If you find yourself considering the purchase of an OLED gaming TV, one question likely lingers in your mind: Is OLED burn-in still a problem for gaming?
This query reflects a widespread concern among gamers who seek to balance the advantages of OLED technology, such as stunning visuals and vibrant colours, with the potential risks associated with burn-in.
In this article, we aim to provide clarity on whether OLED burn-in is still a problem for gaming and offer insights to help you make an informed decision regarding your gaming display.
Is OLED burn-in still a problem for gaming?
Yes, OLED burn-in is still a problem for gaming and is expected to continue being so, even when using the best gaming TVs or monitors.
This is because the organic materials used in the emissive layers in OLED displays degrade over time with prolonged use. This degradation is more likely to happen with static content, such as persistent UI elements, health bars, or minimaps in games.
Although modern OLED displays have improved in reducing burn-in and extending lifespan compared to earlier generations, there is still a possibility of some degree of burn-in over time due to the use of organic materials in the displays.
Is the OLED screen burn-in permanent?
OLED screen burn-in can either be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity and duration of the burn-in.
Temporary burn-in, also known as image retention, occurs when a static image or element is displayed on the screen for an extended period and leaves a temporary ghost image. In most cases, temporary burn-in can be resolved by displaying varied content.
Permanent burn-in refers to when the OLED pixels have undergone irreversible damage, resulting in persistent ghost images that remain visible even when different content is displayed. Once burn-in becomes permanent, it cannot be fully repaired or reversed.
How to minimize the risk of burn-in on OLED displays
Manufacturers have incorporated several strategies like pixel refreshing, screen savers, and automatic brightness adjustments to mitigate burn-in. In addition, it is advisable to take proactive steps within your control to minimize the potential risk.
To minimize the risk of burn-in while gaming on an OLED display, consider the following precautions:
- Avoid displaying static elements for prolonged periods. This includes leaving a game paused for an extended time or playing games with static user interfaces for several hours continuously.
- Adjust the brightness settings to an appropriate level. Higher brightness can accelerate the degradation of OLED pixels, so consider lowering the brightness when possible.
- Enable any burn-in prevention features provided by the display or gaming console. These features can help reduce the risk of burn-in by employing pixel shifting, screen savers, or automatic brightness adjustments.
- Take breaks during long gaming sessions. Give your display a rest by periodically turning it off or displaying content with varying colours and movement. Maybe watch YouTube videos in between sessions.
By following these guidelines and being mindful of the display usage, you can help minimize the chances of burn-in on OLED panels. However, it's important to remember that it's nearly impossible to completely eliminate the possibility of OLED burn-in.
QD-OLED TV owners need to be extra careful
While QD-OLED TVs are better than OLED TVs, it is important to note that they are more prone to burn-in compared to standard OLED displays. The typical higher brightness levels of these TVs can potentially accelerate the occurrence of burn-in on the screen.
So if you have a QD-OLED TV like the Samsung S95C it is advisable to exercise additional caution to minimize the risk of burn-in. Consider hiding your bottom taskbar and icons, and make it a habit to change your background every month or on a regular basis.
And that concludes our article on whether OLED burn-in is still a problem for gaming. If you are still interested in buying an OLED TV, LG G3 OLED and LG C3 OLED are two options worth considering.