Plasma's and running in???

I have heard and read various things you have to do, the main one is make sure the pixel orbiter is always on this helps prevent image retention.  I have read leave it on normal settings for the first few hundred hours of running it in, I would just make sure again the pixel orbiter is always working.  Don't leave it on a static image, or pause the TV.  In the manual for the GT50 it talks about the pixel orbiter and how it works.  You can find it in the picture settings, I have heard THX mode disables it so be careful.

If you don't be careful you could end up with image retention on the screen.  I have done all the above and mine is fine.  I would be careful if you play games on it.

The “running-in” issue relates to something called “Screen burn” and although it really isn’t/shouldn’t be an issue these days, this article here should help to explain.

Essentially just keep everything turned down for the first 200 hours. I used “Cinema” mode with contrast a notch below 50% for the first 200 hours with “Pixel Orbiter” on (as Gel rightly pointed out this is disabled in “THX” mode). Took less than 3-weeks with the TV running for 10-12 hours a day (not on any of the news channels though!)

Thanks to both for the replies.....

hhmmmm, not ideal any of that for me. Can't do 10 hours a day, I watch news channels and I do use pause a lot, and, thx mode is any easy plug and play from what I read.....

im sure most people (who don't research in this way) just start watching without running in...seems like a lot of compromise (not pausing, or worrying about pausing) to me.....puts me off

i'm currently hating Sony for only offering the 853 on a dumb plinth leaning back. Why they couldn't stick to a standard frame I don't know. It must be costing them sales....hhhmmmmm

Do you pause for 3-4 hours at a time? If not, you shouldn't worry. Just use the TV normally without dynamic contrast & you should be fine.

I didn't bother with running in. Just watched TV in normal mode. No problems whatsoever.

Yeah I would not worry too much, they were just general tips.  I watch Sky News all the time, with the Sky Sports channel I just try not leave it on it for hours on end.  This TV really is a rocket ship, can't recommend it enough.  

I have had my GT50 a week now - BD look fanatastic especially Avatar - WOW

I have been using normal mode with the pixel orbiter on!

I do run the black/white tool occasionally (forgot what it called)

That is what I am doing and love it too! 

With all the known potential issues with the previous GT30 series (green blobs, fluctuating brightness levels amongst others) I decided to simply err on the side of caution.

After the 200 hours I then calibrated the TV and it has been absolutely perfect with no problems at all. I did not intend by any means to put you off a prospective purchase, and apologies if my “neurosis” may have done so.

But to answer this question, yes, they do. So your choice really...

Can totally understand your reason for being cautious, even though the issues with your GT30 was due to manufacturing defect rather than the TV not being run in.

True, but I wanted to cover my bases!

Whether running-in or not has made any difference regarding the known potential issues who knows?, but I’ve had a perfect TV for 8 months and couldn’t be more happy with it.

Thanks to all for the replies.....and thanks Sizzers for that link...a very useful read for me......and as for 'neurosis', not sure any of us would need this forum if we didn't suffer a bit!

GT50 will probably be the one (in the next few weeks)....still disappointed Sony only offer the 6 degree plinth thing, which is forcing me to look at my first Plasma.....

im I the only one who doesn't get the Sony?

I like it, but saying that if i got one it wouldn't work on my stand as it has a built in bracket to mount the TV on.

Phew.... I'm so happy I didn't put you totally off!!

If you were writing this post 12 months ago and you were researching the GT30 instead you would understand where I'm coming from, and again i apologise for any uneccessary worries. Just enjoy your new telly whichever one you choose.

My GT50 is awesome...I love it!