The new plasma lineup from Samsung includes the 42" high-definition PPM42M5H , the 42" standard-definition PPM42M5S and the 50" PPM50M5H. All new plasma monitors will be on display at InfoComm 2005 at Samsung's booth #2318 . Pricing and availability dates have not yet been determined.

All plasmas offer a 10,000:1 contrast ratio and 1, 100 cd/m 2 brightness level. The 10,000:1 contrast ratio provides whiter whites, blacker blacks and greater shadow detail.

In order to achieve this super-high 10,000:1 contrast ratio, Samsung has developed an exclusive octal plasma pixel structure that increases the electrical separation between the pixels. This reduces the tendency for one pixel to influence the adjacent pixel, which increases the contrast. Samsung has also chosen a high-Xenon gas, which is claimed to be up to 50% more efficient in generating brightness.

The 42" PPM42M5H features a high 1024 x 768 resolution and is true high-definition by matching the 720p HDTV format without the need for processing. The standard-definition 42" PPM42M5S is a more economical display solution incorporating a 852 x 480 resolution. The 50" PPM50M5H is perfect for use in presentation and digital signage applications and sports a 1366 x 768 resolution.

For an array of display options, the plasmas feature variable aspect ratios with six separate modes including 16:9 and 4:3, and a 10x digital zoom and pan control.

Each display device includes inputs for composite video, component video that offers 480i/p, 720p and 1080i viewing, S-Video for gaming applications, DVI for digital video sources and an RGB input for use with a PC.

Samsung backs its plasma displays with a two-year parts and labor warranty.