[aekostas]

I would like to extend the life of my CRT as much as possible. We use it a lot and that's not something that is likely to change

I have tuned it using the DVD Video Essentials method, which means that colour, contrast and brightness are in reasonable levels.

I am particularly concerned about the effect of putting it to standby or switching it on and off. Environmental issues aside, if you are leaving the set for 30 minutes or something what would you do?

What else affects a CRT?

Thanks in advance!

[NST]

I'm not too sure on this, normally CRT's themselves have a very good lifespan. It's other components in the TV that will often fail long before the CRT does. Might therefore be more beneficial to build a kit of spare parts if you're really serious!
I don't think that switching on and off is a good idea, once it's on leave it on for the duration of the time you are viewing. It's probably best to plan what you want to watch before switching on.

With my TV, I normally keep the brightness/ contrast down for general viewing and then increase it just for DVD's.

[SAMMYTHE]

Just like any electrical device it,s the constant on/off that is most harmful, nothing worse than kids switching the TV on for less than 5mins then turning off again.
The only other problems I have known have been with the cheaper makes so I suppose in TV land you get what you pay for.

[Tight Git]

For those old enough to remember them (like TG ), the CRT is just a glorified thermionic valve.

As such, it will be losing emission from the cathode(s) from the first time it's switched on.

This will cause a (very gradual) display deterioration which manifests itself in poor focus and loss of contrast.

Obviously the best way to prolong its life is not to use it!

However, that rather defeats the purpose for which it was bought.

Provided there is not a catastrophic failure such as an inter-electrode short, keeping the contrast well down will eke out those precious electrons and should result in a long life.