A system and method for preventing image retention in an electronic display. A time threshold (TT) and a pixel threshold (PT) may be defined. The system preferably performs a checksum calculation of all pixel data within an active image area of the electronic display for an interval of time until reaching TT. The system may then compare the checksum calculation for each interval of time to determine if the change in pixel data is less than PT. Preferably, the system will perform an image retention prevention method for the active image area if the change in pixel data is less than PT. Generally, this is performed by transmitting alternate pixel data to the electronic display.