Screen Burn-In

Screen burn-in, also known as ghost image or screen burn, is a permanent discoloration of areas on an electronic display such as a CRT, plasma, or OLED screen caused by the cumulative non-uniform use of the pixels. This phenomenon is characterized by the persistence of a faint image or pattern on the display, even when the content changes.

Causes

Screen burn-in occurs due to the uneven wear of the pixels in a display. This can happen when static images are displayed for extended periods, causing certain pixels to age faster than others. The primary causes of screen burn-in include:

**Static Images**: Prolonged display of static images, such as logos, navigation bars, or channel identifiers, can lead to uneven pixel wear.
**High Brightness Levels**: High brightness settings can accelerate the aging process of pixels, particularly in OLED and plasma displays.
**Content with High Contrast**: High contrast images, where bright and dark areas are adjacent, can cause differential aging of pixels.

Types of Displays Affected

Different types of displays are susceptible to screen burn-in to varying degrees:

**CRT Displays**: CRTs are prone to burn-in due to the phosphor coating on the screen, which can become permanently etched with static images.
**Plasma Displays**: Plasma screens can suffer from burn-in because the phosphors used to create images degrade over time with use.
**OLED Displays**: OLEDs are particularly vulnerable to burn-in because the organic compounds used to emit light degrade with use, leading to differential aging of pixels.

Prevention and Mitigation

Several strategies can be employed to prevent or mitigate screen burn-in:

**Screen Savers**: Using screen savers that display moving images can help prevent static images from causing burn-in.
**Pixel Shifting**: Some modern displays use pixel shifting techniques to slightly move the image on the screen, reducing the risk of burn-in.
**Lower Brightness**: Reducing the brightness of the display can slow down the aging process of the pixels.
**Periodic Refresh**: Some displays have built-in functions to refresh the screen periodically, which can help even out pixel wear.

Detection and Repair

Detecting screen burn-in can be done through visual inspection or using test patterns designed to reveal ghost images. Repairing screen burn-in is challenging, and in many cases, it may be irreversible. However, some methods can reduce its visibility:

**Image Retention Tools**: Some displays come with tools that can help reduce the appearance of burn-in by displaying alternating patterns.
**Professional Repair Services**: In severe cases, professional repair services may be able to replace affected components, though this can be costly.

Technological Advances

Recent advancements in display technology aim to reduce the risk of screen burn-in:

**Improved Materials**: Newer OLED and plasma displays use materials that are more resistant to burn-in.
**Software Solutions**: Advanced algorithms can detect static images and adjust the display to minimize burn-in risk.
**Hybrid Displays**: Some manufacturers are developing hybrid displays that combine different technologies to mitigate the risk of burn-in.