Plasma - is some image retention acceptable?

Soldato
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17 Feb 2006
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Finally got myself a Panasonic 42ST30 last week, but it was the last one House of Fraser Guildfor had left and they told me it had previously been used for in-store display. They assured me it was perfectly fine and had a looping demo on. I didn't have the chance to inspect that particular one as it was all boxed again so took their word for it.

But since installing it and watching in the dark last night, in some pale scenes (sd tv and hd bluray playback and in component with nothing playing), the ghost of the top and bottom bars are a little visible, as is the ghosting of a square box on the bottom right (can't find what channel that would be from). My housemates didn't notice anything until I pointed themout. Nothing is visible on any darker scenes.

Pixel shifter is on by default. I've run hd stuff for 4 hours full screen and also ran the vertical scrolling bar for 30 mins or so, but the IR is still a little visible at times afterwards i.e. could be permanent burn-in. As I said, it's not obvious, but now I know about it, it's hard to ignore.

Panasonic have simply suggested I ask for a replacement as the shop probably didn't break it in properly. HoF customer service have said I should be ok in principle to get it replaced but would have to go back to the store, which is gonna be a major pain.

But before I do that, just wondering how much IR/burn in is enough to warrant an exchange, especially as I am not so sure they will have another one to give to me as their website no longer has that tv advertised?
 
No, I didn't get a discount although I did ask. It was a decent package price and I thought that by paying full price, it would be eaiser getting an exchange/refund should there be a problem considering it was ex-demo. Had I got £50 off or something, might have been harder.

Thanks for the link; had heard about it but not read in detail. Will check it out tonight.
 
So you bought an ex-demo package deal at the same price you would have paid for the same package brand new...Is that what you're saying?

I wouldn't have done that.
 
Yes. Fair enough you wouldn't have done it but I've done so on different electrical goods before without any problems arising before so took another gamble this time.

No green tint evident on my set...the problems reported seem to be on larger sizes.
 
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No, there's nothing visible when it's turned off.

I'm running full screen hd films atm on dynamic as much as possible just to see if it disappears. Will do so for a few more days and if I don't see an improvement, I'll return it.
 
I can bet you right now that the store had the set running on high contrast settings in dynamic/standard mode, this is the reason for image burn/retention.
 
You'd be mad not to wack it right up full if your trying to sell people something. Had my 42GT for about 4 months now and had none of the problems you have listed. I would really recommend taking it back and getting a brand new one if you can.
 
I was assured by the dept manager, who seemed knowledgeable, that it was no more than 2 weeks and that they had taken the necessary precautions, so I took his word for it.
 
Erm, tried doing that yesterday from a guide on AVforums but it didn't seem to work, instead ended up losing my channels and display & sound preferences (which a few other ppl ended up doing actually by mistake I gather from forums), so gave up finding out. Anyone got some working instructions to do so, do let me know.

Edit: will take a couple of pics at the weekend.
 
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Yes when the stores set them up they get an option of Home or Store/Hotel Mode - they will stick them in the 2nd mode as it shows the TV off best in the brighter conditions ... this mode will enhance the chances of getting Image Retention/Screen Burn.

Personally I would tell the store that you noticed this Image Retention instantly and want a full refund/exchange or are prepared to give it a couple of days to settle down if they are prepared to knock a full whack off what they charged you ... don't take any nonsense from them whatever you choose.

You don't want to wait too long either as Panasonic will simply tell you that any Image Retention is your problem and won't replace it under warranty.
 
Erm, tried doing that yesterday from a guide on AVforums but it didn't seem to work, instead ended up losing my channels and display & sound preferences (which a few other ppl ended up doing actually by mistake I gather from forums), so gave up finding out. Anyone got some working instructions to do so, do let me know.

Edit: will take a couple of pics at the weekend.

Wouldn't bother going into the service menu either as you will void your warranty if something untoward happens.
 
Just thought I'd update this thread to say that another few weeks have gone by and I forget there ever was an issue. I think using it over time has made the image retention go away.

Really enjoying watching it.

Still waiting for Panasonic to send me the extended guarantee paperwork though; have called them once about it already and they said to give it till the end of the month.
 
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