I bought a new Plasma TV, now what?

10-11-2010, 08:00 AM

So, I finally broke down and replaced my old JVC with this TV:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...&blockType=G13

I don't know much about TV's, I hear that Plasma's need to be "broken in" properly and calibrated.

I wondered if some of the TV guys can help me with the do's and do not's of my new TV?

Thanks in advance.

AD720 · 10-11-2010, 08:05 AM

Not much need to break in anymore, burn-in is much less of a consideration with the new TV's then it used to be with the first and second gen plasmas. Spending $500 to have an $800 TV professionally calibrated seems like a waste to me.

1 - Don't ever put a plasma TV on it's side. They must be upright at all times. Keep this in mind when moving and unboxing.

2 - Once you get it plugged in and set up check the picture settings. Chances are it will be in what we like to call the factory set "torch mode", with the brightness and contrast jacked all the way up to make it stand out from the TV next to it in the store. Bring everything down do a moderate level.

3- Grab an AVIA or DVE disk: http://myweb.accessus.net/~090/aviaorve.html

Enjoy your new TV!

shilala · 10-11-2010, 08:06 AM

Just plug it in and fly, D . You're good to go.

10-11-2010, 08:07 AM

Thanks, Andy!

Is it true that I should not ever play more than an hour of video games at a time?

AD720 · 10-11-2010, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darrell

Thanks, Andy!

Is it true that I should not ever play more than an hour of video games at a time?

Nope. Have fun. Don't leave it paused for like 6 hours or anything. But burn-in is much less of a consideration anymore.

drob · 10-11-2010, 08:11 AM

Next step is a blu-ray player.

kelmac07 · 10-11-2010, 08:14 AM

Was always told not to "pause" (DVR, Tivo, etc) a Plasma TV. Burning images can happen faster with a plasma.

10-11-2010, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AD720

Nope. Have fun. Don't leave it paused for like 6 hours or anything. But burn-in is much less of a consideration anymore.

Schweet!

Quote:

Originally Posted by drob

Next step is a blu-ray player.

I am going to get one for sure!

hammondc · 10-11-2010, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelmac07

Was always told not to "pause" (DVR, Tivo, etc) a Plasma TV. Burning images can happen faster with a plasma.

Years ago that was true. I suppose if you leave a static image up for 12 hours or so, there may be a problem. Even then, most never plasmas have a feature to erase the image. Essentially it does a white 'blast' to the screen.

As for gaming, I have done 4+ hours on my Panasonic plasma with zero problems.

CigarNut · 10-11-2010, 08:30 AM

Get DirecTV

GTsetGO · 10-11-2010, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drob

Next step is a blu-ray player.

PS3 is your friend.

gaming system and a bluray player all in one.

10-11-2010, 09:16 AM

A PS3 is tempting, but the only game I want for it is MLB The Show and I have that for PSP.

BeerAdvocate · 10-11-2010, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTsetGO

PS3 is your friend.

gaming system and a bluray player all in one.

jmsremax · 10-11-2010, 09:24 AM

First thing is HD cable.

pektel · 10-11-2010, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AD720

Nope. Have fun. Don't leave it paused for like 6 hours or anything. But burn-in is much less of a consideration anymore.

This reminds me of a craigslist ad from a while back:

(warning: adult language)

http://nyc.barstoolsports.com/random...e-day-free-tv/

10-11-2010, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pektel

This reminds me of a craigslist ad from a while back:

(warning: adult language)

http://nyc.barstoolsports.com/random...e-day-free-tv/

Lulz.

aich75013 · 10-11-2010, 09:42 AM

I have a Samsung and have noticed some slight burn in from leaving the guide for the satellite up too long. I can see the grid pattern later. It goes away but worried me.
I since found an option in the menu that is supposed to shift the pixels occasionally to reduce this problem. It was turned off by default so it is now turned on. This was recent but I haven't noticed the grids since.

stewshi · 10-11-2010, 09:51 AM

Never go to a retail store and buy an HDMI cable unless you like giving money away. Now that I think about it you should never buy any cables from a box store like Best Buy unless in an emergency. They are almost always cheaper online by a lot. Heres some from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...-keywords=hdmi

Oh and I have a PS3 and its the way to go. Might cost you a bit more now but the features and constant upgrading of the firmware is worth it. Dont know if your TV has Wi-Fi or internet capaibilities but with the PS3 you can also watch NetFlix over the PS3's built in Wi-Fi connection. No internet cables needed to connect.

10-11-2010, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stewshi

Never go to a retail store and buy an HDMI cable unless you like giving money away. Now that I think about it you should never buy any cables from a box store like Best Buy unless in an emergency. They are almost always cheaper online by a lot. Heres some from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...-keywords=hdmi

Oh and I have a PS3 and its the way to go. Might cost you a bit more now but the features and constant upgrading of the firmware is worth it. Dont know if your TV has Wi-Fi or internet capaibilities but with the PS3 you can also watch NetFlix over the PS3's built in Wi-Fi connection. No internet cables needed to connect.

