1.   Although regular televisions are bulky, their light source is stronger than that of plasma sets.

2.   As a result, the darkest images most plasma sets can render are a dark gray.

3.   At first glance, a plasma set is arresting.

4.   But plasma sets are so inefficient that the picture would be too dim to watch if it had to pass through black-tinted glass.

5.   Circuits tested the Pioneer and three other plasma sets, manufactured by Fujitsu, Philips Electronics and Runco International.

6.   Flat-panel plasma sets can be as large as they need to be, and still be relatively unobtrusive, because they are extraordinarily thin.

7.   LCD televisions look significantly grainier than plasma sets because their resolutions are lower, but they are also a lot cheaper.

8.   This is among the least expensive plasma sets using current technology, and one of the best.