The Effects of Overheating in a Samsung Plasma TV

Shortened TV Life

Consistent internal temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit will shorten the life of your Samsung plasma television according to review and buying guide website, The Best Plasma TV. Plasma televisions generate a large amount of heat and allowing the unit to overheat will only put a greater strain on its internal components. You may notice your plasma screen television taking longer than usual to turn on or other symptoms such as spontaneous screen failure as a result of prolonged overheating.

Screen Burn-In

Overheating can weaken electronic components of plasma screen televisions. The Best Plasma TV says this can manifest in a condition known as screen burn-in. This is a permanent or temporary disfigurement of the plasma screen caused by aging of some of the pixels. Heat-damaged pixels produce less light than other normally functioning pixels. Owners will notice a shadow or haze on affected portions of the screen. The condition occurs when the screen is left on for an extended period which typically causes overheating.

Pronounced Design Flaws

Samsung plasma TVs that are overheated may begin to show design flaws much earlier than other televisions. These design flaws such as darkened areas of the screen are not caused by screen burn-in but by a faulty component known as the Light Tunnel. This component can grow prematurely weak when overheated. Samsung televisions have had so many problems with the Light Tunnel component that the company has been involved in several class-action lawsuits including one filed in 2010 at the U.S. District Court of New Jersey. The suit was filed on behalf of consumers unable to come to an agreement with Samsung to admit wrongdoing and replace the component.