What dirty screen effect looks like
Dirty screen effect usually appears as darker or lighter patches that stay fixed while content moves underneath. It is often easiest to notice on gray or other smooth fullscreen patterns.
Sports, skies, and menu screens can reveal the issue much more clearly than mixed high-contrast content.
How to test for panel patchiness
Open gray and near-neutral screens in fullscreen mode and scan the panel slowly from center to edges. Then compare with real sports or smooth panning footage if available.
If the same blotchy areas remain visible across different scenes, the issue is more likely to be true dirty screen effect.
When the problem becomes important
Mild uniformity variation may not bother every user, but obvious patches that remain visible in sports or movie pans are more serious. Larger TVs and monitors make this easier to notice.
For second-hand buyers, strong dirty screen effect should affect the final price.
FAQ
Is dirty screen effect the same as burn-in?
No. Dirty screen effect is usually a uniformity issue rather than a fixed retained image pattern.
Which color is best for checking dirty screen effect?
Gray is usually the best starting point because it reveals patchy uniformity clearly.
Should I compare test screens with sports footage?
Yes. Real smooth-motion content helps show whether the issue matters in actual viewing.
Run the test now
Use the OLED Test homepage to open fullscreen colors, inspect uniformity, and compare panel behavior in real time. The browser-based workflow is fast, free, and works well for quick repeat checks.