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The display elements of plasma units actually consist of rare natural gases (like xenon, neon, and argon), which have been compressed inside hundred of thousands of tiny glass envelopes. Ideally, the pressure these gases are under should match the pressure of the gases (N2 and O2, mostly) outside the walls of those glass envelopes. At sea level or thereabout, these two pressures are more or less equivalent, for this is the atmospheric pressure level at which most plasma panels have been calibrated. So, the thinner air at higher elevations causes an air-pressure differential-an imbalance between inner and outer air pressures-and the pressure of the gases inside the plasma display panel (PDP) increases as the outside air pressure decreases. Hence, most PDPs (at least those not specifically designed for use at or above 5500 feet) emit a slight buzzing noise under such conditions. This noise is the result of the PDP's increased power consumption and the corresponding increase in its cooling needs and, hence, its fan usage.
The short answer: You won't see much difference. Your plasma TV will look and work just like it would at or near sea level. The picture will be just as vibrant and colorful as it would anywhere else. The chief altitudinal symptom you'll detect will involve your plasma TV's operational noise levels. Because of the increased pressure on the gases contained in its glass substrate, the unit must work harder to cool this display element. So, if your TV set has fans, the fans will be significantly louder because they're running harder. If your PDP utilizes a convection cooling system (one without fans), then you'll notice something akin to a buzzing sound emanating from its rear panel. Another thing to consider with respect to altitude and plasma TV is longevity: Since PDPs work harder at higher elevations, they will not last as long up high as they do down low.
However, although your Plasma will not explode as you suggested, it may not work properly at all. There are ranges of Plasma TV's designed for high altitude use. Id recommend settling for a CRT tube at that height until more research is done into it. Have you looked at LCD? It will work fine at higher elevations.
Chris
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