[El Gato]

I wouldn't get too close to that thing, it likely emits lots of x-rays too.

Should have looked at the picture. The thing is inside a metal can, thus the need for the TV camera to see the plasma. Safer from X-Rays, and safer from a vacumn implosion as well, than a glass bell jar would be.

[sourcery]

thus the need for the TV camera to see the plasma

And a plasma screen to view it, of course!