Screen burn-in
Screen burn-in, also known as image burn-in or ghosting, is a permanent discoloration of specific areas on an electronic display caused by the prolonged display of static images, leading to uneven degradation of pixels and resulting in visible ghost images that persist regardless of subsequent content.[1][2] This phenomenon primarily affects self-emissive displays like organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels, where organic materials in the pixels degrade faster under constant stress, unlike liquid crystal display (LCD) technologies that rely on backlighting and are far less susceptible.[3][2] The root cause of screen burn-in lies in the material properties of affected displays; in OLEDs, for instance, subpixels emit light through organic compounds that undergo intrinsic degradation from excited-state reactions and extrinsic factors such as exposure to moisture and oxygen, accelerating wear in areas exposed to static elements like channel logos, navigation bars, or game HUDs.[3] Blue subpixels are particularly vulnerable due to their shorter operational lifetimes—typically 30,000 to 50,000 hours or more in modern panels—compared to red and green, leading to color shifts and luminance loss over time, especially at higher brightness levels or temperatures.[3][4] Historical reports of burn-in date back to early plasma and cathode-ray tube (CRT) displays in the 1980s and 1990s, but it gained renewed attention with the rise of OLED televisions and smartphones in the 2010s, where accelerated testing has shown visible effects after 4,000 to 5,000 hours of static content exposure.[5] While temporary image retention—faint, reversible afterimages—can occur across various display types and often resolves with screen cycling, true burn-in is irreversible without panel replacement, distinguishing it as a hardware limitation rather than a software issue.[2][5] Prevention strategies include avoiding prolonged static visuals, such as by using full-screen modes in games or apps, enabling pixel-shifting features that subtly move images, and lowering screen brightness; manufacturers like Samsung incorporate automatic pixel refresh cycles and promote alternatives like quantum-dot LED (QLED) displays, which are certified as burn-in resistant due to their inorganic backlighting.[1][2][6] In modern devices, burn-in remains rare within typical usage lifespans of 8 to 12 years, but it underscores ongoing research into more durable organic materials and encapsulation techniques to extend display longevity; as of 2025, many manufacturers offer burn-in warranties up to 3–5 years, reflecting these advancements.[3][2][7][8]Fundamentals
Definition and Characteristics
Screen burn-in refers to the permanent discoloration of areas on an electronic visual display caused by prolonged exposure to static images, resulting in a ghost-like imprint that does not fade.[9] This phenomenon creates uneven brightness or color distortion, where affected regions appear dimmer or tinted compared to the rest of the screen.[10] Visually, screen burn-in is characterized by faint, persistent afterimages that remain visible during dynamic content playback, often resembling faded outlines of previously displayed elements such as news tickers on televisions or taskbars on computer monitors.[11] These afterimages degrade overall image quality by introducing non-uniform luminance across the display surface.[9] The physical basis of screen burn-in stems from the uneven degradation of display materials, where certain areas experience accelerated wear, leading to reduced light emission in those regions while surrounding areas remain unaffected.[10] This imbalance arises from sustained activation of specific pixels or elements, causing permanent changes in their performance characteristics.[9] To detect screen burn-in, standardized test patterns—such as solid uniform colors, grayscale gradients, or high-contrast images—are displayed to evaluate brightness uniformity and reveal any persistent distortions.[9] Unlike temporary image retention, which manifests as short-lived ghosting that dissipates within seconds to minutes after content changes, burn-in is irreversible and remains evident regardless of the content displayed, even after the display has been left idle for extended periods.[10]Image Retention vs. Burn-in
Image retention refers to a temporary afterimage effect on display screens, where a faint outline of a previously displayed static image lingers briefly after the content changes, typically fading within seconds to minutes or up to a few hours.[12] This phenomenon arises from transient imbalances in pixel states rather than irreversible damage.[9] The primary causes of image retention involve short-term charge accumulation or polarization effects in the display's pixels, without any lasting alteration to the materials. In liquid crystal displays (LCDs), it often stems from liquid crystals becoming temporarily stuck in a polarized state due to prolonged exposure to static images, leading to uneven light transmission that resolves as the charge dissipates.[13] In organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, temporary retention can result from minor, reversible shifts in the thin-film transistor layer or pixel charge buildup, distinct from the organic degradation seen in permanent cases.| Aspect | Image Retention | Burn-in |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Temporary (seconds to hours) | Permanent (does not fade) |
| Reversibility | Yes, fades with time or display cycling | No, requires panel replacement |
| Cause | Charge buildup or polarization | Material degradation (e.g., phosphor or organic) |
| Detectability | Visible briefly after content change; clears with uniform display | Persists across all content; visible in any image |