Total noob to plasmas, 2 simple questions...

[Durzel]

Taking delivery of my first ever plasma (Panasonic TH42PZ85B 42") this weekend, previously only had CRTs for a variety of reasons.

Two things I need to know before I unwrap it:

1) I've heard people talking about using "50% settings" for the first 200 hours. Is this a universal practice or does it only apply to certain models/brands? If it's the former what's the reason for doing this?

2) HDMI cables - planning to get a HDMI cable for my PS3, and at some point one for my Sky box when I upgrade to Sky HD. Are the cables much of a muchness in terms of quality? I've seen prices for them varying from £15 to £1000 and beyond...

Thanks!

 

[Durzel]

I only need a 0.5m one, tops - the equipment will be underneath the TV on a stand.

Thanks for the tips about 50%-ness, will adhere to this when I start using it

 

[Durzel]

SS-89s settings would presumably have to be done after the 200-hour burn-in period? "5 clicks right" on contrast, if it defaults to middle (50%?) would be greater than that.