Contrast ratio’s don’t really mean anything, only because their is no “standard” for measuring it. Manufacturer’s can literally make it up. However, plasma tv’s are the way to go. There is no such thing as permanent burn in, and absolutely NO break in period is necessary anymore. My plasma tv burns in from time to time, but thats only after playing COD for HOURS on end, and then turning it off only to play COD again the next day. When I see burn in, I set the TV to “Burn in Protection Mode” and let that play while I sleep, or am at work. When I wake up or come home, the ghosting is gone. Hope this helps. (Oh and don’t buy a shitty plasma. Buy only Panasonic or Samsung)