In the not so distant past, it was not unusual to have a hard time hearing the volume of a plasma TV over the buzzing of the units cooling fans at work. These cooling fans were functioning regularly as the obsolete plasma TV could produce heat hot enough to cook eggs. It is no wonder that most of the early model plasma TV have already retired.

Many different technologies have been at work to create improvements in today's technology. These innovations have brought the life spam of a plasma TV to be calculated at 20 to 25 years for normal viewing patterns.

Normally a plasma TV has a half-life between 30,000 to 60,000 hours, meaning that the unit will loose around fifty percent of its brightness during this time of service. For instance if a plasma TV was left on for eight hours a day the expected half life would range about 9 years. If however the plasma TV were left on for only 4 hours daily, then its half life expectancy would range near about eighteen years.

When considering the loss of brightness in TV screens the fact that a traditional TV looses approximately thirty percent of brightness after use of about 20,000 hours. This loss of light is so gradual that a viewer may not be aware of the effect other than to occasionally fine-tune the levels of brightness and contrast options to make up the difference.

When a plasma TV looses its light to dimness, various models present the option of replacing the light source, thereby renewing the unit's .life span

Plasma TV life span extension tips.

1. Use wide screen formatting as often as possible. The use of wide screen viewing insures that all pixels have opportunity to work.

2. Brightness levels need to set as low as possible for viewing pleasure. Using the higher brightness levels strains the pixels and phosphors, which decreases the plasma TV's life span.

3. Always, take care that the plasma TV is in a well-ventilated area. Keeping the unit cool cuts down on the energy it takes for cooling, reducing the need for internal cooling fans and it also aids the phosphors in longer working time.

4. Do not let static images sit on the units TV screen for any length of time. Seven to ten minutes is about the longest that an image should be left to sit on a display screen. Image burn in and ghosting effects will cause the TV screen to wash out. DVD's should not be left on pause for more that 20 minutes.

5. When interior light is dim, always use a lower level of contrast. The use of lower leveled contrast or picture options will help extend the life span of a plasma TV. Normal interior lighting calls for no more than sixty percent a contrast level.

6. Remember that factory settings are always set higher for best viewing in a show room. Once at home, the setting options of contrast and brightness should be adjusted for home entertainment viewing.

7. Stay away from off brand plasma TV units or accessories that are not manufactured as well built or engineered as good brand name products. These may be cheaper, but in the long run, you get what you pay for.

8. When not in use turn your plasma TV off.

9. Keep small children away from a plasma TV.

10. Never, mount a plasma TV from the ceiling facing down.