How long do Plasma TV's last?
Now there's a question!
The short answer is among the top brands and looking at a similar LCD (comparing apples to oranges) they have approximately the same lifespans.
However, we qualify that by adding that there are variations among brand names and model types.
Plasma manufacturers claim a life span of 60,000+ hours. Today's tubed based television doesn't last that long!
Plasma manufacturers came up with this amazing lifespan based on math, not reality.
In the end it depends on your daily usage and how you use the monitor. 12 - 30 years.
Since we can't predict the future at the 30 year anniversary of your Plasma TV we suspect you will have already upgraded.
Who claims what:
Panasonic: 60,000+
Samsung: Lists 60,000 hours for plasma lineup.
Pioneer: States 60,000 hours.
Sharp LCD panels: States 60,000+.
Lets put some perspective in these numbers. The average U.S. household watches 4 to 6 hours of television per day.
Taking a average useage of 50,000 hours multiplied by the average of 5 hours per day, calculates to over 27 years of usage.
But who keeps there TV for 27 years? (okay, maybe grandpa does.)
There are steps you can take to ensure longer and better life from your plasma display panel:
1) Never leave static images on the unit. Although Plasma phosphors have become more resilient to burn in its still better to be safe, then sorry.
2) Use Brightness and Contrast levels that are necessary for viewing - not excessive. In rooms with normal lighting you should not need to use the contrast setting on more than 60% of contrast.
Please note: Plasma manufacturers routinely ship plasma TVs with the contrast (picture) set at 80 to 100% of contrast. You will need to make this necessary adjustment yourself.
3) Keep the monitor/TV in a well-ventilated area. The cooling system in the plasma will not have to work as hard.
4) Buy a good brand.
5) Turn the plasma off when not in use.
6) Keep the unit out of reach of small children.
7) Do not mount the unit face down from the ceiling.
Even if it looks really cool.