Lines on 24" iMac Screen - Possible Burn in?

Yesterday I suddenly noticed I had these lines on my screen, no idea where they came from, on the *left side*, about 3 inches long.
(Sorry for the bad photo - was the best I could get (looks worse looking at it) - spots are dust on sensor.)
I have also just noticed, some names of files that have also appeared on the screen! (Can't see them on the photo)
Is this burn in?
I noticed the iMac was very hot last night too, as well as the brightness was at its highest (never is usually). Could this have caused it?
I have had the iMac since it came out, and never before has this happened, the names that have 'burnt in' have been there only a week!
Now I am crapping myself about this! Would this actually burned into the LCD or the Glass in front of it?
As a Graphic Designer, this is going to annoy the **** out of me!
Is there any way to fix it/will it go away?
Please Help!
Message was edited by: iBookUserUK

I have exactly the same problem on my 24-inch 3.06 GHz iMac. If I use Safari for a few hours the window burns in leaving grey colored lines. They will disappear if I turn off the display and leave it off for a few hours, but they come back very fast.
So I called Apple last week and they suspect my screen is defective. They asked me to take the machine to a Service Provider. I brought it in on Friday so I'm waiting for the result.
I've had 4 of these iMacs (the first 3 had defects) and the first 3 did absolutely note have this issue. So I hope they can fix it.

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Message was edited by: Richie Ni

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v626/xxbrankxx/IMG_0091.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v626/xxbrankxx/IMG_0092.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v626/xxbrankxx/IMG_0090.jpg

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In addition to my (now archived) thread:
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I just had my screen changed under apple care. Excellent option, happy I got it, no hassle, but took three weeks to order and replace the display at the service center. It seems to be a known issue with numerous iMacs, to my surprise also with the latest models, and I have seen this problem on quite a number of iMacs, all over the world, only on the alu models. Though I cannot say for sure what the problem is, I have now installed smcFanControl to increase the minimum speed of the on board fans. Also, as I was suggested by the apple technician, have a screen saver for a few minutes before turning off the display (Energy Saver) to prevent any possible burn ins, (while I remain convinced this is not my problem).
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Lines on 24" iMac Screen - Possible Burn in?

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