What is image retention on OLED TVs and how can I avoid it?
What is image retention?
OLED displays are more prone to image retention due to their screen characteristics. An OLED display may experience permanent image retention if an image appears on the screen for a long period of time, or if the same image appears repeatedly.
To protect the screen, avoid using images that are susceptible to image retention. Continue reading for more helpful tips.
Table of Contents
Images that may cause image retention
The following are examples of images that may cause image retention:
- Content with black bars either on the top and bottom and/or the left and right sides of the screen (e.g. letterboxing, 4:3 aspect ratio).
- Static images such as photos.
- Video games that might feature static content.
- On-screen menus, programme guides, channel logos, etc.
- Static content from applications.
- On-screen tickers, such as those used for news and headlines.
- An image displayed in a reduced screen size, such as when using Multi-View (applies only to certain products).
How to prevent image retention on the TV screen
Available TV settings to automatically prevent and reduce image retention
Applicable TVs have features that automatically adjust the screen layout to protect the TV from image retention. These features automatically run according to your TV’s condition. You can also run some features manually.
Here's a list of available TV features to help you avoid image retention.
Panel refresh
- Panel refresh will automatically run to adjust the uniformity of the TV screen after it has been in use for long periods of time.
- For details, refer to this article: What is Panel refresh?
Panel calibration
- Panel calibration is a feature that optimises the screen and reduces image retention or enhances the image in dark scenes.
- For details, refer to this article: What is Panel calibration?
Pixel shift
- Pixel shift is a feature that prevents image retention by shifting the image of the TV screen after a certain amount of time has passed.
- This feature runs automatically when you set it to On in the settings.
- For details, refer to this article: The image sometimes shifts (Pixel shift feature).
Screensaver
- To protect the TV from image retention, a screensaver is activated if no actions are detected for a while.
- For details, refer to these articles:
Feature to adjust the screen brightness
- If an image that is prone to retention is displayed on the TV screen, this feature gradually reduces the brightness in order to protect it.
- For details, refer to this article: The screen brightness suddenly changes (OLED TV).
How to reduce the risk of image retention
Keep the following tips in mind to help reduce the risk of image retention on your TV screen.
- Refer to this support article: How do I reduce image retention or non-uniformity on the screen?
- Adjust the Wide mode setting to eliminate black bars.
If Wide mode is shown when pressing the MENU button If Wide mode is not shown when pressing the MENU button
- Turn off the OSD (On Screen Display) by pressing the DISPLAY button, and turn off any open menus from connected devices. For details, refer to the instruction manuals for your connected devices.
- Avoid displaying static images with clocks, logos, or bright colours (including white) on any portion of the screen.
- Set the picture settings based on the ambient conditions. Standard is recommended for home use and when viewing content that often displays the station logos, etc.
To set the picture setting to Standard:- Open the
Settings screen:
- If the remote control has a Quick Settings (
or
) button, press the Quick Settings button and select
- If the remote control does not have a Quick Settings (
- If the remote control has a Quick Settings (
- The next steps will depend on your TV menu options:
- Display & Sound → Picture & Sound → Picture → Picture mode → Standard.
- Display & Sound → Picture → Picture mode → Standard.
- Display → Picture → Picture mode → Standard.
- Open the