The Death of Plasma TVs?

[Willravel]

Giant flatscreen televisions have been dubbed the '4x4s' of the living room because they can consume four times as much energy as traditional televisions that used cathode ray tubes (CRTs).

Now European governments are finalising a mandatory EU regulation to set minimum standards for televisions. The worst performers will be phased out, and the rest will have to be labelled with energy ratings, so consumers will be able to identify in order to distinguish the most energy efficient sets.

Power hungry plasma screen televisions to be banned under new EU legislation - Telegraph

After seeing a similar article the other day, I did a bit of research (one google search). Apparently, it's true that the plasma TV is quite frankly inefficient. A 50" plasma can use twice as much electricity as an average refrigerator/freezer. I was going to get one of [URLhttp://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/pioneer-elite-kuro-pro/4505-6482_7-33002556.html?tag=mncol;lst=]these[/URL] some time in the next 6 months, but now I think I'll stick with LCD and maybe get something more like this. While the dip in my electric bill is nice, I also like the idea of having more efficient electronics in my house. With the new Mac mini, 22" energystar LCD monitor, adding insulation, and gas stove, it seems to me that if one is interested in investing in one's home, being energy efficient makes the most sence.

That said, I'm wary of the EU banning plasma. I'm not a free market zealot or anything, but outright banning something that's less efficient seems to be a bit extreme.

Could this spell the beginning of the end for plasma? Will this make LCD the one and only choice for flat-screens for the time being? Could this pave the way for OLED?

[LoganSnake]

Not quite. If you followed the CES, you'd see that they rolled out new plasmas. These are 1/3 of an inch thick and consume 1/2 the energy current ones use. In a few years, they will be affordable enough to be as mainstream as current generation of plasmas are.

[Willravel]

Originally Posted by LoganSnake

Not quite. If you followed the CES, you'd see that they rolled out new plasmas. These are 1/3 of an inch thick and consume 1/2 the energy current ones use. In a few years, they will be affordable enough to be as mainstream as current generation of plasmas are.

Yeah, I saw those (very, very cool ), but the EU is already drawing up the legislation. Do you think that the next generation of plasma televisions will allow the EU to reverse their decision?

[LoganSnake]

As long as they meet the criteria for energy consumption I don't see why they wouldn't be allowed back on the market. Unless they're issuing a ban on plasma technology as a whole.

[special_k_77]

The rumor has been that this might be the last rollout for plasmas, at least what I am being told by a few manufact, but you know how reliable rumors are in the CE world. Aside from the energy issue plasma's put out so much more heat as well. I would be suprised if plasmas are still being produced after 2010 (by the first tier maker, ie. not the VISIO's and other second hand guys like that they will buy up all the parts and make them for years)

[stevie667]

I don't doubt that plasma will be around for many more years to come, just not in the current format we see it.

oLCD is the next big thing.