Image burn (VIERA 50")

[teric]

I realize that this is probably my being anal about my new toy and this isn't the first time anyone has asked about image burn, but I was an idiot last night with my week old Panasonic VIERA 50". Fell asleep on the movie and the DVD menu stayed up for about 4 hours. (There is a place in hell for static DVD menus - and a deeper place for static menus in action movies!!)

Anywho, should I be worried? I had the pixel shift setting to "Force" and keep my set in Cinema mode. I can see the menu words pretty clearly if I am about a foot away from the screen. Is this an actual "burn" or image retention that will go away with time?

I have heard that one can unplug the antenna and use the snow for an extended period of time to eradicate ghosting; is this true?

In the future, I will take precautions, such as auto off of the TV and see what I can do about my player to prevent this, but I just want to know if I need to get used to my panny not being "new" anymore :)

Thanks in advance!!

[57U]

It's short term image retention that will go away in a few days of watching the TV. See the following FAQ on the topic and follow the recommendations.

There is no need to use any "snow", it simply ages the plasma unnecessarily.

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=6821

[DaveTwitter]

Yes, you should be a little bit worried

In truth, today's plasmas are nothing like 3 years ago. They've come along way. Especially Panasonic. But plasma still works with heated phosphors, and there is always danger of burn in.

To minimize your danger of IR & Burn-IN, you should play it for 100 hours on an HD channel with low contrast and brightness levels.

Plasma Break-In Guide (http://www.homeappliancegallery.com/FE_Display_Article.aspx?Content_ID=11)

[57U]

There is really no reason to break in a plasma. The proper settings (not leaving it in the default torch mode, etc) as outlined in my previous link, as well as proper viewing habits throughout the plasma's life are really what's important.

In the same way that you wouldn't put your car up on rollers for the first 5000 km, but drive it properly, you should do the same with your plasma.