CRT Phosphor maintenance

[jmdocs]

Hello all--

I've got a question about the long-term storage of CRTs that see relatively little use. I've been told that it's important to fire up CRT televisions or monitors once or twice a year in order to maintain the phosphors. First, is this accurate, in your experience? Second, can you help me understand the science behind this? And is there a difference between b/w and color CRTs in this regard?

Backstory: I work in a contemporary art museum that owns several video works that were created to be seen *only* on CRTs. Naturally, we're concerned about the longterm survival of these works, and want to make sure the monitors in use, as well as our spares, last as long as possible.

Any suggestions or thoughts on this are greatly appreciated.

Best,

Jeff Martin
Research Fellow
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Smithsonian Institution
Washington, DC