Plasma TV as monitor?

Teaf · 30 Dec 2009 at 13:10

Really looking to get a new TV, and I'm loving the picture quality of a Plasma compared to a LCD tv after my parents got their LG plasma. However I'm wondering if there'll be any complications with using a plasma as a computer display?

The plasma I was looking at was a Samsung PS42B430P2. It doesn't have a VGA input but I can just run the computer through the HDMI port. But I'm really concerned with the burn in that plasma's have and whether it's going to cause screen damage when the TV is on and the computer is sitting at the desktop for hours on end.

Can anyone clarify whether it can/will cause TV damage? as I'm slightly paranoid about getting the set.

[Edit]: Also the amount of time when the PC will be on the desktop - could be looking at about 8 hours per day.

Liquidfox · 30 Dec 2009 at 14:00

A Plasma won't like the static start bar you have on-screen. You'll sharp get some nasty burn-in i'd imagine.

iwrox · 31 Dec 2009 at 12:37

Do not use a PLASMA for normal computing use!! Bad screen burn will occur very quickly id imagine.

R34pz · 31 Dec 2009 at 19:01

Unfortunately on a Samsung you risk getting burn-in, I've got a Panasonic however and even after 10 hours a day pc usage (with upto 4 hours at the desktop) I haven't had any burn-in. You would get image retention, which 10 mins of freeview eliminates completely, but a Panny will never burn in unless you left it on vibrant with a static screen for a couple of days.

Teaf · 1 Jan 2010 at 13:35

Cheers folks, appreciate the answers. I'll skip the Samsung then based on replies, will aim for an LCD instead.

R34pz · 1 Jan 2010 at 15:59

Unless you are planning on spending big money flibby, you really can't beat a panny plasma for the price. If burn-in is your biggest worry, I can honestly say that I don't know of anybody that has had burn-in with recent Panasonics.

whitecrook · 1 Jan 2010 at 16:21

Personally if I was using a big screen for primarily desktop work I'd go LCD.

How are the LCD TV in terms of lag for gaming on a PC? anyone any experience? My panny plasma handle Quake 3 remarkably well. there's phospor trails, but no ghosting.

bobert50 · 1 Jan 2010 at 16:24

This is a really tricky one because with pretty much any big lcd you'd expect a lot of input lag etc whereas plasma's are really, really responsive. Apart from the obvious burn-in worries, plasma would be brilliant for gaming.

If it was me, i'd go plasma and be a little cautious of the task bar. If it was just for windows / browsing use i'd maybe go lcd though.

whitecrook · 1 Jan 2010 at 16:32

bobert50 said:
This is a really tricky one because with pretty much any big lcd you'd expect a lot of input lag etc whereas plasma's are really, really responsive. Apart from the obvious burn-in worries, plasma would be brilliant for gaming.

If it was me, i'd go plasma and be a little cautious of the task bar. If it was just for windows / browsing use i'd maybe go lcd though.

Yes. Plasma for pictures (tv / movies / games etc)
LCD for text / lines

one of the disadvantages of most LCDs is the lack of viewing angles but this is mitigated by sitting in front of it as a computer monitor.

We have a samm plasma in our reception at work for the last year or so. it plays the same video with the same text over and over with a scrolling ticker, all boxed into regions. The screen is burned to hell on it. It's only really noticable when the screen is off, or when most of the screen s white e.g. looking at a web page. When it's playing the content that burned onto the screen you can't notice the burn at all. if you are having a taskbar on your screen all the time, the burn in of the task bar won't be a problem, as long as you are displaying the task bar.

Pug · 1 Jan 2010 at 22:21

my Sammy Plasma is great for a TV (good value too) but i get retention after <1h of my HTPC usage, so i personally wouldnt reccomend it. Pana are a LOT better for it, but i'd still be concerned myself...

friddela · 1 Jan 2010 at 23:46

R34pz said:
Unfortunately on a Samsung you risk getting burn-in, I've got a Panasonic however and even after 10 hours a day pc usage (with upto 4 hours at the desktop) I haven't had any burn-in. You would get image retention, which 10 mins of freeview eliminates completely, but a Panny will never burn in unless you left it on vibrant with a static screen for a couple of days.

Same, use my Panasonic plasma as a monitor and never had a screen burn issue. Couldn't comment on the Samsung.