Burn In? I am thinking of buying a plasma because I think the picture quality is better than LCD but I have one real concern. My family plays a lot of video games and I am worried about screen image burn in. Some of the games my kids play have screens stay the same for a very long time. Is burn in a real problem? andif you get burn in is it there forever? Thanks for anyones help. Burn In? I am thinking of buying a plasma because I think the picture quality is better than LCD but I have one real concern. My family plays a lot of video games and I am worried about screen... » Read More Burn In? I am thinking of buying a plasma because I think the picture quality is better than LCD but I have one real concern. My family plays a lot of video games and I am worried about screen image burn in. Some of the games my kids play have screens stay the same for a very long time. Is burn in a real problem? andif you get burn in is it there forever? Thanks for anyones help. « Show Less
1262696
This is common knowledge to owners of both types of tvs due to research and from personal experience over the years. Just google it and you will find all the evidence that you need.
1262697
Plasma tvs are a big no no for videogames due to the fact that they usually have items on screen that do not change or move for long periods of time. Like health bars, huds, title menus, etc. This will lead to burn in. And once it is there it can really only be removed by replacing the screen. Plasma tvs are more susceptible to burn in due to the technology being based on the gas-filled cathode ray tubes. LDC tvs are based on liquid crystal, just like pc monitors, so they usually hold up much better for gaming. Plasma tvs tend to be better though for producing bright pictures due to the technology. Plasma tvs are a big no no for videogames due to the fact that they usually have items on screen that do not change or move for long periods of time. Like health bars, huds, title menus, etc. This will lead to burn in. And once it is there it can really only be removed by replacing the screen. Plasma tvs are more susceptible to burn in due to the technology being based on the gas-filled cathode ray tubes. LDC tvs are based on liquid crystal, just like pc monitors, so they usually hold up much better for gaming. Plasma tvs tend to be better though for producing bright pictures due to the... » Read More Plasma tvs are a big no no for videogames due to the fact that they usually have items on screen that do not change or move for long periods of time. Like health bars, huds, title menus, etc. This will lead to burn in. And once it is there it can really only be removed by replacing the screen. Plasma tvs are more susceptible to burn in due to the technology being based on the gas-filled cathode ray tubes. LDC tvs are based on liquid crystal, just like pc monitors, so they usually hold up much better for gaming. Plasma tvs tend to be better though for producing bright pictures due to the technology. « Show Less
1262698
That's good to know Bridger. I have this one (Samsung plasma PN50B450) as well and the manual states that brightness and contrast should be reduced to prevent burn in while play video games. Also appreciate the first hundred hour rule-mixing tv with games.Thanks. The only thing I'm worried about is my kids walking away from a video game and a screen just sitting there. But hey, for the price you could buy another one and not spend what you can for a 1080p lcd 52 inch. I know that defeats the purpose but isn't that why you would be interesed in this tv anyways? for the price?
1262699
I owned the Samsung plasma PN50B450. My home was recently burglarized and the TV was hauled off. I am here shopping for a replacement. Anyway, I play a lot of Xbox (which was also taken). I speak from personal experience regarding burn in and this set. There can be some image retention with this set. This is with the TV set at "cinema" and with pixel shift on the recommended settings even. The images fade with time (a few hours of watching something else or playing another game). You will only see these ghosted images on a white screen. As I mentioned before, they are feint and fade in a few hours or so. I never experienced burn in though. I owned the Samsung plasma PN50B450. My home was recently burglarized and the TV was hauled off. I am here shopping for a replacement. Anyway, I play a lot of Xbox (which was also taken). I speak from personal experience regarding burn in and this set. There can be some image retention with this set. This is with the TV set at "cinema" and with pixel shift on the recommended settings even. The images fade with time (a few hours of watching something else or playing another game). You will only see these ghosted images on a white screen. As I mentioned before, they are feint and... » Read More I owned the Samsung plasma PN50B450. My home was recently burglarized and the TV was hauled off. I am here shopping for a replacement. Anyway, I play a lot of Xbox (which was also taken). I speak from personal experience regarding burn in and this set. There can be some image retention with this set. This is with the TV set at "cinema" and with pixel shift on the recommended settings even. The images fade with time (a few hours of watching something else or playing another game). You will only see these ghosted images on a white screen. As I mentioned before, they are feint and fade in a few hours or so. I never experienced burn in though. « Show Less
748768
"Plasma tvs are a big no no for videogames" -- is that from personal experience with this model, or did you just read that somewhere?