Hm, the built in wireless ALMOST has be convinced to get a PS3.

T.G · 10-11-2010, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stewshi

Never go to a retail store and buy an HDMI cable unless you like giving money away. Now that I think about it you should never buy any cables from a box store like Best Buy unless in an emergency. They are almost always cheaper online by a lot. Heres some from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...-keywords=hdmi

Monoprice.com and bluejeans cable are also two good places to get cables.

Monoprice cables tend to be a little bit stiff, but once installed, most of the time this isn't an issue.

10-11-2010, 08:00 AM	#1
Darrell Guest Posts: n/a	I bought a new Plasma TV, now what? So, I finally broke down and replaced my old JVC with this TV: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...&blockType=G13 I don't know much about TV's, I hear that Plasma's need to be "broken in" properly and calibrated. I wondered if some of the TV guys can help me with the do's and do not's of my new TV? Thanks in advance.

10-11-2010, 08:05 AM	#2
AD720 I'm nuts for the place Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Andrew Location: The City of BOTL-erly Love Posts: 2,684 Trading: (73)	Re: I bought a new Plasma TV, now what? Not much need to break in anymore, burn-in is much less of a consideration with the new TV's then it used to be with the first and second gen plasmas. Spending $500 to have an $800 TV professionally calibrated seems like a waste to me. 1 - Don't ever put a plasma TV on it's side. They must be upright at all times. Keep this in mind when moving and unboxing. 2 - Once you get it plugged in and set up check the picture settings. Chances are it will be in what we like to call the factory set "torch mode", with the brightness and contrast jacked all the way up to make it stand out from the TV next to it in the store. Bring everything down do a moderate level. 3- Grab an AVIA or DVE disk: http://myweb.accessus.net/~090/aviaorve.html Enjoy your new TV! __________________

10-11-2010, 08:06 AM	#3
shilala Dear Lord, Thank You. Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Scott Posts: 13,721 Trading: (252)	Re: I bought a new Plasma TV, now what? Just plug it in and fly, D . You're good to go. __________________

10-11-2010, 08:07 AM	#4
Darrell Guest Posts: n/a	Re: I bought a new Plasma TV, now what? Thanks, Andy! Is it true that I should not ever play more than an hour of video games at a time?

10-11-2010, 08:11 AM	#6
drob Superbowl XLIV Champs! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Here Posts: 245 Trading: (8)	Re: I bought a new Plasma TV, now what? Next step is a blu-ray player. __________________ "Life is a garden - dig it!" - Joe Dirt

10-11-2010, 08:14 AM	#7
kelmac07 Resident Maduro Whore!! Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: Mac Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 27,322 Trading: (218)	Re: I bought a new Plasma TV, now what? Was always told not to "pause" (DVR, Tivo, etc) a Plasma TV. Burning images can happen faster with a plasma. __________________ Dom in the MLB thread "I could probably get you to wear a Yankee hat for a Maduro!"

10-11-2010, 08:30 AM	#10
CigarNut Fck Cancer! Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Michael Location: Clermont, Florida Posts: 18,038 Trading: (111*)	Re: I bought a new Plasma TV, now what? Get DirecTV __________________ Need Beads? Need Five Finger Bags? 2 of 3 Requirements for use of the CA Rolodex: 100 posts/ 60 day membership/ participation in trade (trader rating). New members can be added at any time.

10-11-2010, 09:16 AM	#12
Darrell Guest Posts: n/a	Re: I bought a new Plasma TV, now what? A PS3 is tempting, but the only game I want for it is MLB The Show and I have that for PSP.

10-11-2010, 09:24 AM	#14
jmsremax Yet another Masshole Join Date: Nov 2009 First Name: Jon Location: MA Posts: 1,245 Trading: (19)	Re: I bought a new Plasma TV, now what? First thing is HD cable. __________________ Stock/Finance banter

10-11-2010, 09:42 AM	#17
aich75013 Feeling at Home Join Date: Nov 2008 First Name: Adrian Location: Allen, TX Posts: 774 Trading: (25)	Re: I bought a new Plasma TV, now what? I have a Samsung and have noticed some slight burn in from leaving the guide for the satellite up too long. I can see the grid pattern later. It goes away but worried me. I since found an option in the menu that is supposed to shift the pixels occasionally to reduce this problem. It was turned off by default so it is now turned on. This was recent but I haven't noticed the grids since.

10-11-2010, 09:51 AM	#18
stewshi Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 407 Trading: (23)	Re: I bought a new Plasma TV, now what? Never go to a retail store and buy an HDMI cable unless you like giving money away. Now that I think about it you should never buy any cables from a box store like Best Buy unless in an emergency. They are almost always cheaper online by a lot. Heres some from Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...-keywords=hdmi Oh and I have a PS3 and its the way to go. Might cost you a bit more now but the features and constant upgrading of the firmware is worth it. Dont know if your TV has Wi-Fi or internet capaibilities but with the PS3 you can also watch NetFlix over the PS3's built in Wi-Fi connection. No internet cables needed to connect.