Plasmas / reasonable viewing & Scr. Burn

[admin_exported]

Hi

I've often read that as long as you use a plasma to watch TV in a 'typical/reasonable' manner then permanent screen burn should not be a worry. I'd like your opinions on what you believe typical/reasonable viewing habits are in regards to plasma so as to avoid screen burn.

To pose a question, I have Lord of the Rings on DVD, it's a copy with black bars on the top & bottom of the screen framing the picture (2.35:1 aspect ratio). It's a notoriously long film. So would I need to worry / take precautions to avoid screen burn whilst watching such a DVD?

I plan to buy a Panasonic TH-37-PX80 and wouldn't want to interrupt viewing a film so as to avoid screen burn

thanks in advance

Stavros

 

[Andrew Everard]

No. Static black things don't cause screen burn, only static light ones. Do a search for 'screen burn' on these forums for lots (and lots and lots) of threads on this subject

 

[D.J.KRIME]

And lots of worrying about nothing! In normal home use "Screen Burn" is extreamly rare.

 

[Andrew Everard]

[quote user="D.J.KRIME"]And lots of worrying about nothing! In normal home use "Screen Burn" is extreamly rare.[/quote]

As I've said here many, many times...

 

[Clare Newsome]

Yes, but it's something that's, ahem, burned into the public consciousness about plasmas. A bit like the myth that they don't last very long. A modern plasma has a life of 100,000 hours - that's 11.4 years of continuous use!

 

[Andrew Everard]

Or about 55 years of normal use.

And don't even get me started on the 'then they'll need regassing after a few years, so you need the extended warranty, sir' myth.

 

[D.J.KRIME]

[quote user="Andrew Everard"]And don't even get me started on the 'then they'll need regassing after a few years, so you need the extended warranty, sir' myth[/quote]

You and me both Andrew!

As people may have guessed from my posts on here I am extreamly PRO-PLAMSA and it really grates me when you read all this guff from ill-informed people saying to others that they should not get a Plasma because of Screen burn Blah Blah Blah..... When IMHO as a movie fan, on a screen size where you can get either a Plasma or a LCD, I am yet to see a LCD that has come any where near to the proformance of a Plasma, and just how when watching a movie do people put up with the shades of grey the LCDs give instead of Black I dont understand.

 

[Anonymous]

The manual for my new TV warns against displaying still images for any length of time. "Normal home use' in my house is mostly the popular freeview channels - many of which have their logos permanently on screen now, along with lots of "press the red button" panels during particular programmes. CBBC often have programme pictures framed with a bright green background with someone next to it giving a sign-language version. "Normal" also includes some PS/2 use by the kids.

Are these within your normal parameters, or should I be easing my new TH-42PX80 through some low brightness and contrast settings for a couple of months? The defaults are a moderate 50% for both, and certainly not too garish. There are some 'viewing mode' settings "Normal/Eco/Cinema/Dynamic" which are respectively: well, normal; self adjusting depending on ambient light levels; low for darkened room; and increased contrast & sharpness. I was taken by the Eco setting, but am now toying with using the Cinema setting for a while. Or maybe I should just get the kids to use this for the PS/2 and anything with above average permanent images/backgrounds? or should I really just not bother? I'm inclined to be bothered, because your advice is at odds with much respectable advice on the Internet and elsewhere.

 

[professorhat]

Put it this way. I'm a gamer and sometimes at the weekend, I've been known to have a few beers (shameful I know), come home and put a game of Halo or something on. I've then woken up on the sofa about 7-8 hours later with the same static image on my Plasma screen. When I switch it off and go to sleep my hangover off, I notice that the image is still on the screen for a little while as the display powers off. However, never has this been permanently burned into my screen. I've had my Plasma for a little over 2 years now and this has happened probably more times than I'd care to admit, but I've no issues at all.

So don't worry about the screen burn rumours. If you're going to stick your TV up in a corner and continually play the same image for days / months at a time, it might be something to worry about. Otherwise, you'll be fine.

Edit - oh, my TV is a Panasonic too.

 

[Andrew Everard]

And almost every TV now has an orbiter or a wobbler built in to avoid screen-burn anyway - real 'belt and braces' stuff, just in case.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks to Andrew and the drunken Prof (oh yes, very shameful! ;-) , most reassuring.

 

[Anonymous]

I am now seriously considering going for a Panasonic 37 Plasma due to backlight probs with my LCD.

So many thanks for dispelling the myths which put me off in the first place.