1262700
I have 3 plasmas (will have 4 soon). My oldest is 5 years old (480p). If I go to a blue screen I can see a slight burn from [MUTE] flashing in the same spot. With normal content on the screen it is not noticeable at all. The newer panels are so much more advanced and burn-in or IR is a thing of the past. Turn on the "pixel shift" and don't worry. Just don't fall asleep with a still image on any technology.
1262701
The very first hit on Google: http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6449_7-6844370-1.html"You might have heard somewhere along the line that playing video games on a plasma can lead to burn-in. The idea is that if some sort of fixed icon is always on the screen during a game, that image will end up ghosted onto your screen forever. Again, this just isn't a real risk these days, particularly if you follow the first 100-hours rule and mix a little TV watching in with your gaming."If you have an axe to grind against plasmas, maybe the general forum is where that should go if you don't have anything to say about this specific model. The very first hit on Google: http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6449_7-6844370-1.html"You might have heard somewhere along the line that playing video games on a plasma can lead to burn-in. The idea is that if some sort of fixed icon is always on the screen during a game, that image will end up ghosted onto your screen forever. Again, this just isn't a real risk these days, particularly if you follow the first 100-hours rule and mix a little TV watching in with your gaming."If you have an axe to grind against plasmas, maybe the general forum is where that... » Read More The very first hit on Google: http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6449_7-6844370-1.html"You might have heard somewhere along the line that playing video games on a plasma can lead to burn-in. The idea is that if some sort of fixed icon is always on the screen during a game, that image will end up ghosted onto your screen forever. Again, this just isn't a real risk these days, particularly if you follow the first 100-hours rule and mix a little TV watching in with your gaming."If you have an axe to grind against plasmas, maybe the general forum is where that should go if you don't have anything to say about this specific model. « Show Less
789142
I believe that while this TV has less of a burn in sensitivity than the first plasma TV's, it still has some sensitivity to burn in from long term display of a stationary image. The manual for the TV states:"If a fixed image displays on the TV screen for a long period of time, it will be imprinted and become a permanent disfigurement on the screen. This is "image burn" and not covered by the warranty."In my case I have seen no evidence of burn-in, but I do not play electronic games - some of which can be problematic.
54380
Its a crap shoot, to each there own, Pioneer is tauted as the better plasma, as far as LCD, my opinion it comes down to asthetics/appearance of the set, features, etc. basicly which ever one your perfer, but more importantly than any brand name... think about getting an extended warranty, they are astronomical to repair, minimum of $500.00 (parts/labor). Warranty is well worth the piece of mind.
2059939
You won't notice glare from end table lamps etc, it's only direct sunlight from a window that is a issue. I have a 50 inch plasma in our living room with very large picture windows to the right of it and with the blinds open on a sunny day if direct sun rays hit the screen it's hard to see those areas where the sun light hits. Close the blind and no problem. The picture of a plasma destroys all LCD screens, the only issue is it uses more power, but even that is not huge deal, we don't have it on all day, a bit in the morning and a few hours at night.
1259421
Socks - I have a flourescent backlit LCD not LED backlit and the Sony LCD looks great with lights on and off. Not as good as the plasma, but as I said LCDs do have their advantages. Eventually the LED-based LCDs will match plasma's picture quality, but it hasn't happened yet.One nice LCD advantage is its lower power consumption and heat generation -- my plasma has 4 cooling fans, my LCD has none.
1316428
I've been playing a number of "classic" games (from SNES to PS2) on this set, and I've seen zero indications of burn-in. I think that this modern plasma system is much, much less susceptible to the burn-in issues that plagued earlier generations of plasma TV's - one of the major reasons I bought it. Also worth pointing out that if you *are* going to play a game with an unmoving background or HUD or something, it's good for your own health and that of the TV to take a break every few hours. Let the TV play some full-screen video content (or a color-bar pattern) for a few minutes while you stretch, hit the bathroom, etc. It'll keep you both happy and free of burn-in (or burn-outs). **EDIT:** Also worth pointing out: I was shocked at how good my PS2 games look when connected via cheap Component cables. Play with the "smoothing" settings to find a level you like, but I'm really happy. The games that support 480p mode (check the back of the box, or Wikipedia) look fantastic - much, much better than they did on my old rear-projection Mitsubishi DLP HD set, which turned them into a blurry, jaggy mess.
