A 42" flat-screen plasma display may be a overkill as a desktop monitor, but think of the kind of gaming experience it could give you if money were no object. NEC just introduced two of the 42" monitors: the PlasmaSync 42MP3, intended for multimedia presentation users, and the PlasmaSync 42PD3 for public display applications. NEC says the PlasmaSync 42MP3 is intended to be used for conference room, boardroom, videoconferencing, training and broadcast production applications. It can use a computer, video player, or HDTV source for input. The contrast ratio has been nearly tripled compared to NEC's previous 42"ers, and brightness has been increased 25%. The 42MP3 has a power consumption of 280 Watts, a 30% reduction over the previous model. The screen includes Digital Zoom capabilities that let you pick a section of the screen and magnify it up to nine times. It also features what NEC calls Pixel Refreshment Technology, which is a programmable bar that scrolls across the screen activating screen phosphor as part of the monitor's AccuShield Phosphor Protection System.

The PlasmaSync 42PD3 provides a 140% contrast improvement and a 25% brightness increase over NEC's previous generation of plasma displays and its power consumption has been decreased 30%. It includes a 3x3 matrix capability that lets you matrix up to nine displays in a 2x2 or 3x3 configuration without any external equipment for a total diagonal image size of up to 126 inches. It also features NEC's AccuShield Phosphor Protection system, including a new programmable orbiter that lets you customize the APP system based on the application in an effort to minimize burn-in. The 42PD3 has been upgraded to include audio support and improved video processing, including motion-compensated 3D scan conversion and 3/2 pull down. The monitor also has an anti-glare screen and is designed with an internal space for a small form factor PC, so that it can be a completely self-contained unit. The PlasmaSync 42MP3 and 42PD3 are now shipping with suggested retail prices of $7,995 and $7,495 respectively. The monitors include a one-year warranty, with an optional extended warranty for two additional years of coverage that can be purchased through NEC Technologies dealers. I wonder if I could matrix a bunch of them on my wall for game testing? These monitors (especially nine of them) are definitely too rich for my blood, but it's nice to dream.