OLED TV improvements and burn-in

[Annahmed]

Hi everyone! I wanted to ask if there have been any improvements in OLED TVs. Has the issue of burn-in gotten better over time, or is it still a concern?

[machinist]

Hi!

OLED technology has definitely improved over the years, and while burn-in is still technically possible, it's much less of a concern than it used to be. Manufacturers have introduced features like pixel shifting, logo dimming, and screen refresh cycles to help prevent permanent image retention. As long as you’re not leaving static images (like news tickers or game HUDs) on for excessively long periods, most people won’t run into burn-in issues in normal use. If you’re worried about it, just mix up your content, use the built-in protections, and you should be fine. That said, if you’re someone who watches a lot of content with static elements, an OLED might require a little more care compared to something like a QLED. But in terms of picture quality, OLED is still one of the best options out there!

[Annahmed]

Thanks for explaining. Many brands are now offering QD-OLED screens. How do they compare to traditional OLED panels in terms of burn-in resistance and color accuracy?

[machinist]

QD OLED screens have some big advantages over traditional OLEDs, especially when it comes to burn-in and color quality. One of the biggest improvements is how they handle wear over time. Regular OLEDs use separate red, green, and blue subpixels (or sometimes a white subpixel with filters), and since blue pixels wear out the fastest, this can lead to burn in where images get stuck on the screen. QD OLEDs work differently. They use only blue OLED light and convert it into red and green using quantum dots. This helps the pixels wear out more evenly, reducing the chances of burn in. While it’s still possible, QD OLEDs seem to last longer before showing any issues.

Another big plus is color quality. Since QD OLEDs don’t need color filters, they produce much purer and more vibrant colors. The result is a wider range of colors and better accuracy, especially for HDR content. They’re also brighter than regular OLEDs, with peak brightness over 1000 nits, while most traditional OLEDs top out around 800 nits. This makes HDR content look even better with highlights that really pop.

Both QD OLED and regular OLED still give you the perfect black levels and contrast that OLED is known for, but QD OLED keeps colors looking better even at higher brightness. If you’re worried about burn in and want the best colors and brightness, QD OLED is a solid upgrade over traditional OLED.

[Annahmed]

Appreciate the breakdown! QD OLED sounds like a big step up. How do the prices compare to regular OLEDs? And out of curiosity, are there any other display technologies that come close to QD OLED in terms of quality?

[machinist]

QD OLED is definitely a big step up in display technology, but it does come at a higher price compared to regular OLEDs. Right now, QD OLED models tend to cost a few hundred dollars more than traditional WOLED TVs from LG. For example, a 55-inch LG C3 (WOLED) might go for around $1,300 to $1,500, while a 55-inch Samsung S95C (QD OLED) is closer to $1,800 to $2,000. The price gap has been shrinking though, as more QD OLED models hit the market.

As for other technologies that come close, MicroLED is considered the ultimate display tech because it combines the best aspects of OLED (self-emissive pixels) with higher brightness, no burn-in risk, and better efficiency. The downside? It is insanely expensive and mostly available in massive sizes (think 100-inch screens costing over $100,000). A more practical alternative is Mini LED, which uses thousands of tiny LEDs for better contrast and brightness compared to regular LED TVs. While it does not match QD OLED’s perfect blacks, it is a solid choice, especially for those who want higher brightness.

Another strong competitor is LG’s WOLED with Micro Lens Array (MLA), found in models like the LG G3. This tech significantly improves brightness and efficiency, making it one of the closest rivals to QD OLED in picture quality. However, QD OLED still has the edge in color vibrancy and viewing angles.

So, if you are after the absolute best contrast and color accuracy, QD OLED is the way to go. If brightness is a bigger priority, high-end Mini LED or WOLED with MLA are worth considering. And if money is no object, MicroLED is the future, just not quite accessible yet.

[Annahmed]

It’s great to know how these technologies compare. Thanks again for all the info!