2248042
I will support Plasma's for most things but monitor is much safer to go with a LCD. Viera Cast does have screen savesr though to prevent burn-in for pandora, youtube, or whatever else is on there. If you use it just for Viera Cast internet, you should be fine. And gaming is safe if you mix up the game and keep contrast at 50.
2179490
Old plasmas got picture burn in (an image that was on the screen a lot would make a little "ghost" of itself even if the picture changed). This shouldn't happen on a newer one. Plasmas should be as durable now as LCDs.
471862
I'm curious how the computer linked with to the large plasma screen looks. I would think that 1024 x 768 on such a large screen might look a bit fuzzy or pixelated. Do you see problems with this? Would you recommend going for a higher resolution?
1720451
Hello I own the p50st30 and am an avid gamer, and I also ran the slides as well for the first 100 hours, I wouldn't even say that is necessary, but I am overly cautious when it comes to expensive toys and investments. Burn-in was a problem with some plasmas in the early 2000's after hours and hours of static images being displayed, but technology has advanced so much and panasonic has especially made an effort to fix this that I wouldn't even think twice about burn in. My friend owns a 2008 panasonic plasma and a few times he will see residual images faintly from long gaming sessions that dissapear instantly when he turns it back on or changes the screen, it also had some white slides that came with the tv settings that could be run to eliminate any apparent "burn in". Plasma offer much better picture quality at a much better value than led or lcd, it is too bad that soo many people have been scared off by burn-in stories from early generations of plasmas, they are truly excellent tvs. I would definately stick with the st30 over an LCD you wont regret it.
604481
Get a new TV, this model will start to have flashing pixels soon after operating for that many years, it's a problem with the TI DSP chip. Plasma TV's are far superior and take up less space.
2222336
I would highly recommend this TV. I has a great picture and allot of high end features. The issue you should consider is the fact that Plasma TV's are susceptible to burn in and this one is no accept ion, so long term XBOX use may be a problem with said burn in.
622735
I have had a panasonic plasma TV for years. The kids play their games all the time on it and you know how there are parts of the screen that never change with multiplayer split screen stuff. No burn in noted. Don't expect any problems with this TV either.
7797
I don't know if you made your purchase yet or not, but I'd check out the difference in glare/reflections from the screens. I have heard the Sony has a non-glare screen, but most plasmas have a glass screen that reflects background light and can be distracting.
278839
The only thing you'll gain with the Plasma is better viewing angles - and much higher electric bills. This DLP gives noticeably better blacks than that Samsung plasma This DLP gives a noticeably bigger picture This DLP gives comparable color, sharpness and overall PQ as the Plasma This DLP is cheaper to buy and much cheaper to run. This DLP displays a brighter picture. - You already have a great TV, so stop stressing. The absolute only logical reasons to get the plasma is if you intend to throw huge Wii gaming parties or if you're running a bar requiring the viewing angle advantage. Or if you need to wall mount. Otherwise stick with and enjoy this DLP. The only plasmas worth consideration over this 67a750 is the Pioneer 6020/elite and 'possibly' the Panasonic 58" 800/850u. Other plasmas aren't worth comparing to this DLP.
622740
Hi TB, It is my understanding that the same image has to stay on the screen for many hours over a course of a very long time before burn in takes place however, at least on my TV set, the TV will turn itself off after so long. If you are still watching the TV when the warning flashes you have the option to push the OK button or let it turn off. Burn in happens only when the same image is left on the screen for a great number of hours not when using the TV for normal viewing or use.
75780
Not really, it takes a long time for any residual imaging to burn in, and it can usually be cleared up by simply leaving the plasma off for 8+hours. I would suggest though that if you're watching mostly letter boxed media, consider a 21:9 ultra wide TV.