What Is Burn In?

Burn in is one of the most commonly misunderstood concepts regarding television displays. Burn in is a phenomenon associated to television products, where a static image left on the screen, over time, can permanently wear itself into the display. This phenomenon is generally associated to phosphor based television displays, such as tubes, CRT rear projection, and plasma.

A common question is if LCD televisions are susceptible to burn in. The most common answer to this question is no, LCDs are immune to burn in. However, this answer is somewhat of a half-truth.

The Truth About LCD and Burn In

It is a fact that LCD displays are immune to phosphor wear, simply because LCD televisions do not use phosphor to create a television image. Otherwise, it would be like saying an electric car can run out of gas.

However, LCD displays have certain characteristics that do not make them completely immune to static images. On LCD displays it's kindly referred to as "video memory." LCD panels use a complicated process of organizing liquid crystal molecules into a twisted or untwisted state, which allows polarized light to pass through the liquid crystal substrate. Over time, it is possible the liquid crystals can "get used to" the state of twist they are in, causing a static image, similar to phosphor burn-in, appear on the screen.

Some say that simply turning off the display for 24-48 hours eliminates the effect, while others have claimed the effect is permanent in extreme cases. Nonetheless, home users of LCD televisions have little to fear.

Why Video Memory Is Little Concern To LCD TVs

The nature of LCD products makes them extremely resilient to building up a video memory. The only time you're really going to see this issue is in the computer world. If, for example, the Windows or Macintosh desktop was left uninterrupted on a LCD display with no screen saver for a long period of time, it is likely the video memory will build up and possibly be permanent.

As a television, LCD products get enough movement of the image, or cycled on and off enough, that the buildup of video memory is highly unlikely. Leaving static images on an LCD display for a relatively short period of time will have no damaging effect to the display. In other words, you'll only get video memory buildup on an LCD television if you try to do it on purpose.

If someone tells you to avoid an LCD product because of burn in, you can be sure the person you're speaking to was uninformed on the nature of LCD products. LCD is an excellent and robust technology, and should be considered for any TV owner.

There is no need for the television user to concern themselves with video memory because it's just not possible under normal viewing conditions.