The emergence of OLED technology has sparked excitement in the world of monitors, promising vibrant colors, deep blacks, and improved image quality. However, concerns about burn-in have been looming over this promising technology. In a recent review of LG’s 27-inch OLED gaming monitor, it was discovered that the company’s warranty explicitly excluded burn-in resulting from improper usage. This raised questions about the durability and longevity of OLED monitors. In this article, we will explore LG’s response to these concerns and the implications for the future of monitors.
LG Changes the Game
After months of discussions and inquiries from The Verge, LG Electronics has finally updated its warranty to address burn-in issues. Christopher De Maria, LG’s head of consumer PR for North America, confirmed that the company now offers a two-year burn-in warranty for its OLED gaming monitor in the United States. This updated warranty also applies retroactively to previously sold LG 27GR95QE-B monitors. While the warranty language still emphasizes “normal and proper use” and excludes damage resulting from misuse or abuse, LG Electronics product marketing director David Park clarifies that burn-in is covered as long as the monitor is used as intended in a residential setting, such as personal PC gaming and desktop computing.
The concept of “normal use” is crucial, as it determines whether damage or issues like burn-in will be covered under warranty. According to De Maria, “normal use” refers to using the product for its intended purpose. In the case of LG’s OLED gaming monitor, this includes gaming (both professional and casual) and desktop computing tasks. This clarification by LG provides consumers with a better understanding of how to use their monitors without voiding the warranty.
Burn-in has been a major concern for OLED enthusiasts and monitor manufacturers alike. The fear of leaving the same content on the screen for extended periods has led to cautionary practices such as hiding the Windows taskbar and browser chrome. However, LG Display and Samsung Display, the manufacturers of OLED panels used in these monitors, have implemented numerous built-in protections and brightness management techniques to mitigate burn-in risks. As a result, they are confident in the longevity of their displays.
Interestingly, not all monitor manufacturers pass along the burn-in warranty provided by LG Display. Acer and Asus, who also utilize the same LG Display panel, do not cover burn-in in their warranties. When questioned about this discrepancy, neither company provided a clear response. Acer stated that while burn-in is not formally covered, their customer care team has the discretion to assist customers with these rare issues. Asus indicated the need to consult with LG about their burn-in warranty before providing an official statement.
Other companies like Dell’s Alienware and Corsair have embraced OLED technology and offer more extensive burn-in warranties. Dell’s Alienware provides a three-year burn-in warranty and even offers next-business-day replacement. Corsair, which uses the same LG Display screen, also includes a three-year burn-in warranty in their OLED monitors. These companies emphasize their trust in the pixel refresh function to alleviate burn-in concerns.
While LG’s two-year burn-in warranty is a significant step forward, questions remain about the longevity of OLED monitors. Considering their potential lifespan, a warranty period of two to three years may not be sufficient for a device that users may rely on for a decade or more. However, this change in LG’s warranty policy highlights the company’s commitment to address consumers’ concerns and improve the reliability of their OLED monitors. Continued advancements in OLED technology and stricter warranty policies by manufacturers may further enhance the durability and longevity of these monitors in the future.
OLED monitors offer an exciting glimpse into the future of display technology, with their ability to produce stunning visuals. However, burn-in fears have cast a shadow over this advancement. LG Electronics’ decision to update its warranty, providing a two-year burn-in coverage for its OLED gaming monitor, demonstrates a positive step towards addressing these concerns. While other monitor manufacturers have yet to follow suit, the growing adoption of OLED displays and improved burn-in mitigations suggest a more reliable future for this technology. With ongoing advancements and a stronger focus on comprehensive warranties, OLED monitors may soon become the go-to choice for gamers and professionals seeking top-tier visual experiences without the fear of burn-in.
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