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RE: Plasma TV

Posted by cfraser on February 9, 2016 at 18:07:27:
Sorry, I can't explain, there are so many different ways it's done, but be assured the "hour meter" is in there somehow, possibly easily accessed using a simple app over your network. e.g. my Pio requires an RS-232 interface to access or a "service remote". Newer plasmas use the net but usually it's a 3rd party app that may not be free, though usually you can find a free one for a specific model. I have to say that any semi-serious plasma owner *who looks after their display* is certain to have the app and hour-meter access...maybe a clue there as to how the plasma may have been treated.

I wouldn't put huge stock in the number of hours unless you think it's possibly really high, like on full-time for several years. e.g. We used to install plasmas at work because it was the only display tech we could install where the "public" couldn't physically get at the displays, yet they could also be read from the large viewing angles involved (very limited viewing angles, still, with LCD).

There's also usually a power cycle counter, various internal fault counters, etc., all worth checking for the terminally anal (though the unscrupulous can and do reset them). Plasmas are incredibly complex, and they have an internal aging algorithm/mechanism since the different colored phosphors "age" at different rates and they try to compensate for that electronically. They usually do it poorly, the manufacturers were way too pessimistic and they prematurely "age" the phosphors. So don't be totally turned off if things look a bit off, usually it's too red, they really do tend to age the red phosphors way too fast, and it can affect the perceived black levels (e.g. Pio and Panny). You can turn the aging back with a bit of effort (Pio), not sure about all Panasonics or the others. Every model is different, never mind every brand.

I'm making it sound way too complex, sorry. Probably best to buy used from somebody who's an HT or A/V nut, who simply "upgraded"/updated to something 4K and larger etc. That way you'll know the plasma was probably well cared for, and it was simply replaced rather than went bad. They'll also likely ask more...