Plasmas shouldn't lay on their sides?

[JamesKurtovich]

Being relatively new to the HD trade, my first TV was a cheap obscure model (the cheapest at the time), 32" 1080i/720p LCD for $500 at Wal-Mart (SILO). About a month ago, on Black Friday, I bought a 50" Samsung and when loading it up, one of the associates told me that plasmas can be damaged if layed down on their sides. I had to lay it flat in my truck as there was no other way to transport it... seems fine. Works excellent. I've noticed that when I turn it off, if it's dark enough, I can see what was previously on the screen (disappears after 5-10 minutes). Upon discovering this forum, I see a "break-in period" recommended. Is it too late for me to try this?

Thanks guys. I love plasma... don't think I could ever go back to LCD.. but from what I hear, OLED is the new thing and it sounds really sweet.

[PanasonicPlasmaMan]

Congrats on your TV.


The reason you can see the previous thing you were watching is because you did not do the break in. IR is common with plasma but if you do the 100-150 hour break in it becomes minimal. Just turn down the Contrast and Picture to 50 or lower for 100-150 hours and you should be fine.

[JamesKurtovich]

Thanks, I'll do that. I just hope it's not too late.

[DeadDog]

The reason for not lying plamas on the side (face up/down) is because the weight of the glass can cause the screen to crack or break during transport.

I found this analogy works best:
Imagine holding a large plank of plywood. When it is held at the sides laying flat, the middle will sag. But when holding the plywood straight up and down, the board is much stronger and can hold more weight.

It's possible that when transporting the plasma, if a bump is hit the screen could crack under it's own weight. Looks like you got it home fine though . Like the other poster said, I would recommend doing the break-in still. It never hurts to be careful. Enjoy the new TV!

[CasualKiller]

Plasma break in is such BS, it's not necessary and don't stress if you haven't done it.

Just enjoy your TV.

[aramis109]

Originally Posted by CasualKiller

Plasma break in is such BS, it's not necessary and don't stress if you haven't done it.

Just enjoy your TV.

After seeing how my father-in-law watches his new Panny plasma, I'm inclined to agree. He watches a lot of sports (static images) and pillarboxed cable shows, and thus far there have been no issues. It's a really beautiful set. I'm jealous.

[PanasonicPlasmaMan]

Originally Posted by CasualKiller

Plasma break in is such BS, it's not necessary and don't stress if you haven't done it.

Just enjoy your TV.

it is not BS and it is true.

[CasualKiller]

Most manufacturers acknowledge that a plasma panel is most likely to burn in in the first 1000 hours of a panels life.

The only real "process" recommended by every single plasma producer to reduce image retention the first 100 hours is the same... turn down the contrast level for the first 100 hours of use.

But hey if running some disc while you're sleeping makes you feel better, then you go right ahead.

So much paranoia, do you honestly think they are going to sell you a 2500.00 dollar piece of electronics that you can destroy on the first day by watching the news?