Fujitsu Plasma Television: A Leader in Plasma Television Technology
CA

Of all the varieties of Plasma television that came out in the market, the Fujitsu monitors were some of the first in the marketplace. Everyone is told that other manufacturers use the Fujitsu plasma screens as a blueprint in producing their own monitors.

Fujitsu has brought a couple of Plasma TV models to showcase their superiority in this field. Every year a new model comes out to replace the previous model and offer more features. Here you will see the features, differences and the developments of the Fujitsu Plasma television in each new model.

These are the differences between the two Fujitsu plasma products. Fujitsu PDS4209 vs. Its New Replacement the Fujitsu PDS4229;

There will only be a few minor disparities between the PDS4229 to the PDS4209:

• The PDS4229 will have a new anti glare screen (which Fujitsu and Hitachi make). This will then be the new screen for all manufacturers that purchase screens from Fujitsu. This new screen will further cut down reflection from the already anti glare plasma display.

• The fans are 30% quieter in the PDS4229. Most significantly, the PDS4229 has a new video processor that does a better job of eliminating artifacts in the black and darker video scenes. The inputs are the same as well as the 853X480 resolution. Contrast may be slightly better but nothing significant. Units are of same depth and same appearance with a trim almost black bezel.

Fujitsu PDS4203 vs. PDS4209

The differences between the 4203 and 4209 were substantial as the depth came down from 6" to 3.3". The bezel improved to a shiny tough looking charcoal black from a plastic looking dark gray. The brightness was increased 30% to assist with those well- lit rooms. The contrast ratio in turn improved 100 points or so. The unit was decreased in weight to 69 pounds and the built in amplifiers were taken out in order to help decrease costs.

Fujitsu PDS4214

The consumer only model PDS4214 is essentially the same unit as the PDS4209 except with built in speaker amplifiers and a degree or two higher contrast ratio. This unit sells a thousand dollars more than the PDS4209 or PDS4229.

The image quality from video sources such as DVD players, or a simple signal coming from a cable box are the primary set of concerns for the home user. Resolution figures do not play as integral a part in this decision. However, for commercial concerns resolution may be more important as many of the XGA images needed display at a 1024X768. The Fujitsu PDS4209 is a basic plasma display monitor showing 853X480. It does not have the highest resolution, contrast ratio, or brightness levels but is overall a pretty fair monitor. It is billed more as a monitor to be used in board rooms and at trade shows than as a TV for home use.

Colors were vibrant as with most plasma monitor. Images are beautifully soft and easy on the eye. Brightness levels are fine on the unit and should be helped by the upcoming improvements in the anti glare glass.

Input selection is basic on this monitor with one set of component BNC type inputs, one VGA type input, one s-video input, and one composite BNC type input. The unit is the thinnest on the market at 3.3 inches in depth. It is a very nice looking plasma monitor with a near black bezel frame which tapers nicely around the edges. The black bezel is the best on plasma displays as they provide the greatest contrast to the smooth images.

The PDS4209 and PDS4229 cut some corners by not offering built in amplifiers, or a built in 3:2 pull down progressive converter. This allows Fujitsu to offer this piece as a price leader over NEC, Sony, and Panasonic. If you are purchasing the unit for home use you will need your own tuning source (satellite box), sound system (home theater receiver and speakers), and recommended line doublers.

SPECIAL FEATURES

• 3.3" depth is the thinnest available on the market today.
• Price
• Adaptable to XGA resolution for computer use

WEAKNESSES

• No built in amplifiers for speakers
• Poor Black Levels causing weak contrast ratios
• No 3:2 Pulldown progressive scanning built in

Watch out for more innovations and releases by Fujitsu to see the up and coming technologies this league leader has to offer.