Smart

Some of the last Panasonic Plasma's were "smart". I have a 50" I picked up last year that is Smart. The problem with putting the "smart" in a TV is that when the manufacturer stops supporting it in a few years, you're screwed. I would recommend buying a something like a Roku or AppleTV. That way when the manufacturer stops supporting it, or they come out with something way cooler, you can toss it and your only out like a $100. These set-top-boxes are so small, they can be Velcro-ed to the back of the TV. Some of the "stick" versions draw power from USB of HDMI so no power cord needed. Another alternative is a "smart" Blu-ray player.

Also, if you're using "Smart" in a TV and have it hooked up to an AV receiver, you might want to check if they support ARC (audio return channel). This allows the audio from the Apps to run over the HDMI cable back to the Receiver which means one less cable to worry about.

I have a friend that travels a lot. He uses a Google Chromecast for Netflix and Amazon Prime; so small it slips in a shirt pocket.

Hope this helps,

The "burn-in" problem was fixed years ago. Today's plasma TVs use phosphors that are faster in action and decay and more efficient, so the technology has evolved to a point where permanent burn-in is harder to achieve. They also use a technology called "pixel Orbiter" that "rotates" static pictures. I'm not saying that "burn in" won't happen, just that it's a lot harder to achieve. Early LED TV's also suffered from burn in problems. And yes, you can still "burn in" a modern LED tv also.

Don't worry about the "smart" features, you can simply buy a Google ChromeCast for $35 and get the "smart" stuff. I just bought my mom a Samsung 43" plasma and it has an exceptionally good picture. The cost was only $312 at BestBuy. Soooo, add the ChromeCast and you're at about $350 for the whole shebang...

-RW-

A little off topic, but I've noticed that the asking price of used plasmas have risen in 2014.

Regarding wi-fi enabled TVs, you should actually try out the internet apps. It makes a big difference in usability. I have a smart TV and a smart Blu-Ray. They work equally well, but you could also attach a spare computer to the TV for internet connectivity.

+1 Prpixel. Working with flatscreen monitors in Broadcast TV, have never had a Plasma develop burn-in. Many of the LEDs however, have ghost images burned-in.