[JBethell80]

I just bought a 58" b550 from HHG for 1400 after some discounts. I love the picture quality, but after reading a bit on this site, I'm a tad scared of plasmas.


I've tried to read the break in thread, but being 70+ pages long, it's a bit much to take in.


Can somebody summarize the break-in process for me? A few questions I have regarding the process are;


1. I've had the tv for 2 weeks, it's not too late to do the break in, is it?


2. Does the break in have to be done all at once? or can I do 15 hours here, 15 hours the next night, etc?


3. Where should my settings be during the break-in period?


I have more questions, but I'll start with just the break-in Q's, and ask the rest after that's taken care of. Thanks in advance for your help.


FYI, I also have a Samsung BD-P1600 blu-ray, and a Yamaha RX-V665 reciever. The P1600 is hooked up via HDMI into the V665 and HDMI out to the TV. Everything (Blu-Ray, XBOX360, and Cable Box) all go into the reciever, with one HDMI going out to the TV.

 

[daniel'son]

.. don't worry about break-in, just vary your viewing for ~ first 150hrs. if you still wish to: you can switch to using the breakin scenes and/or a channel like Cartoon or National Geographic to accrue some 'wear time'. Though, as mentioned, unnecessary. Again, if you chose to: set (Movie mode) Contrast & Brightness to ~ a/r 70 & 40. Again, unnecessary.


There's good "start-off" settings for this set if you 'search' thru the forum. or can use those fm "tweaktv.com" & adjust to taste.

58" thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...ast+color+tint


settings: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...r#post17858419 (contrast alittle high; say 85 is nice start)


[URL='http://reviews.plasmatvbuying']http://reviews.plasmatvbuying guide.com/plasmatvreviews/samsung-pn58b550-review.html (remove space fm site)

 

[JBethell80]

If it's unnecessary, why are there all these threads about it? I'm not doubting you, just curious.


Does your opinion just differ from what appears to be the masses on AVS?


Also, I've read a lot about keeping the contrast below 50, but the settings you showed had it at 80-90, what gives??

 

[daniel'son]

^^ .. don't believe there's clear concensus to break-in or not; its my believe its ~ 50/50 that do/don't. this site list steps, but it doesn't mean its necessary; just my opinion. my b-inlaw/sister's Samsung 50a550 went thru a minor (lesser degree) breakin process & has a wonderful picture w/ no IR signs or other irregularities. i merely suggested that they 'play it safe' for the 1st 100hrs .. static logos, banners, 4:3 format, etc.


i did start with a gradual break-in process on my Pioneer; may have helped, maybe it didn't. that's why I mentioned its up to 'you'.


with reference to the contrast setting; reading my earlier response, it 'suggest' break-in setting for contrast/brightness. the other settings were when you pass that stage where 'normal' contrast/brightness levels would be appropriate.

 

[JBethell80]

So while Its 50/50 on whether break in is necessary, everybody agrees that it can't hurt, right?


And if I were to run a break in disc, youre saying contrast should be at about 70 and brightness around 40? or did I misunderstand that?

 

[daniel'son]

^^ .. true; gradually move up the contrast/brightness as your use builds. i only used the break-in slides temporarily (~50hrs); then, just enjoyed while using the advice (static logos,banners,4:3 material, etc.) gleened here (~100hrs). no problems at all.


as mentioned, my b-inlaw/sister did no slides, but adhered to the tidbits I had learned & passed on. again, no problems with their Samsung at all.