The annoying ‘screen burn in’ displays can suffer from when used with the same picture for a longer period of time, now has a new enemy. EBU TECHNICAL’s P/Display Group, chaired by display-expert Richard Salmon (BBC), today published EBU Recommendation R129.
Sharp edges
R129 gives advice to broadcasters on avoiding ‘image retention’ on displays. Although mostly associated with Plasma screen technology, LCD displays may suffer from this effect as well. Image retention is most visible at the edges of the sticky image. With HDTV displays, this problem is emphasized compared to SDTV screens, as the resolution is higher, so edges are sharper.
| What broadcasters can do
To minimise the risk of static image retention or premature aging of displays, broadcasters are advised to regularly move the position of images that tend to be relatively static, such as those used for channel identification and EPGs. Several CE manufacturers have already adopted a similar approach for On Screen Display information, such as channel numbers. Where static images are used, they should have a luminance not higher than the average picture level of the screen and saturated blue and yellow should be avoided. | Ideally displays should show no image residues. |
For more information, download EBU R129 or contact the Group's project manager: Adi Kouadio (EBU)