Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have become increasingly popular. Also known as organic electroluminescent diode, OLED is a display technology that’s characterized by the use of an emissive electroluminescent layer. They feature a film-like layer consisting of an organic material that generates light in response to an electrical current. From computer monitors and TVs to mobile devices, human machine interfaces (HMIs) and more, OLED is used in a variety of display devices. There are several myths about OLEDs, however, that you shouldn’t believe.
#1) Same as LED-Backlit LCDs
While OLED is a type of LED technology, OLEDs aren’t the same as LED-backlit LCDs. LED-backlit LCDs are display devices that feature liquid organic pixels with a backlight. The backlight consists of grid- or side-firing LEDs. When these LEDs turn on, they will illuminate the liquid pixels. OLEDs don’t have a backlight. Instead, they leverage the self-illuminating properties of an emissive electroluminescent layer.
#2) Prone to Burn-In
You don’t have to worry about burn-in with OLEDs. Burn-in, of course, is a phenomenon in which an image becomes permanently “burned” into a display device. In the past, it was common with cathode-ray tube (CRT) displays. OLEDs, though, aren’t prone to burn-in. They may experience temporary image retention if the same image is displayed for a prolonged period, but they won’t suffer from true burn-in.
#3) Consume More Energy Than LCDs
Another common myth about OLEDs is that they consume more energy than traditional LCDs. Both OLEDs and LCDs require energy to produce images. But their energy consumption is about on par with each other. OLEDs, in fact, may be slightly more efficient. This is due to the fact that OLEDs don’t have a backlight. When turned on, electricity will flow through the OLED’s emissive electroluminescent layer, thereby producing images. LCDs, in comparison, feature a separate backlight, so they may consume more energy than their OLED counterparts.
#4) Not Suitable for Small Display Devices
Think OLEDs are only suitable for large display devices? Think again. With their backlight-less design, they are ideal for small display devices as well. Backlights take up space. A typical backlight consists of bulbs or diodes behind a pixel layer. As a result, display devices with a backlight are typically heavier and thicker than those without a backlight. OLEDs don’t have a backlight, making them lightweight and small.
#5) Slow Response Time
Some people assume that OLEDs have a slow response time, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. While response times vary, most OLEDs have a faster response time than LCDs. Research shows that sold OLEDs have a response time of just 0.01 millisecond. In comparison, LCDs typically have a response time of 1 millisecond or higher.
