Perhaps I should expand on my answer
Myth #1: Plasma TVs emit dangerous radiation
Fact: Plasma TVs do generate a tiny amount of UV (ultraviolet) radiation, but it's even less than typical tube-type TVs generate. All TVs must meet the guideline for TV radiation emissions issued by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) back in 1969.
Myth #2: The gas in a plasma TV is poisonous
Fact: The gas used in plasma TVs is a mix of two non-flammable "inert" gases: neon and xenon. These gases are not harmful, either individually or when combined. Besides, the amount of gas used in a plasma TV has been described as "barely a thimble-full." So, if the gas were to somehow leak out (which it won't, see Myth #3 below), it can't harm you.
Myth #3: Plasma TVs leak gas and require periodic "re-charging"
Fact: Every plasma TV is a completely sealed unit. In fact, it's permanently sealed when the panel is manufactured. Each individual cell in a plasma panel is sealed. So, a plasma TV will never require any refilling or recharging of its neon-xenon gas.
Sadly, some salespeople at national retail chains have been known to tell customers not only that plasma TVs leak, but also that recharging the gas would be covered by an extended warranty! (This actually happened to well-known HDTV expert Gary Merson, who described the encounter in the September/October 2003 issue of The Perfect Vision.) If a salesperson ever tries to sell you this line, do yourself a favor and head for the door.
Myth #4: Plasma TVs only last a few years
Fact: It's difficult to say for certain how long a plasma TV will last since they've only been around for about six years. But, with normal in-home use, you should count on a plasma TV lasting at least ten years.
The useful lifetime of a TV is measured by the period of time it takes for the display to appear half as bright as the day you bought it. (All types of TV displays lose their brightness over time, but because it's so gradual, it's virtually impossible to notice during day-to-day viewing.) Plasma TVs from quality brands typically have a rated lifetime of 30,000 hours. That may not sound like a lot, but if you watched for five hours a day, every day, it would take over 16 years! Chances are that long before a plasma TV "wears out," you'll be looking to replace it due to advances in TV performance and features. (On average, people replace their TVs after 8 years.)
Myth #5: All plasma TVs can display HDTV signals
Actually, some of the most popular plasma models of the past few years don't have enough pixels to provide High-Definition picture resolution. All HDTV-ready TVs (also known as HDTV monitors) must have vertical resolution of at least 720 lines. Some plasma TVs only have vertical resolution of 480 lines (often referred to as EDTV). If a plasma TV isn't clearly labeled regarding HDTV compatibility, check its pixel count. EDTV resolution for widescreen plasma models is "852 x 480" (852 pixels across by 480 pixels high). Plasmas that are capable of displaying HDTV signals generally have resolution of 1024 x 768 or higher.
all of the above was found at
http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/ISEO-rgbtcspd/reviews/20030930/plasma_myths.html
hope you all like my new avatar.
