Burn-in occurs when a still image is held on the screen for long periods of time. Logos like those of major networks, browser frames, and icons on your computer were the main culprits. Burn-in, or image retention, comes from pixels that have prematurely old phosphors that aren’t as bright as neighboring pixels. Recording in regards to channel surfing shouldn’t be a problem, however there could be some issues due to the inherent power demands as the new channel is locked.

• The reason: damaged pixels develop a “memory” of information that is constantly updated, which does not allow the pixel to change state.
• This static image is recorded on the plasma screen, which looks like an ethereal ghost image that is there no matter what is being broadcast.
• Burn-in was a major problem with older plasma screen televisions, which is why LCD flat panels that didn’t have this problem became so popular.

Burn-in is not a big problem with current plasma models thanks to technology called pixel offset. Pixel switching subtly changes the pixels on a static screen, allowing the pixels to change state, which maintains the matches bright and equal in intensity. This happens faster than the eye can decode, which at a slower speed would be very distracting and probably a source of headaches.

LCDs 40 inches and larger, particularly 1080p, are typically 25 percent less than similarly sized plasmas. LCD flat-panel TVs are capturing a large market share, capitalizing on concerns stemming from a lack of up-to-date information on steps that have been taken to address the plasma burn problem. Lack of knowledge often prevents people from purchasing a large screen plasma television.

LCD flat screens they are usually less expensive than plasma, depending on the manufacturer.

• LCD screens come in a 16:9 aspect ratio (what you see in movies) and a 4:3 aspect ratio (like regular TV).
• On the negative side, LCD flat screens it tends to be tighter than plasma when looking at it from large angles (most newer flat panels have that negative gap).
• In the past, plasma TVs used to have richer blacks and higher contrast. This is not the case.
• With the introduction of LED LCD screens in sizes below 60 inches, LED LCD TVs are likely to spell the end of plasma purchases in those sizes.