How to Prevent Plasma Burn-In

Is plasma burn-in just a myth or are those horror stories really true?

Maybe you've just bought a plasma TV. Or you're considering to buy a plasma TV. Anyway, you'd want to make dead sure nothing bad happens to the plasma display. Burn-in isn't a fate that hits the owner of a plasma TV unexpectedly. Plasma burn-in is nothing that just happens. You can actively prevent and reduce the risk of burn-in.

And here's how:

So, what exactly is a plasma burn-in and how can it be prevented?

Does burn-in only concern older plasma TVs? Are the latest, high-end plasma TVs and computer screens prone to burn-in, too? To answer one question: Yes, plasma burn-in still happens, even if you've bought the most expensive and technical advanced plasma TV.

Plasma TVs--How do they work?

Located between two panels of glass are many tiny cells. The cells hold a mixture of noble gases--neon and xenon. Electrically, the gas is turned into a plasma--the central element in a fluorescent light. The lights (tiny pixels) form the image.

How does plasma burn-in happen?

A burn-in on your plasma TV is nothing else than a damaged pixel. If a certain kind of information (such as a network logo) has been displayed for an extended period of time, then it might happen that the color information etches itself into the plasma TV glass.

(By the way, the network stations became aware of the problem and--almost--solved it. One problem less to worry about.)

Incidentally, a burn-in is not the same as ghosting or shadowing. Both ghosting and shadowing are temporary, while a burn-in ruins the plasma screen forever. Almost all newer plasma TV models come with anti-burn features. Some plasma TVs have a so-called White Wash function to get rid of shadows/ghosts left on the screen.

But to be on the safe side, you should heed a few important points when it comes to plasma displays.

A few simple steps will prevent any burn-in on your plasma TV.

Important information for first-time users of plasma screen: The most damage is done during the first 200 hours of use. Don't forget to calibrate your display. Your plasma TV might arrive at your home perfectly calibrated, but if not, set the contrast below 50%. Most likely, your plasma TV will have an anti-burn setting. Your TV's anti-burn setting is the easiest way to prevent burn-in.

During the first 200 hours, don't watch 4:3.

If possible, only watch channels that fill the plasma screen completely. Also, it doesn't hurt to switch between the channels from time to time to refresh the screen.

If your plasma display allows using gray bars, use it for 4:3 programming. Check if your plasma TV offers pixel shifting. Enable pixel shifting.

It might seem obvious, but:

Do not pause DVDs for longer than 15 minutes max.

Turn the TV off if you're not watching.

Don't display any kind of static images on your plasma screen.

Be aware of the burn-in issue, but don't worry too much about it. Real burn-in almost never occurs. Read the latest reviews before buying a plasma TV. The latest plasma TV models are equipped with anti-burn features. With a little awareness, burn-in can be easily avoided.