I have never read or heard anything like this before...Every time I change the channel, I get a temporary image retention. I can see all black bars, logo, etc. What might be happening??

As a matter of fact, even outlines of people are showing up while the screen goes to black in between channels. Once the next channel apperas it seems to go away, but that channel will now be IR. Any thoughts?

Sounds like the afterglow of excited phospor. I can see this on all my CRTs as well. The phosphor will continue to emit very small amounts of light for several seconds, if not minutes, unless refreshed.

I don't think you have anything to worry about :)

Its just weird because it has never happened before. Is there a way to refresh or make it stop?

What you're describing is normal. Although "image retention" does describe the phenomenon that's not the persistent image retention that some people experience. With any plasma TV I've seen, a faint image 'afterglow' tends to remain until the next image (even a blank one) 'washes' it away. You will notice the same thing if you are watching in a totally dark room and turn the set off - a faint afterimage of the last scene will appear for a while, even if that scene was only on the screen for a second before turning off the set. Bottom line is it's nothing to worry about - it won't get worse or cause any problems.

Any reason for this just start?? Never been a problem before.

Any reason for this just start?? Never been a problem before.Probably due to perception. I never noticed this before, but the one time that I did, I began to look for it and could see it all the time. When I'm not looking for it I never see it. My wife still can't see it and I try and point it out to her.

This has definitely never happened before! Whatever is on the TV when I change channels is exactly the outline on the black before the next channel. I can read every word on ESPN tickers, etc. Just wondering if I should let CC check it out?

This has definitely never happened before! Whatever is on the TV when I change channels is exactly the outline on the black before the next channel. I can read every word on ESPN tickers, etc. Just wondering if I should let CC check it out?

What brand/model plasma do you have and how long have you had it?
I bought an LG plasma 2 weeks ago and I get image retention too. I just white wash the screen for about 30 seconds before I turn off the tv. Clears out the retention nicely.

Ok, here is something interesting...The weird image retention is only on my DISH network. I have both Directv and DISH (long story on why I have both). I just watched the Hatton-Mayweather fight on Directv and changed channels numerous times with no issues at all. I guess I will try to reset my DISH and see if that helps. If not, any thoughts?

BTW, I have a Panny 50" 77U.

I think I figured out the source. I tried to reset the DISH and that didn't help. Then I switched my HDMI inputs for the DISH and everything was fine on HDMI 2. I t looks like my HDMI 1 is the source of the problem. I guess that meant I will be placing a call to CC on Monday to try to fix or replace. This is why I bought my warranty.

Any ideas before I call Circuit City?

Now it is happening on both my HDMI inputs. It does not happen on my component inputs. Is it the HDMI inputs on my TV or the new HDMI cables from monoprice?

haha dude calm down...

it is normal

I have never read or heard anything like this before...Every time I change the channel, I get a temporary image retention. I can see all black bars, logo, etc. What might be happening??PDP IR is most prevalent during the first 1000 hours of operation. Inappropriate picture settings: contrast/brightness/sharpness can also contribute to IR. Try to vary your program viewing habits more. Stretch/Zoom images with black bars.

My wife generated some nasty IR on a 2.5 year old 50PX50U, with more than 2000 hours of operation, from watching too much of the QVC Shopping Channel; which took many hours of viewing different channels to erase.

Supposedly each newer generation of PDPs have better resistance to IR but I'm not going to attempt the QVC experiment with my PRO-150FD.

PDP IR is most prevalent during the first 1000 hours of operation. Inappropriate picture settings: contrast/brightness/sharpness can also contribute to IR. Try to vary your program viewing habits more. Stretch/Zoom images with black bars.

My wife generated some nasty IR on a 2.5 year old 50PX50U, with more than 2000 hours of operation, from watching too much of the QVC Shopping Channel; which took many hours of viewing different channels to erase.

Supposedly each newer generation of PDPs have better resistance to IR but I'm not going to attempt the QVC experiment with my PRO-150FD.

I have the 58 inch Panny plasma, and have had zero image retention issues with normal use. My friend just bought a Vizio plasma, and I saw it last night. The image retention on it is unbelievably bad! Any time white lettering is shown for even 10 seconds there is a visible after ghost that shows on darker colors for a long time. I never ever had this issue on my Panny. I have read that the Vizio calms down on this after break in. I am just glad I bought the Panny after seeing how bad the Vizio is about that though.

Sounds like he doesn't have consistent settings across HDMI inputs, and one of his inputs is set on torch mode.

I am just wondering why this happened suddenly. No problems for 5 months and then one day both HDMI's are doing this. Why is it not happening on component? Also, does this typically go away? If it doesn't, the TV will get replaced because if I switch to a show that is dark in background, IR stays until a more colorful screen comes on. That doesn't work for me!

Circuit City is coming on Tuesday, but things I have noticed. The temporary IR is only on my 2 HDMI outputs. All inputs seem to have a weird color fluctuation. I have no idea how to describe it other than blue colors (For example) look like shimmering water plus the original IR problem still exists. Obviously, not good! Any ideas??

Ok, here is something interesting...The weird image retention is only on my DISH network. I have both Directv and DISH (long story on why I have both). I just watched the Hatton-Mayweather fight on Directv and changed channels numerous times with no issues at all. I guess I will try to reset my DISH and see if that helps. If not, any thoughts?

BTW, I have a Panny 50" 77U.Actually, I believe I read on another thread in the AVS Forum (sorry I don't have the link) that one of the satellite providers was distributing STBs that caused IR. I'll see if I can dig up the article.

Any reason for this just start?? Never been a problem before.


No. I think members are too quick to dismiss something they've had no experience in. What you describe is quite more drastic and pronounced than any image retention I've seen in any Plasma.

Unless something has changed in your eyes and you have become extremely sensitive to after-images, I would say there's a problem with your set or stup that is way beyond what normal IR should look like.

Google "VIP622" image retention

Have you tried adjusting the picture settings at all? If not, take it off Vivid mode to Standard mode first. Then turn the contrast down to at least 20 or less.

Google "VIP622" image retention


I also notice it on my HD-A2 which is connected through HDMI. Must be the TV. They are coming on Tuesday, so we will see.

I took a while but I managed to find that thread...

DirecTV HD Receivers Have a Major Flaw That May Damage Your Display (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=887859&highlight=image+retention)

Have you tried adjusting the picture settings at all? If not, take it off Vivid mode to Standard mode first. Then turn the contrast down to at least 20 or less.

PDP IR is most prevalent during the first 1000 hours of operation. Inappropriate picture settings: contrast/brightness/sharpness can also contribute to IR. Try to vary your program viewing habits more. Stretch/Zoom images with black bars.

My wife generated some nasty IR on a 2.5 year old 50PX50U, with more than 2000 hours of operation, from watching too much of the QVC Shopping Channel; which took many hours of viewing different channels to erase.

Supposedly each newer generation of PDPs have better resistance to IR but I'm not going to attempt the QVC experiment with my PRO-150FD.

Circuit City came out today and guess what? I am a freakin' MORON!! I had my brightness setting way too high. I thought it would actually give my picture more brightness. It actually made my picture more gray and it caused the weird IR. At least, my plasma does not have to be replaced. As a matter of fact, it is like a brand new TV. It looks incredible!! Thanks to all who replied!!