Plasma TV Refill / Costs and facts?

Question

Ok just purchased a 50" Plasma TV screem , looks great in my room and ace technology but time to seperate the facts and myths

1) I hear you have to refill the gas, True or False since some people argue gas can only burn out so its false

2) Plasmas have about 60,000 hrs of lifespan (27yrs of 6hrs a day use) or 7 yrs of continuous 24hr a day use (Which is probably your adverage TV lifespan any how

3) Looking at "How stuff works" website it uses protons and a reaction with the gas to generate light, so would that be what needs refilling, as any chemical reaction wears off

4) How much is it to refill if it needs refilling, i was lucky and got my tv for £850 reduced from £1150 at curries Digital

5) Please provide website links to factual information otherwise your view will be ignored since it may just be your opinion and not a fact (Therefore prolonging a myth)

Thanks

Answer 1

1) There is no way to replace the Plasma gasses.
2) The manufacturers predict 60,000 hrs. There hasn't been enough time to compare actual reliability data against this prediction.
3) The light is generated in the same way as flourescent bulbs. Over time, the cells will grow dimmer.
4) You can't refill-if the set is still operative when the brightness has decreased to an unacceptable point-the TV is discxarded-the panel is too expensive to replace vs the cost of a new set.
5) See links below.
http://www.lcdtvbuyingguide.com/lcdtv-plasmavslcd.shtml

http://bestbuy-cnet.com.com/4351-12658_7-6583301.html

Answer 2

1) Totally false. Early plasma televisions did gradually leak gas (in the same way that early cars required the driver to manually pump oil through the engine). But the leaking gas problem problem was overcome several years ago, by improved technology (in the same way that your car has an automatic oil pump).

2) Yup, about the same lifespan as an LCD television.

3) See 1)

4) See 1)

5) See below:

Answer 3

ok here is the real answers from somone who actaully works on these sets everyday and holds a degree in electronics engineering.
1. False, plasmas cannot be refilled
2. The 60,000 is somewhat true about the panel, what they dont tell you is that the set will loose half its brightness within 2-3 years. also like I said, thats the rating for just the display panel not the other components inside, they will fail far sooner, like with 5 years. I have yet to see a plasma in my shop over 5 years old that did not have previous work done to it.
3. This is incorrect. a plasma display works in a similiar way a fluorescent lamp does. the display has cells of a charged gas that creates ultraviolet light then this light hits a phosphur that creates visable light. these phosphurs burn off over time thus a reduction in visable light out from the panel. This is also the reason why these sets are so suceptible to burn in.
4.there is no price because it cannot be done.
5. I dont care what websites say, i have hundreds of repair tickets and my own eyes to prove it. i have been in the electronics repair business for 15 years and have run my own shop for 4 years. If you dont believe me then I dont know what to tell you.

Answer 4

Most of the time the displays them selves dont have problems, its like the electronics powering the displays.

If you get a quality unit like Pioneer, Hitachi or Panasonic then you wont have to worry as much, but if you get a Samsung, Vizio or some other off brand walmart unit then your screwed.