A long-term study at the CHIP test center evaluated three OLED TVs and one LCD model over 19 months to assess the OLED burn-in effect. While OLED screens showed slight brightness variations after extensive use, they effectively managed static content, making them suitable for gaming. The study highlighted that, with proper regeneration time, users are unlikely to experience ghosting. For prolonged static displays, LCDs may still be a better option.
In an extensive long-term study, we put three OLED televisions and one LCD model through rigorous testing at the CHIP test center for nearly 19 months. Our aim was to investigate the susceptibility of modern OLED screens to the persistent display of static images.
The issue often referred to as the OLED burn-in effect occurs when OLED pixels dim over time due to sustained bright displays. In the early days of OLED technology, this concern discouraged users from employing OLEDs for tasks such as computer work or displaying static content. However, advancements have been made by TV manufacturers to mitigate this issue. Today’s OLED televisions are equipped with features that detect static images and protect against burn-in through enhanced heat management, automatic dimming, pixel shifting, and various calibration routines during idle time. It’s essential to allow your OLED TV sufficient standby time for optimal performance.
Our long-term testing has provided insights into the effectiveness of these protective measures. We evaluated three 55-inch OLED models—the LG OLED55CX9LA, Panasonic TX-55HZW2004, and Philips 55OLED935—alongside the LCD TV Samsung GQ55Q95T. After over 6,700 hours of operation, which simulates approximately 4.6 years of typical usage in a German home, we gathered valuable data regarding their performance.
Understanding the Burn-in Effect
Throughout the testing period, our OLED models had multiple opportunities to execute the automatic regeneration processes recommended by their manufacturers. The LG OLED55CX9LA completed 1,230 short refresh cycles and six extensive maintenance sessions. The Panasonic TX-55HZW2004 underwent 2,022 short refreshes and four long sessions, while the Philips 55OLED935 executed 1,096 short and seven long maintenance cycles. Despite all models featuring LG displays, each brand has a unique approach to managing refresh processes.
As anticipated, the Samsung GQ55Q95T’s LCD display remained unaffected by the testing, showing only minor backlighting clusters without any permanent image retention. Initially, the OLED screens also appeared free from lasting effects, as no noticeable shadows were detected during regular video playback. However, a keen eye might catch slight brightness variations in the white test image that hint at remnants of a news ticker.
The subtle effects became evident in the brightness measurement images when we focused on the upper 20 percent of the spectrum. In all three OLED models, remnants of the news ticker and elements from the strategy game StarCraft II were observable. It’s important to note that these findings stem from a graphical representation of measurements rather than direct photographic images.
Interestingly, the bright pixels did not exhibit any loss of brightness. Contrary to our initial expectations that brighter pixels would dim over time, it was the darker background pixels that displayed noticeable changes. The LG OLED55CX9LA showed a brightness difference of about six cd/m² or roughly 3.8 percent darker in the ticker’s background compared to the text. This difference is only 0.7 percent above the initial brightness distribution measured at the beginning of our long-term test, reflecting nearly five years of simulated use.
Similar patterns were observed in the Panasonic TX-55HZW2004 and Philips 55OLED935, showing brightness deviations of 2.3 percent and 3.3 percent, respectively.
Gaming Without Worries
Despite the appearance of permanent structures in our measurements, our long-term test indicates that modern OLED screens manage static content quite effectively. Provided usage remains within typical limits, using an OLED television for gaming or displaying images is perfectly fine. If the television is given ample time for regeneration, users are unlikely to encounter ghosting over its expected lifespan of six years.
However, for content that involves prolonged displays of news or sports programs lasting over four hours, or for use as a server monitor, LCD technology may be a more suitable choice.
CHIP Test Center: Robert KraftEditorial: Martin Jäger