Yes. The cells in a plasma TV contain a mixture of gases that are typically found in neon lights. When a current is passed through the cell, it ionizes the gas, turning it into a partially ionized...
It's because of the way they work. They apply electricity to neon and xenon to produce UV light to light up a phosphor. When neon and xenon get a spark, they go from a gas to plasma, a fourth state...
Today's generation of plasma TVs last a long time. With newer technology there is little chance of image burn or other problems that have plagued plasmas in the past. Expect it to easily last 5-10...