Side Panel adjustment (screensaver) options on PW6

[redsox_mark]

While I generally try to avoid it, I have a need to use my Plasma (Panny PW6) in 4:3 mode.

I’m confused about the “screensaver” modes for the side panels. I have options to have the side panels “lit” (grey), either low, medium, or high. (Default is off, so the side panels are black).

The manual tells me:

1. Do not display a picture in 4:3 mode for an extended period, as this can cause an after-image to remain on the side panels either side of the display field. To prevent the appearance of such an after-image, illuminate the side panels.

Then later it says:

2. Setting the side panel to High mode for an extended period may result in occurrence of after-images.

So I’m confused as to what is the best (safest) setting. It sounds like I should have the panels lit, but lighting them high sounds like a problem too. So I’ve currently got it set to low.

Can anyone help me be less confused?

Mark

 

[Matravers]

I would imagine the danger to be there no matter what you do as either way an image is being displayed, although having them set high sounds to me like it may be more likely to burn.

Anyhow, if it is any consolation i have mine off (black) and have had 4:3 images on for hours (approx 4-6) at one time with no problems at all.

 

[redsox_mark]

Thanks, that is reassuring at least. I'd still welcome any opinions on which option is best.

Mark

 

[Jasonjo]

4:3 mode with side bars set to low is the safest...

Where poss though, try to zoom out or use Just mode and fill the screen as much as possible...

JJ

 

[DTech]

Jasonjo

looking at you equipment at the bottom of your post what is an Iscan Ultra and what does it do. I run an Arcam 88 plus to a PWD6.

 

[redsox_mark]

JJ,

Thanks – I’ll stick with the low setting.

I do normally fill the screen when watching 4:3 source (usually with “just”), but in this case the input is via a PC through the VGA, where “just” isn’t supported. I’m watching a video stream from the internet. As quality is already poor I don’t want to zoom either, as it just makes it worse! What I can do is zoom during the adverts though!

If you are wondering why I’m doing this, I’m a big fan of the Boston Red Sox baseball team; and over the internet I can get all their games (162 games in a season!). Previously I’ve watched them directly on the PC, but I’m experimenting with watching them on the plasma. The picture quality, compared to any TV source, even composite video, is poor. But, it is definitely “watchable”, and better than not having it (for a fan).

Mark

 

[Jasonjo]

iScan Ultra is a video processor, sometime called a de-interlacer or line doubler.

Basically it acts as a video hub for all your equipment and processes the signal to send it to the plasma in the best format.

Check out the video processing forum or have a look at www.dvdo.com

JJ

 

[gmt steve]

I wouldn't worry too much about Screen Burn in, Pannys are fairly robust in that area and you don't worry about 2.35:1 aspect films do you? They have black bars too.

 

[redsox_mark]

I did worry about 2:35:1 films for a while, but I’ve relaxed about that now.

My worry was that with baseball season coming up, I could be watching 3 hours of this 4:3 viewing most nights… much more often than I watch a 2.35:1 film. So it seemed as the screen had these screensaver settings that I should use them… but it was confusing me as to what was best.

I’ll use the “low” sidebar setting, and also relax about the burn. If feeling nervous I’ll zoom during the adverts to give it some variety.

Mark

 

[Jasonjo]

Maybe you could also schedule the white bar scroll to run for a short while after you have finished watching, and then auto shut the plasma off???

JJ