However, there are two niggling worries I have. Firstly, screen reflection as my Tv is situated near a window. However, I take it that if I draw the blinds when watching during the day then it should be okay? Not sure about lighting at night?

I have to say I hated seeing myself on telly on my old CRT but wonder will it be as bad on Plasma?

The other is power consumption as I watch at least six hours per day of TV. So any idea how much more electricity it would use compared with my 32" LCD?

Many thanks!

 

[professorhat]

Hi Scotsgirl

I'll admit, the reflection on my Panasonic is a little annoying during the day since I rearranged my living room and now have the window opposite it reflecting me on the sofa! I live in a ground floor flat so tend to have my curtains permanently closed to stop people seeing in. My curtains do let in a lot of light though for this reason, and this therefore causes the reflection so I'm considering getting some darker blackout curtains to hang within the window frame which I can draw if watching a film during the day.

As long as your blind cuts out most of the light from the window though, this should be okay. I don't have any issues when watching at night with the lights on.

Edit - oh, on power consumption, it's true, Plasma does use quite a bit more power. Just looked up the difference and the TH37PX70B Plasma display uses 250W whereas the TX32LX700P LCD (the one you have I think?) uses 137W.

 

[D.J.KRIME]

Relfection issues have all but dissapeared on current Plasma models. My original Plasma now lives in the bedroom and is a Panasonic series 5 which does reflect daylight or say if you have a light on or a candle you will see it reflected on the screen. But my Samsung 50"" is a differnt story, I generally watch movies at night and at this time of year I will often have my open fire going and some candles going but I can hardly notice any reflection on the screen due to the new Anti-Reflection tech used in current models. On the Samsung range this is refered to as Ultra Filter Bright.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Prof!

Thanks for the reply.

My Tv is actually beside the window (well a bit back)so maybe reflection won't be so much of a problem?

The power consumption is a bit more but I suppose only the equivalent to a light bulb? Hopefully, shouldn't put too much of a dent in my electricity bill?

I have been put off Plasma because of the reflection problem and all the other 'myths' such as :- screen burn;running in time;softer looking picture quality etc

However, because of the backlight problem I really am swayed towards getting the PX80. Would I need a separate sound system or should it be as good as the 32LXD700?

 

[Anonymous]

[quote user="D.J.KRIME"]
Relfection issues have all but dissapeared on current Plasma models. My original Plasma now lives in the bedroom and is a Panasonic series 5 which does reflect daylight or say if you have a light on or a candle you will see it reflected on the screen. But my Samsung 50"" is a differnt story, I generally watch movies at night and at this time of year I will often have my open fire going and some candles going but I can hardly notice any reflection on the screen due to the new Anti-Reflection tech used in current models. On the Samsung range this is refered to as Ultra Filter Bright.

[/quote]

Do you know whether this will be the case with the Panasonic 37PX80 as well?

I know you are very pro Plasma so can you 'sell' Plasma to me over LCD as I am still dithering as to whether exchange my Panasonic 32LXD700 for the 37PX80?

I'm liking the open fire and candlelight!!!!

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Scotsgirl, just to add my 2p-worth. When I found these forums I was hard-core set on an LCD. After readinf the Forums at some length and starting to look around I began to doubt my own initial preference. One of the best pieces of advice around here was visit a specialist dealer. Although I had to travel a fair way I spent an hour with a dealer having the TV shown to me with all the feeds I'd be using and more. The plasma, far from looking a little 'dull' next to the LCDs in Currys and Comet looked absolutely sensational. I HAD to have it!

I am now the proud owner of a TH-42PX80 and don't regret it a bit. So as a convert I can honestly say, I am glad I heeded the call. And if D.J wants I will start handing out leaflets in the High Sreet!!

JJ

 

[Anonymous]

[quote user="JoJoW"]Hi Scotsgirl, just to add my 2p-worth. When I found these forums I was hard-core set on an LCD. After readinf the Forums at some length and starting to look around I began to doubt my own initial preference. One of the best pieces of advice around here was visit a specialist dealer. Although I had to travel a fair way I spent an hour with a dealer having the TV shown to me with all the feeds I'd be using and more. The plasma, far from looking a little 'dull' next to the LCDs in Currys and Comet looked absolutely sensational. I HAD to have it!

I am now the proud owner of a TH-42PX80 and don't regret it a bit. So as a convert I can honestly say, I am glad I heeded the call. And if D.J wants I will start handing out leaflets in the High Sreet!!

JJ[/quote]

Cheers JoJoW!

