RTINGS has published findings from its 18,000-hour accelerated longevity test, revealing a problem affecting older WOLED televisions. Of the 16 LG Display WOLED panels tested, 14 developed dead pixels or visible deterioration around their edges .
If you’ve been enjoying the crisp, vibrant visuals of your WOLED TV, you might want to sit down—preferably on a non-leaky sofa—because recent findings suggest that your beloved screen could be suffering from a case of what experts are calling “edge rot.” Yes, it sounds like a condition that might afflict an old piece of furniture, but alas, it’s a little more serious than that.
According to a test conducted by the folks over at RTINGS, which sounds suspiciously like a tech version of the ‘Rugrats’ but without the charm, 14 out of 16 WOLED TVs from the years 2020 to 2023 displayed dead pixels after a rigorous endurance test. This test involved running the TVs for a whopping 18,000 hours—roughly a decade’s worth of binge-watching, sports marathons, and endless scrolling through streaming services. Who knew that all those hours of watching your favorite reality shows would come back to haunt you?
So, what exactly is this mysterious “edge rot”? Quite simply, it’s the phenomenon where pixels at the edges of the screen decide to take a permanent vacation, leaving you with a less-than-ideal viewing experience. Imagine settling down to watch the latest episode of your favorite show, only to be greeted by a rogue black spot that resembles the remnants of last night’s pizza. Not exactly the cinematic experience you signed up for, right?
You might be wondering why this is happening. Well, WOLED technology, which stands for White Organic Light-Emitting Diode—try saying that three times fast—has some inherent weaknesses. The technology relies on organic materials that can degrade over time. Combine that with the fact that TVs are often cranked up to maximum brightness (because who doesn’t love a good glow?), and you’ve got a recipe for pixel disaster.
While newer models may have improved durability, those of you rocking the older versions might want to keep an eye out for signs of pixel distress. If you notice that your TV is looking a bit like a starry night sky, it might be time to consider an upgrade. Or at least a good therapy session for your television.
Now, before you rush out to buy the latest model, let’s not forget the silver lining here. The findings from RTINGS can serve as a wake-up call for manufacturers to step up their game. Maybe they’ll invest in more robust materials or come up with a magical solution that prevents edge rot from ruining movie nights. Or maybe they’ll just sell you a new TV every few years, which sounds more like the modern consumerist dream.
In the meantime, if you’re one of the fortunate owners of a WOLED TV that hasn’t succumbed to edge rot, congratulations! You’re living the high life. But for the rest of us, let’s raise a glass (preferably filled with something that pairs well with disappointment) to the fleeting joys of technology and the inevitable march towards obsolescence. Cheers to edge rot—may it not find you too soon!
Inspired by: “Older WOLED TVs suffer from "edge rot" as test finds dead pixels in 14 of 16 sets” (r/General)