With OLED televisions, it can happen that your image “burns in” and your image quality suffers as a result. We’ll tell you what’s behind it and how you can get ahead of this problem.
OLED TVs are considered to be particularly environmentally friendly and energy-saving among the various televisions. When it comes to picture quality, OLED televisions are also significantly superior to classic LED televisions and can even keep up with modern QLED televisions. A big disadvantage, however, is that the screen can burn in quickly.
Even with the first OLED models, many owners noticed that certain elements of the screen became permanently fixed on the screen after a while in the form of silhouettes. Annoying, because these burned-in elements overlay the actual image and disrupt your viewing experience, especially when streaming extensively.
Techniques to prevent burn-in on OLED televisions
In order to prevent pixel burn-in on OLED TVs, you usually no longer have to take countermeasures yourself on modern televisions. Since functions such as “Pixel Refresh” and “Panel Refresh” constantly recalibrate the OLED units in standby mode, you should under no circumstances disconnect your OLED TV from the power source, even if you are not using the devices.
In standby mode, important processes take place that guarantee the longevity of your OLED display. If you constantly unplug your Smart TV out of well-intentioned economy, you risk the dreaded burn-in effect, also known as the “burn-in effect” or “afterglow”. Once present, the massive damage can no longer be repaired. That’s why preventive measures are so important.
What does the term “burn-in” mean for OLED TVs?
Despite new technology in modern devices, burn-in is and remains one of the biggest bugbears for TV owners with expensive OLED models. The phenomenon refers to burned-in pixel patterns that are permanently visible on the screen – also known as “ghost images”. This problem does not occur with other panel technologies.
Why? Because only self-illuminating diodes produce the image in OLED devices and the models do not rely on additional backlighting, as do QLEDs or mini-LED televisions.
Faded versions and black bars on your TV screen are signs of pixel burn-in. (Source: Samsung / Screenshot: Netzwelt)
Very different areas are affected by the “afterglow”; particularly long, still images and black bars are usually displayed as a pale version. These primarily include:
- TV menus
- Channel logos
- Time displays
- Static images like photos
- Video game images (HUD displays)
- Stock market or news ticker
- Label backgrounds
- Static app content
As already mentioned, some TV manufacturers have now established functions that address the problem. If you don’t give your OLED television this fresh cell treatment in standby, you will significantly shorten the healthy lifespan of your display – and, given the high purchase price of the devices, you will ultimately make a big loss. We will tell you below how to use the respective functions.
How long does “burn-in” take for OLED TVs?
The “burn-in” of the pixels on your TV monitors can be stuck for up to 30 seconds due to the slow response time. This is usually not a problem. If the “ghost images” persist for several minutes beyond that, you should change your still image as quickly as possible or turn off the screen.
How long should the OLED TV stay off?
In order to repair the existing damage caused by “burn-in”, you should turn off your television screen and leave it on standby for around 12 to 24 hours. After the rest period, you should no longer see any pale “ghost images” or black bars.
If the duration and severity of the “burn-in” has already progressed, your device’s screen may be permanently damaged. To be on the safe side, you should test the pixel cleaning functions and other solutions on your OLED TV. If that doesn’t help, the television will need to be repaired or replaced.
“Pixel Refresher” process on LG televisions
To curb the problem of burn-in, LG has developed the “Pixel Refresher” process, Sony calls a similar function “Panel Refresh” and other manufacturers are now using similar techniques. The tiny LED lighting elements that illuminate the individual pixels of OLED screens are automatically calibrated in standby mode after a few hours. This permanently prevents images from burning in.
Panel update on Sony TV
A panel update (also called panel refresh) can help with an OLED panel to avoid very noticeable image residue. However, the function should only be carried out about once a year, as updating too frequently can affect the useful life of your panel. It is also important that you make this adjustment at a room temperature between 10 and 40 degrees Celsius.
To activate the panel update from the television manufacturer Sony, you can use the following instructions:
Panel refresh on Sony TV
- 2
Then go to the settings, which you can find using the gear symbol. On models from 2019 you will even find a quick settings button on your remote control.
- 3
In the menu options you first select Display & Audio, then click on the panel settings (Expert). Depending on the model, you first go to the “Display” option and then to the panel settings.
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In the last area you will also find the panel update, which you activate. On some Sony television models it says “updating the display”.
If you notice a white line during the update, this is completely normal and not a malfunction. You should plan about an hour for the update.
Pixel Shift on Samsung TVs
You can also find solutions from TV manufacturer Samsung to avoid burn-in of OLED TV screens. Here you can activate the “Pixel Shift” mode, we’ll tell you how to do it.
Pixel shift on Philips OLED TVs
The manufacturer Philips also has a pixel shift setting to avoid “burning in” pixels on your monitor. With this short guide you will find out how to activate it.
Pixel Orbiter function at Panasonic
With some TV manufacturers such as Panasonic you will also find a “Pixel Orbiter” function in the menu settings. Here the image rotates around an imaginary center during operation. If you look at this up close, you will notice that the image content shifts by a few lines.
By activating the Pixel Orbiter function, you can automatically avoid any afterglow effects on your screen. (Source: Panasonic / Screenshot: Netzwelt)
The Pixel Orbiter further preserves the image quality of your OLED television. This function is not particularly noticeable when watching TV itself. If the screen setting still bothers you, you can deactivate it in the menu after purchase.
Further suggested solutions
In addition to these automatic functions of your television, you can also use the following other tips to prevent burn-in as much as possible. Some options can be found in your device’s menu settings, for others you just have to adjust your viewing habits:
| Features | How is burn-in prevented? |
|---|---|
| Use DVD player without pause | Do not exceed 20 minutes when pausing DVDs |
| Update display | After long-term use, the uniformity can be adjusted by updating the display |
| Switch off the device | If the television is left unused for a long period of time, always switch it off |
| Screen calibration | The display is optimized and the image becomes stronger even in dark scenes |
| Adjust screen brightness | the screen brightness is gradually reduced to protect the screen. Depending on the manufacturer, this function is provided by a light sensor or ambient light sensor |
| Screen saver function | When gaming on a game console, the screen adjusts after long periods of use |
| Activate wide angle mode | The wide angle mode prevents black streaks |
Avoid image burn-in
You can also avoid burning in your Smart TV using a special tool app like JScreenFix. This app promises in its program that dead pixels on monitors should disappear within 10 minutes. However, you have to make sure in advance whether you want to choose a paid deluxe option or whether using the free version for 20 minutes is enough for you.
If you have problems not only with burnt-in pixels, but also with the lighting problem “clouding”, you will find the right solution with us. If you’re looking to trade in your TV for a brand new model, we’ve provided some handy tips for buying a smart TV.
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