I really appreciate your input as my head is in a spin not sure what to do but really do think I will be changing from LCD to Plasma now!Sorry to bang on about it but do you find reflection in the Plasma to be a problem? Also do you need a separate sound system?

Unfortunately there are no specialist dealers where I live so I rely on the guidance of good folks like yourself!

 

[Anonymous]

Hi again

Am awaiting the delivery (tomorrow!) of my DVD player, so will be 'testing' my 'collection then. I am reserving judgement until i have had a good listen (can't wait!). I have in mind to buy a Denon 'soundbar' for reasons of space but not quite yet. So far the sound feels good, certainly loud enough, but need to 'audition' that sound bar. I will let you know how the DVD-sound testing goes !! This is my first flatscreen, upgrading from an old SONY Trinitron. Now there was some dodgy sound!!

JJ

 

[professorhat]

As my memory serves, on the Panny plasma version I bought (the TH-42PX600), you need the extra 0 for the better sound system i.e. the sound on mine is better than the one on the TH-42PX60. If this is still the case, you would need the TH-37PX800 rather than the TH-37PX80 to get the equivalent better sound system (though I can't find any details on this model from searching so either this is no longer the case or they haven't released details on this model yet - anyone know?).

In the end though, a proper sound system is going to sound substantially better than both if you have the room (even a 2.1 system), and may actually work out cheaper than the difference between the two.

 

[D.J.KRIME]

Sound wise there is no differnce between either a Plasma or a LCD as they both use those NICE little thin speakers to produce sound so no you dont need a seperate sound system for either.

As for reflection issues I have looked into the Panasonic and they incorporate anti-reflection tech into the current screens which will virtually iliminate all reflection. Obviously LCD has no reflection due to that oh so lovely looking dull grey screen that is Fantastic fun to clean!

My Neighbour who funnily enough works for Sony (on the Games side) and get serious discounts on their products, Had a 40""LCD but after seeing my Plasma in action promptly put the LCD into the back room and Opted for a Panasonis 42"" Plaz for his main TV. I have seen his running in both daylight and dimly lit evening situations and no problem with reflection at all.

Oh and JJ you print up the leaflets and I will make the Banners!!!!

 

[Anonymous]

Cheers everyone I really, really appreciate the advice.

I really do think I will be going for the PX80 now (never heard of the 800?)and just wait to see what the sound is like. Would appreciate feedback JoJoW!

Maybe I will joining you on the pro Plasma march!!!lol

You're right about cleaning the LCD screen DJ! I am so afraid of damaging it! I take it you just use glass cleaner on Plasma?

 

[professorhat]

Just found the info in this article. It confirms the 800 series have the enhanced sound system (same as your LX700 version does) and under the "First Full HD sets due from March" it says the 800 series models aren't out till July.

Edit - although reading it again, just noticed this "All Viera sets claim to be have been given a sonic boost via Panasonic's V Audio upgrade, despite boasting 40 percent slimmer speakers. The 800 series sets featuring an additional V Audio Surround bass module." so maybe you won't need the 800 series model!

 

[D.J.KRIME]

Simple case of a good soft lint-free cloth and no need for chemicals at all, a bit like the way you would clean a pair of glasses. I do have 3 LCD's in the house which I only have because there is no Plasma option in the sizes needed being 2 x 19"" and one 32"" and it is almost impossible to keep the buggers clean and streak-free after cleaning them, and have never been to keen on hoe the screen flexes when you touch it. But in terms of picture not one of the LCD's comes anywhere near the Plasma sets I own and that even goes for my old Series 5 which is about as HD Ready as a toaster but still manages to outshine the LCD's.

I know its only my oppionion and I am the first to aggree that others are intitled to theirs, But IMHO when looking for a screen of above 37"" a Good LCD cant get near a Good Plasma. Just look at the group test results in the Magazine if you doubt me as where Plasma sets were put up against LCD's I think it was a Plasma which got the Star Buy award every time.

 

[Anonymous]

Many thanks for that Prof! It sounds as if the PX80 may be ok for sound then?

I take it that the 800 is full HD and not sure what SD (which is all I watch) would look on this?

DJ I find that my Panny LCD doesn't get very dirty and usually use a microfibre cloth but got a really good product called Optixs Plus which makes a great job of cleaning it.

I didn't see the supertest for Plasmas via LCD. Do you know what issue it was in?

I am not doubting you at all!

PS I need a smaller TV for my bedroom so which (dare I say the word?!) LCD would you recommend? Around 22" to 26" would be best I think.