| If you are planning to replace your old tube TV with a | | | | time and remember to turn the unit off when not in |
| fancy plasma HDTV but feel worried about the stories | | | | use. |
| of "plasma's burn-in and lifespan issues" here is what | | | | 2. Read your TV's User's Manual and become familiar |
| you need to know. The latest plasma technology used | | | | with its anti-burn-in features. Such features may include |
| by reputable manufacturers has the lifespan | | | | running pure gray or white screen settings ("blank |
| projections equal to those of LCD screens, which is | | | | screen") to recalibrate the pixels and erase any |
| about 60,000 hours. Depending on your daily usage this | | | | potential burn-in. This is particularly recommended after |
| may translate to anywhere between 12 and 55 years. | | | | the first 100 hours of use and than later, from time to |
| Early versions of plasma displays had an annoying | | | | time, based on your usage type. Make sure to follow |
| flow - the dreaded "burn-in" or "ghost image" effect. | | | | the anti-burn-in instructions for video games and other |
| This problem was caused by an ongoing presence of | | | | static content. |
| static images such as network logos and browser | | | | 3. Watch everything in full-screen mode to avoid |
| frames, which over time resulted in permanent | | | | prolonged presence of static black areas around the |
| damage to the corresponding pixels on the screen. | | | | active frame. |
| The "burn in" effect has to do with the properties of | | | | 4. Instead of using the manufacturer's default contrast |
| phosphor used in plasma technology and the way it | | | | setting, which is usually set to 100%, reduce it to 50% - |
| reacts to light and electrical impulses. | | | | especially during the first 200 hours of use. The only |
| Fortunately, quality manufactures have been working | | | | times when you might feel the need to up the contrast |
| hard to eliminate this effect. In fact, the best brands | | | | to high is in a brightly lit room. To prevent this, turn the |
| currently claim to have the burn-in resistance equal to | | | | unnecessary lights off and use other practical ways to |
| that of a standard CRT screen. This has been made | | | | darken the room while you are watching your plasma |
| possible by advances in plasma technology such as | | | | TV. Reduce the brightness setting on your TV |
| the use of green phosphor (more resistant to burn-in) | | | | accordingly (remember "lower is better" for your |
| and motion adaptive technology. The latter prevents | | | | screen's longevity). |
| the burn-in effect through microscopic image | | | | 5. Equipment tests have shown that some brands are |
| movements (invisible to the human eye) that prevent | | | | more resistant to burn-in than others. The top |
| static images from etching into the screen. | | | | performers include NEC, Sony, Pioneer, and Panasonic. |
| Plasma HDTV 1080p represents the latest advance in | | | | The technology used by Hitachi and Fujitsu (AliS panel |
| the TV technology. So if you are planning to invest in | | | | type) seems to be more affected with burn-in |
| one here are some important tips for maximizing its | | | | problems. Also, secondary (less known) brands could |
| lifespan: | | | | be affected with the same problem due to the less |
| 1. Plasma monitors are generally more prone to burn-in | | | | advanced technology. |
| during the first 200 hours of use. During this time (and | | | | 6. Make sure there is sufficient space around your |
| even after) it is recommended that you avoid | | | | screen to prevent the unit from overheating. Keep it in |
| displaying static images for more than an hour. Avoid | | | | a well ventilated area. |
| pausing your DVDs for more than 20 minutes at a | | | | |