Dual-view OLED TVs are an exciting development in home theater technology, offering the ability to display two video sources side-by-side on the same screen. By leveraging the self-emitting pixels of an OLED panel, these unique TVs allow multiple viewers to watch different content simultaneously – potentially eliminating arguments over what to watch.
However, while the expanded functionality of a dual-view OLED may sound appealing, there are several significant drawbacks to these cutting-edge displays that shoppers need to seriously consider. As an expert in TV and display technologies, I‘ve identified eight critical reasons why you may want to think twice before investing in a dual-view OLED for your home.
The Basics of Dual-View OLED TV Technology
Before diving into the disadvantages, let‘s briefly review what dual-view OLED TVs are and how they work. These unique displays contain self-emissive pixels that can be individually controlled, allowing different areas of the screen to display different content.
Using special glasses, two viewers can watch separate video sources on the same screen – for example, one person could enjoy a movie while the other plays a video game. The glasses synchronize with the TV to ensure each viewer only sees their desired content. It‘s an impressive technical achievement, but not without some notable flaws.
8 Reasons to Reconsider Purchasing a Dual-View OLED TV
While the expandedviewing capabilities may sound great in theory, here are eight compelling reasons to avoid dual-view OLED TVs:
1. High Risk of Permanent Burn-in
One of the most severe limitations of all OLED displays is the potential for permanent image retention, known as burn-in. This occurs when static elements, such as a channel logo or scoreboard, remain on screen for extended periods, causing uneven wear on those specific pixels.
Over time, a ghost image of those elements can become permanently etched into the panel. And since each pixel is its own light source, there‘s no way to reverse this damage. Burn-in is arguably an even greater concern with dual-view OLEDs, as each viewer may pause their content, resulting in a static image on half the screen for hours.
2. Significantly Shorter Lifespan
The organic compounds that create the breathtaking colors and perfect black levels OLED is known for are also inherently unstable. As a result, OLED panels have a much shorter expected lifespan compared to LED or QLED TVs.
While improvements in manufacturing have increased the longevity of newer OLED models, they still lag behind the competition. LG, the leading OLED manufacturer, estimates their panels to last around 30,000 hours, compared to 60,000+ hours for high-end QLED displays. Dual-view models are unlikely to fare any better.
3. Premium Price Tag
If you‘ve shopped for an OLED TV recently, you know they command top dollar. In fact, the cheapest 55" OLED still costs hundreds more than a comparable QLED. And since dual-view technology is even more niche, expect to pay a substantial premium.
With price tags commonly exceeding $3000 for a 65" model, dual-view OLED TVs are simply poor value given their inherent limitations. You can find top-tier LED or QLED TVs for significantly less while still enjoying world-class picture quality and a much longer lifespan.
4. Colors Fade Faster Over Time
OLED‘s self-emissive pixels begin degrading the moment you power on the TV, and that deterioration is most noticeable in the colors. As the organic compounds break down, they lose the ability to reproduce the wide color gamut that gives OLED its trademark "pop."
Reds and greens are particularly vulnerable, leading to a duller, less vibrant picture the longer you use the TV. Considering the shorter overall lifespan of OLEDs, the risk of premature color deterioration is just another reason to question the value of dual-view models.
5. Inconsistent Pixel Structure
While not always noticeable, OLED panels can suffer from an inconsistent pixel structure due to the way the organic light-emitting diodes are deposited. Compared to the precise layout of LED and QLED TVs, OLEDs are prone to slight variances in pixel size and spacing.
These irregularities can cause issues like color banding or stuttering motion in certain situations – artifacts not typically seen on other high-end displays. The unpredictable sub-pixel layout is yet another risk factor to keep in mind with dual-view OLEDs.
6. Aggressive Brightness Limiting
To combat premature aging and the risk of burn-in, OLED TVs utilize automatic brightness limiting (ABL) to monitor and adjust light output in real-time. While this helps maintain performance over time, it can severely hamper the viewing experience.
ABL can make well-lit scenes appear muted and dull, as the TV dims the brightest elements to prevent damage. It‘s especially distracting in HDR content, where specular highlights should leap off the screen. Dual-view models will likely suffer the same aggressive algorithm, spoiling the experience for both viewers.
7. Never Achieves True White
One little-known advantage of LED and QLED TVs is their ability to produce a pure white. It‘s a critical component for accurately rendering everyday objects like clouds, snow, or a white shirt. OLEDs, unfortunately, simply can‘t achieve a true white.
Since the pixels create color by filtering blue light, white is always a "best guess" mixture of red, green, and blue. And as the panel ages, the "white point" drifts further away from the industry standard D65. Perfectionists and videophiles will surely notice this shift over time.
8. Exceptionally Fragile Construction
Lastly, the thin profile that makes OLEDs so sleek and sexy also makes them incredibly fragile. The underlying panel is susceptible to cracks or dead pixels from even a minor impact. And there‘s no way to repair this damage – the entire panel must be replaced.
Dual-view OLEDs are likely just as delicate, so extra care must be taken when installing or moving them. The cost of professional repair would be astronomical, easily exceeding the original price of the TV. It‘s a level of risk few would be willing to accept for such a premium product.
Alternative TV Technologies to Consider
Thankfully, dual-view OLED TVs are not the only option for those seeking an immersive, multi-screen viewing experience at home. Here are a few compelling alternatives that offer similar functionality without the inherent drawbacks of OLED:
Multi-View QLED TVs from Samsung
Samsung‘s high-end QLED lineup now features multi-view technology, which works similarly to dual-view OLED by allowing two separate video sources to be displayed simultaneously. However, QLED uses a more stable quantum dot layer to create color and brightness, resulting in a longer lifespan and significantly lower risk of burn-in.
Models like the QN900A and The Frame use Multi-View to deliver the same expandability as a dual-view OLED in a sleeker, more durable package. And with a much wider viewing angle than traditional LCDs, QLEDs offer excellent picture quality for multiple viewers in larger rooms.
LG‘s QNED Series
It‘s worth noting that LG, long known as the pioneer of OLED TVs, also offers an impressive lineup of QNED displays. By combining quantum dot technology with LG‘s proprietary NanoCell filter, these unique LCDs deliver OLED-like contrast and color vibrancy without the risk of burn-in.
While LG‘s QNED models don‘t currently support dual-view technology, they offer exceptional picture quality and rock-solid durability for both movies and gaming. And like Samsung‘s QLEDs, you can expect a significantly longer lifespan than any OLED TV on the market.
The Bottom Line
There‘s no denying that dual-view OLED TVs are an impressive feat of engineering and a novel solution for households who frequently argue over what to watch. But given the numerous drawbacks and sky-high price tags, I simply cannot recommend investing in one.
The risk of permanent burn-in, short lifespan, color degradation, and fragile construction far outweigh any benefits in my expert opinion. You‘re better off buying two high-end LED or QLED TVs for the price of one dual-view OLED.
While less convenient, separate screens will provide a better viewing experience and significantly longer lifespan. And with compelling alternatives like Samsung‘s multi-view QLEDs on the horizon, the future of dual-screen viewing is thankfully not limited to OLED technology.
As always, I suggest thoroughly researching any premium TV purchase and reading multiple expert reviews to find the best fit for your needs and budget. But if you‘re considering a dual-view OLED, I strongly urge you to think twice and explore other options before making that hefty investment.
