Can You Lay Down a Plasma TV?

If you own a plasma TV and want to move it somewhere else, you are at the right place. Today, our engineering team will explain if you can lay a Plasma TV down for its transport and a few valuable tips. Let’s get started!

Can You Lay a Plasma TV Flat for Transport?

Yes, it’s fine to lay your Plasma TV on a surface that’s evenly padded for transport. However, you should never lay it down for long hours of transport–especially when face down. 

plasma tv

Why is this so? It’s because your TV’s glass panel may shatter due to the screen’s weight and drive jarring during the transport.

How to Transport a Plasma TV Without Damaging it

To transport your Plasma TV without getting damaged, you’ll need to fold moving blankets and lay them carefully under the glass panel. 

Then, set your TV glass side down on the moving blankets, so the glass is fully supported while in transport. 

Can You Transport a Plasma TV on Its Back?

No, never lay it flat on its back. Keep it upright as much as possible. Plasma TVs are designed with an evenly distributed weight when standing upright. 

packing plasma tv

Your TV is no longer balanced when you lay it on its back– pulling the edges down, causing the screen to crack.  

How Long Can a Plasma TV Be Laid Flat?

If necessary, you can lay your Plasma TV flat on a padded surface for a few minutes. Laying the TV flat for hours can cause damage like a broken part of the screen. 

Note that you should never transport your Plasma TV laid flat, especially when face down. The screen’s weight, in addition to the shock during the drive, may cause the glass to crack.  

When to Turn On a Plasma TV After Moving or Transporting it

After arriving and unpacking, we suggest letting your Plasma TV sit for a couple of hours before turning it on. 

unpacking plasma tv

If you’re not careful, Plasma TVs can actually burn out in certain sections. These are not bulbs that can be replaced. They are filled with active components that can cause this kind of damage. Letting your TV settle is a good way to keep this burnout from occurring.

How to Move or Transport Larger Plasma TVs

To move or transport larger Plasma TVs, wrap the center of your TV with bubble wrap (two to three layers). This serves as the screen’s protective layer. 

Using styrofoams, pad your TV’s corners, and secure it with packing tape. Then, cover it using a moving blanket, and put your Plasma TV flat in the center– with the screen side that faces upward.  

How to Move a Plasma TV Without a Box

To move a Plasma TV without a box, you’ll need to cover it with a moving blanket. You’ll probably need two blankets, depending on the size of your TV. 

white tv on the floor

So, wrap your TV with blankets and cover using packing tape.  

FAQ

Can a plasma TV be laid down on a carpet?

There’s no problem laying your Plasma TV on a carpet, which may be necessary to attach wall mounting plates or fit terminal boards. Having two people laying the TV down is better so you can lower it without the chassis twisting. 

Why are plasma TVs discontinued?

Plasma TVs are discontinued because manufacturers are focused on producing 4K LED TVs. Its production has slowed down since then, and by 2014, well-known manufacturers like LG, Samsung, and Panasonic ended their plasma TV production [1]. 

How can you move or lift a TV by yourself?

To move a TV by yourself, you’ll need to utilize a box cutter to get it out from the carton. Drape quilts or blankets over it to protect it against scratches. Then, pull down the dolly to lift your TV from the floor. 

Can one person move a 55-inch TV?

Yes, one person can move a 55-inch TV, but it requires planning and strategy. You can move the TV on its stand, then tip one end far enough to balance it with a pad on a chair. Then, lift the opposite end until you can lift its weight to your TV rack or cabinet. 

Does a large plasma TV fit in an SUV?

Yes, you can fit a large plasma TV in a larger SUV. The majority of car and SUV models today can only fit up to 43″ TVs without any problem. However, larger TV sizes cannot be accommodated in the back of smaller SUVs. 

Conclusion

Though no new plasma TVs are being manufactured nowadays, people are still asking how they can move this TV type until today. 

If you own a plasma TV, you can use this post as a guide to safely transport your TV. Remember, you can lay your plasma TV down or flat for a few minutes. But, don’t ever think of transporting it that way unless you want your thing to be damaged. 

Writer

Willie Greer
Willie Greer
Willie Greer is the founder of The Product Analyst. A cinephile, he has made it a personal quest to achieve the awesomest home theater possible. He now shares what he has learned through the years on the site, and has enlisted the help of tech-savvy colleagues in providing more insight about today’s most sought-after gadgets.