Multiplexing Nixies

[Jules Richardson]

Does anyone know if multiplexing Nixies will significantly reduce their 
lifespan? Or does it in fact help versus "permanently on as needed"?

I'm not sure if it's rapid hot-cold switching that'll kill them or if it's 
simply down to "on time"... (or even neither :-)

I'm reviving the Nixie-based Sudoku idea mentioned on here in the past as I 
think I've found a good source of tubes in the Ukraine. Latching every digit 
isn't an option (due to sheer number of ICs required), but likely failure 
causes dictates how many tubes will participate in each multiplex...

cheers

Jules