Burn-in

Screen burn-in can damage displays that rely on a phosphor coating on the screen — plasma TVs and rear-projection CRT-based TVs are the most vulnerable to burn-in, and it's less likely, but possible with direct-view CRT TVs. Burn-in can occur when a static image — like on-screen video game controls, a scrolling stock or news ticker, or a station logo — remains on-screen for an extended period (generally several hours). These images can become etched into the phosphor coating, leaving faint but permanent impressions. In recent years, makers of plasma TVs have refined the panel technology to include features which substantially reduce the chances of burn-in occurring, as well as ways to erase burned-in images. Plasma owners can also help to prevent burn-in by properly adjusting the TV's brightness and contrast settings when the TV is new. For tips on TV settings, see our article about optimizing your TV's picture.