A type of display mode that has certain requirements for image quality. Compare and Contrast to THX mode.
Judder
(Thanks Nektarios) http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...8#post19389998 why don't plasmas have a higher refresh rate?
Quote:
> In plasma 25/30fps material just seems jerky/sudden and creates more "double vision" by showing same frame 2 times a row without any buildin blurring
This "double vision" you are talking about, is called Judder and is what I am talking about. On 60fps (or the same fps as your refresh rate is set to) you should not see any blurring/judder on a CRT and plasma (most plasmas leave phosphor trails though).
> In plasma 25/30fps material just seems jerky/sudden and creates more "double vision" by showing same frame 2 times a row without any buildin blurring
This "double vision" you are talking about, is called Judder and is what I am talking about. On 60fps (or the same fps as your refresh rate is set to) you should not see any blurring/judder on a CRT and plasma (most plasmas leave phosphor trails though).
line bleed (Thanks Dayton!)
When a horizontal or vertical image results in ghosted line extending to a neighboring image due to power not being evenly distributed along the row or column. This is common when a scene consists of a lot of lines for example one containing window blinds, stairs, or the like.
Masking
Rich Harkness' ingenious method of adding black masking tape all around the plasma in order to bring out the color saturation of the plasma.
MCFI Motion Compensated Frame Interpolation
It is not needed on plasmas.
Discussion:
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...6#post19389986 why don't plasmas have a higher refresh rate?
MLL - Minimum Luminance Level
Also known as: black level, background luminance, idle luminance, pre-discharge
The lower the number, the darker the image can be. As plasmas age, they require more voltage which drives up the MLL. Luminance can be measured in either the footlambert (fL) for Imperial units , or in candela (cd/mq) for SI units. (Note: 1 fL = 3.426 cd/m^2)
Discussion:
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1167339 Panasonic ~ 0.008fL to ~ 0.023fL
See also:
* http://finiteblack.blogspot.com/ Taking pictures of your MLL.
References:
* http://www.crompton.com/wa3dsp/light/lumin.html - Brightness, Luminance, and Confusion
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot-lambert
Moving Picture Resolution
The cheaper plasma's do NOT have a native resolution of 1080, thus the scaler has to "fake" it when given a 1080 source by taking advantage of limitations of human perception to "effectively" display a higher resolution. The "tricks" to fake it are different when the image is static or dynamic, and thus the standards to measure what is the "perceived resolution" needs to be modified.
Discussion:
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...1#post14659401 Moving Picture Resolution ?
panny - Panasonic
What Panasonic plasma owners/fans affectionately call the Panasonic plasma models.
Phosphor Trailing
The "ghost" effect of a moving image.
pio - Pioneer
What Pioneer plasma owners/fans affectionately call the Pioneer plasma models.
PQ - Picture Quality
Overall quality of the image. Encompasses:
- colors (purity, saturated, muted, washed out, tinted, gamut)
- edges (sharp, crisp, fuzzy, graininess)
- black levels ("true black", grey, gamma)
- motion compensation (motion blur)
refresh rate
How many times the plasma can update/refresh the display. The most common setting is 600 Hz which is 10 subfields each refreshing at 60 Hz.
Notes:
* This is not to be confused with the movie playback of 24p as that is frame rate of the source input material where as refresh rate is the frame rate of the output display. The frame rate and refresh rate are uncoupled / independent of each other. e.g. 24p @ 48 Hz (may have flicker), 24p @ 60 Hz (default), 24p @ 72 Hz (new emerging standad), etc. Generally a higher refresh rate results in a more "stable" image.
* Also note that refresh rate is independent of input lag.
See also: input lag
Discussion:
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1285072 why don't plasmas have a higher refresh rate?
rising blacks - Forthcoming...
sammy - Samsung
What Samsung plasma owners/fans affectionately call the Samsung plasma models.
Service Menu
The (advanced) calibration options tucked away in the firmware. Requires a secret remote code to activate / enter.
Soap Opera Effect (Thanks Greg Black!)
Discussion:
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...1#post18414721
Quote:
The "soap opera effect" is a phrase used to describe the effects of frame interpolation -- basically, it's an algorithm that averages the difference between the pixels of the current frame and the next frame of video or film-based content, then inserts newly created frame(s) in between. It essentially removes the "look" of 24 frames-per-second film and smooths it out to look like something shot on video tape (30 fps), such as the typical soap opera would be -- although it actually looks more extreme than that, IMO. Some plasmas do have this, erm, "feature", but it seems much more prevalent on LCD sets.
The "soap opera effect" is a phrase used to describe the effects of frame interpolation -- basically, it's an algorithm that averages the difference between the pixels of the current frame and the next frame of video or film-based content, then inserts newly created frame(s) in between. It essentially removes the "look" of 24 frames-per-second film and smooths it out to look like something shot on video tape (30 fps), such as the typical soap opera would be -- although it actually looks more extreme than that, IMO. Some plasmas do have this, erm, "feature", but it seems much more prevalent on LCD sets.
Videophile
The geek who takes PQ way too serious compared to your average Joe. Everyone has a hobby -- we just happen to like tweaking our displays to get the best picture possible. We're not obessive, just passionate (well most of us!) Just keep the "flaming" friendly between Plasma, LCD, LED, DLP, and Projectors. ;-)
