Best Buy PS

If you are planning to replace your old tube TV with a fancy plasma HDTV but feel worried about the stories of “plasma’s burn-in and lifespan issues” here is what you need to know. The latest plasma technology used by reputable manufacturers has the lifespan projections equal to those of LCD screens, which is about 60,000 hours. Depending on your daily usage this may translate to anywhere between 12 and 55 years.

Early versions of plasma displays had an annoying flow – the dreaded “burn-in” or “ghost image” effect. This problem was caused by an ongoing presence of static images such as network logos and browser frames, which over time resulted in permanent damage to the corresponding pixels on the screen. The “burn in” effect has to do with the properties of phosphor used in plasma technology and the way it reacts to light and electrical impulses.

Fortunately, quality manufactures have been working hard to eliminate this effect. In fact, the best brands currently claim to have the burn-in resistance equal to that of a standard CRT screen. This has been made possible by advances in plasma technology such as the use of green phosphor (more resistant to burn-in) and motion adaptive technology. The latter prevents the burn-in effect through microscopic image movements (invisible to the human eye) that prevent static images from etching into the screen.

Plasma HDTV 1080p represents the latest advance in the TV technology. So if you are planning to invest in one here are some important tips for maximizing its lifespan:

1. Plasma monitors are generally more prone to burn-in during the first 200 hours of use. During this time (and even after) it is recommended that you avoid displaying static images for more than an hour. Avoid pausing your DVDs for more than 20 minutes at a time and remember to turn the unit off when not in use.

2. Read your TV’s User’s Manual and become familiar with its anti-burn-in features. Such features may include running pure gray or white screen settings (“blank screen”) to recalibrate the pixels and erase any potential burn-in. This is particularly recommended after the first 100 hours of use and than later, from time to time, based on your usage type. Make sure to follow the anti-burn-in instructions for video games and other static content.

3. Watch everything in full-screen mode to avoid prolonged presence of static black areas around the active frame.

4. Instead of using the manufacturer’s default contrast setting, which is usually set to 100%, reduce it to 50% – especially during the first 200 hours of use. The only times when you might feel the need to up the contrast to high is in a brightly lit room. To prevent this, turn the unnecessary lights off and use other practical ways to darken the room while you are watching your plasma TV. Reduce the brightness setting on your TV accordingly (remember “lower is better” for your screen’s longevity).

5. Equipment tests have shown that some brands are more resistant to burn-in than others. The top performers include NEC, Sony, Pioneer, and Panasonic. The technology used by Hitachi and Fujitsu (AliS panel type) seems to be more affected with burn-in problems. Also, secondary (less known) brands could be affected with the same problem due to the less advanced technology.

6. Make sure there is sufficient space around your screen to prevent the unit from overheating. Keep it in a well ventilated area.

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