What should you not do with OLED?
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OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays are known for their excellent picture quality, including deep blacks, vibrant colors, and fast response times. However, because OLED technology uses organic materials that degrade over time, there are some things you should avoid to maintain the longevity and performance of your OLED TV or display. Here's a list of what you shouldn't do with OLEDs:
1. Don't Leave Static Images for Long Periods (Avoid Burn-In)
Why to Avoid:
- Burn-in (or image retention) is the most well-known issue with OLED displays. If static images, such as logos, news tickers, or a gaming HUD (Heads-Up Display), are left on the screen for extended periods, they can permanently "burn" into the display.
What You Can Do:
- Try to vary the content you watch to prevent static images from lingering. For example, switch between different scenes, channels, or games to avoid keeping the same static elements on screen for too long.
- Use the screen saver function when the TV is paused or idle.
- Many modern OLED TVs have pixel-shifting features, which move the screen slightly to reduce burn-in risk.
2. Don't Keep the Brightness Maxed Out
Why to Avoid:
- High brightness levels can cause faster degradation of the OLED pixels. OLED displays are self-emissive, meaning the pixels generate their own light. Running the TV at full brightness can stress the pixels, leading to quicker luminance degradation, particularly in the blue pixels.
What You Can Do:
- Set your TV to a moderate brightness level. Most people find that 50-70% brightness is plenty for daily viewing. You can also adjust brightness depending on the ambient lighting in your room.
- Auto-brightness settings, if available, can help adjust brightness according to your environment.
3. Don't Leave the TV On with a Static Screen for Long Periods
Why to Avoid:
- Leaving a static image on the screen (like a paused game, a movie paused at a specific frame, or a static menu) can increase the likelihood of burn-in. OLED pixels that are constantly on will degrade faster.
What You Can Do:
- If you’re going to leave the TV on without watching content, make sure to activate a screen saver, or let the TV enter sleep mode after a certain period.
- Consider turning the TV off when it’s not in use.
4. Don't Use OLED TVs in Extremely Bright Environments for Extended Periods
Why to Avoid:
- While OLED TVs generally offer better contrast and deeper blacks than most other panel types, their performance in very bright environments may not be optimal. Ambient light can make it harder to appreciate OLED’s superior contrast, and high levels of brightness can accelerate wear on the pixels.
What You Can Do:
- Try to avoid direct sunlight on the screen, as this can lead to unnecessary heat buildup and brightness degradation. Set up your TV in a room with controlled lighting for the best viewing experience.
5. Don’t Ignore Built-In Burn-In Protection Features
Why to Avoid:
- Ignoring or disabling burn-in protection features can increase the risk of permanent image retention on the OLED screen.
What You Can Do:
- Enable and use the pixel refresh function. Most modern OLED TVs have a built-in pixel refresh feature that helps alleviate burn-in issues by shifting pixels and reducing wear across the screen.
- Use screen shift, logo dimming, or any other built-in protective features that prevent burn-in.
6. Don't Forget to Use Proper Ventilation
Why to Avoid:
- Overheating can shorten the lifespan of any display, including OLED. Heat can accelerate the degradation of the organic materials in the screen, especially if the TV is in an area with poor air circulation.
What You Can Do:
- Ensure the OLED TV is placed in a well-ventilated area. Avoid putting it in a confined space like a shelf or cabinet without airflow.
- Keep the back of the TV clear of obstructions to allow airflow and prevent overheating.
7. Don't Neglect Software Updates
Why to Avoid:
- Software updates from the manufacturer often contain optimizations for display performance and improvements in features like burn-in prevention. Not installing them could mean missing out on important enhancements or fixes.
What You Can Do:
- Enable automatic software updates to ensure your OLED TV stays up to date with the latest improvements.
- Regularly check for updates, especially if you're experiencing any performance or picture quality issues.
8. Don't Use OLED TVs at Full Volume for Long Periods
Why to Avoid:
- This one might not seem as obvious, but using maximum volume for extended periods can cause distortion in sound and may result in speaker wear, indirectly impacting the overall performance of the TV.
What You Can Do:
- Use the volume settings to find a comfortable listening level. If you're watching content that has a lot of dialogue, consider using external speakers or a soundbar for better sound quality.
9. Don’t Keep the TV On in Extremely Low Brightness for Long Periods
Why to Avoid:
- While dim settings are fine for viewing in dark environments, constantly using an extremely low brightness can make the TV work inefficiently, especially in a bright room. This could lead to an unbalanced display and cause the TV to perform suboptimally.
What You Can Do:
- Ensure that your brightness settings are appropriate for the room lighting. Use automatic brightness adjustment if available, or set the TV’s brightness to an ideal level based on your environment.
10. Don't Forget to Clean the TV Screen with Harsh Chemicals
Why to Avoid:
- Using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials to clean the OLED screen can damage the organic layer of the panel and lead to long-term issues.
What You Can Do:
- Use a soft, microfiber cloth to clean the screen. If necessary, slightly dampen the cloth with water or a gentle screen cleaner specifically designed for OLED panels. Avoid using paper towels or other materials that can scratch the screen.
Conclusion:
OLED TVs are designed to deliver outstanding picture quality, but they require some care to ensure they last as long as possible. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can prolong the lifespan of your OLED display and continue to enjoy vivid colors, deep blacks, and smooth gaming or movie-watching experiences without degradation.
