OLED TVs require a somewhat more responsible approach when using them compared to classic LED-LCD models. Unlike an LCD screen, an OLED panel does not have a backlight, but each pixel emits light by itself and can be turned on or off individually. Thanks to this, OLED achieves perfect black, high contrast and rich colors. However, the heat generated by the pixels during operation can, if built-in maintenance tools are neglected, lead to permanent image retention, known as burn-in.
Static elements, such as television channel logos or video game interfaces, are most susceptible to this problem because they are present in the same place for a long time. Although any screen can suffer from image retention, OLED panels are more sensitive, which is why manufacturers like LG, Samsung and Sony are incorporating automatic refresh and pixel cleaning features, even in more affordable models.
How pixel cleaning works and when to use it
Most modern OLED TVs use automatic pixel cleaning that takes place in the background. For example, LG OLED models themselves trigger a slight pixel refresh approximately every four hours of viewing. After about 2,000 hours of operation, the TV automatically performs a more detailed refresh of the panel, which lasts approximately one hour.
If traces of image retention are observed on the screen, it is possible to start this function manually through the picture adjustment menu. For LG models, the option is in the menu Picture i OLED Panel Settingsat Samsung in the section Panel Carewhile Sony OLED TVs offer panel refresh in advanced display settings. However, it is important not to overdo it.
RTINGSSony warns that deep pixel refresh should not be run more than once a year, as too frequent cleaning can negatively affect the panel’s longevity. Although today’s OLED technology prevents the burn-in effect significantly better than older generations, the duration of the screen still depends on the total time of use, the set brightness level and the amount of static content.
In other words, burn-in is not a random failure but a consequence of specific conditions of use. By properly using the automatic functions and relying moderately on manual cleaning, it is possible to significantly extend the life of OLED TVs and keep the picture quality at a high level during many years of use, writes BGR.