| Many thousands of people purchase their first plasma | | | | the heat they generate. Outdoor placement of a |
| screen TV each year. They invest a significant | | | | plasma screen is a no-no due to the exposure to heat, |
| amount of money to obtain a plasma screen which | | | | humidity, other moisture, and dirt. |
| offers top of the line color accuracy, vibrancy, and | | | | • Use a little "elbow grease"- but not too |
| clarity to enhance their family's viewing experience. | | | | much: Keep the screen clean with the proper tools. |
| Once the television is delivered however, it's important | | | | Manufacturers seldom recommend strong cleaners. |
| for plasma buyers to take the time to become familiar | | | | Most often a micro fiber cloth is recommended which |
| with the proper care of the screen to assure many | | | | is effective in ridding the screen of dust and finger |
| years of trouble free viewing enjoyment. Plasma | | | | prints. When more aggressive cleaning is necessary |
| screens aren't really "high maintenance" but observing | | | | cleaners specifically made for plasma or PC screens |
| a few tips offered here can extend the life of the | | | | (anti-static cleaners) are used but should never be |
| screen. | | | | sprayed directly on the screen. The cleaner should be |
| • Provide a solid foundation: Be sure the | | | | applied to the cloth. Use of paper towels, Kleenex, or |
| plasma screen is placed (or mounted) in an area | | | | any other abrasive type cloths should be avoided as |
| where it will not be "knocked around" or will | | | | they can damage the anti-glare coating. |
| accidentally fall. | | | | • Don't get burnt: Although anti-burn in |
| • Let it breathe: Plasma screens generate a | | | | technology has advanced greatly over the years, it is |
| lot of heat which can speed the demise of the | | | | best to avoid leaving static images on the screen. This |
| electrical components of the unit. Be sure the TV has | | | | means that images should not be paused on the |
| enough open space around it. The manufacturer will | | | | screen for extended periods of time and stations |
| provide venting guidelines. | | | | which present a static block/image on the screen |
| • Stay dry: Exposure to excessive humidity, | | | | should be viewed on a limited basis as well. Hooking |
| spills, or condensation due to rapid changes in | | | | your PC up to a plasma screen is also inadvisable as |
| temperature can destroy electrical components and | | | | they are often used to display static images. |
| cause corrosion. | | | | • Help your plasma TV weather the storm: |
| • Tone it down: Rooms with lower ambient | | | | This is just common sense; use a surge protector. |
| light require less brightness. Brightness levels that are | | | | • Prevent pre-mature aging: The final word of |
| set too high will prematurely age the phosphor lining of | | | | caution; turn plasma screens off when not in use. This |
| the plasma screen. | | | | can help avoid accidental burn in, reduce heat, and help |
| • Keep it cool: As alluded to above, plasma | | | | to avoid decreased brightness/pre-mature aging. |
| screens require a cool environment, due primarily to | | | | |