You’ve likely heard universal praise in home entertainment circles for LG’s latest generation C-series OLED televisions. Reviewers can’t stop raving about the stunningly sharp contrast and pixel-perfect blacks enabled by self-illuminating OLED technology. Even the most jaded video enthusiasts have been won over by the mesmerizing brilliance of the LG C2 and new LG C3 display.
But a buying decision shouldn’t be made solely on initial “wow factor” viewing demos under perfect store lighting conditions. There are always subtleties and tradeoffs around any display technology that become more obvious under actual living room usage spanning many years. And OLED panels in particular, for all their virtues, come with some specific disadvantages relative to traditional LCD and maturing LED/QLED designs that are important to factor in.
As an electrical engineer by background with over 20 years home theater consulting experience, I’ve researched display technologies extensively and lived with earlier generation OLEDs first-hand since their market debut. I’m going to offer my impartial, professional assessment on factors to watch out for if investing $1000+ on LG’s flagship C2/C3 models. Despite the overwhelming hype, OLED isn‘t necessarily the universally optimum display solution some fans claim…
Quick Primer – What is OLED and How Do C2/C3 Models Improve On Past OLED Issues?
Before diving into the key drawbacks remaining, first let’s ground ourselves in what makes OLED work so well where it counts – image quality.
OLED stands for “Organic Light Emitting Diode”. Rather than an LCD matrix with fixed backlight shining through, or individual LEDs clustered in zones to dim regions of the image, each OLED pixel generates its own light. This gives unparalleled control – when pixels are told to go fully dark, they turn completely off with no backlight leakage as occurs on LCD/LED displays.
This capability to achieve effectively “infinite” contrast ratio through perfect blacks translates into mesmerizing depth and dimensionality, revealing subtle shadow details lacking on any LCD/LED models reliant on always-on zone-based backlights. Passthrough black levels also mean OLEDs shine for dark room home theater use.
LG has invested billions over the past decade improving OLED fabrication yields and panel reliability, while steadily driving down prices. Their “EVO” panels integrated in both the C2 and new C3 series boost panel brightness by 20% over prior generations. A new heatsink improves peak luminance duration before dimming occurs. To better protect against uneven pixel wear over time, LG also now leverages AI-based anti burn-in algorithms.
So while OLED has historically suffered knocks for short lifespans, proneness to permanent image retention, and inability to reach searing LED/LCD brightness levels, the C2 and C3 series tackle these deficiencies head-on better than ever before.
But have the improvements truly matched lofty marketing claims? Let’s examine inherent OLED pros and cons balanced against real-world experience…
Why I Still Recommend Most Buyers Think Twice Before Purchasing C2/C3 Series OLED TVs
Make no mistake – I’ll never forget the “ WOW” moment first witnessing perfect, inky OLED blacks with vibrant HDR popping from screen depths I previously thought impossible on flat panels. And LG’s relentless innovation has brought their latest generation tantalizingly close to the mythical Holy Grail display we’ve long envisioned.
But we aren’t completely there yet. As a display purist I can’t deny certain lingering OLED pitfalls, reasons I still suggest all but the most discerning videophiles carefully weigh their usage, viewing environment, and budget before investing in an LG C2/C3.
Severe Risk of Permanent Burn-In Remains
All self-emissive OLED panels remain prone to possible burn-in, though manufacturers have made tremendous advancements in automatic compensation features to minimize the risk. Specifically with bright static elements – say a network logo or game health meter – displayed continually overtime, uneven aging of the organic LED materials can lead to permanent ghost outlines “burned in” even when changing content.
The LG C2 and C3 incorporate powerful new Custom AI Picture Pro processing to detect static areas of the screen and subtly shift pixels to even out cumulative photon workload. There’s also an OLED Panel Refresh cycle that attempts to correct uneven wear by cycling all pixels through a brief high brightness patterns.
However, since each OLED pixel generates light independently, there remains a possibility of differential aging searing in stubborn phantom artifacts:
Reliability improvements in recent years make burn-in less of an out-of-box failure risk, but cautions still remain for heavy gamers or sports fans displaying bright static overlays 20+ hours weekly. LG now offers best-in-class anti burn-in technologies – but physics limitations mean OLED still can‘t necessarily survive the extremes of abuse poorer-quality LCD/LED televisions happily withstand.
If your family tends to keep ESPN/Fox News on screen 14 hours a day, OLED remains risky long-term.
OLED Lifespans Still Trail LED/LCD Rivals
Tied intrinsically to burn-in susceptibility, expected OLED lifespan considerably trails comparable LED/LCD models on paper, even LG’s upgraded EVO panel. This leads cost-conscious buyers to question whether the LG C3’s eye-watering $1300 starting price could buy 2-3 LCD/LED replacements once out-of-warranty OLED uniformity defects arise:
| Display Type | Estimated Hours Before Noticeable Defects |
|---|---|
| LG C2 OLED EVO | Up to 100,000 hrs |
| Typical Mid-Range LED | At least 60,000 hrs |
| High-End Samsung QLED | Over 100,000 hrs |
I can already hear enthusiasts shouting how "they would rather have 5 years of OLED glory than 10 with an inferior LED". As mentioned I don’t disagree – compared shot for shot, OLED trounces any LED/LCD television technology now or on the horizon.
But we don’t always analyze display options clinically in this manner. We get precious few communal years gathered with friends and loved ones in living rooms before the kids move out or grandpa passes. Practically speaking, who wants to risk sudden display degradation interrupting life memories versus imperfect but reliably adequate LED viewing?
I‘m not trying to exaggerate here – LG has clearly stepped up to strengthen successful pixel shifting and manual OLED refresh features that should help the vast majority of owners avoid burn-in peril even streaming 6-8 hours daily. But edge case risks remain. If budget is any consideration, base-model $600 70" LED panels provide outstanding performance at a fraction of replacement cost. Again physics can‘t be defeated fully – OLED efficiency drops incrementally daily while LED/LCD largely maintains quality for a decade or more.
Viewing Angle Color Shifts Persist
Off-axis OLED viewing retains a particular thorn in LG engineer’s side. Due to optical limitations, despite dedicated compensation circuitry colors desaturate and black levels elevate from oblique seating positions:
The 55/65" C2 and newer C3 models represent a considerable breakthrough minimizing the most glaring shifts. But subtle darkening/fading still crops up outside optimal 30° axis. I’ll admit only videophile purists like myself tend to consciously spot this effect. But at $1500+ investment, shouldn‘t immersive images enthral the whole room?
Meanwhile high-performance LCD enjoys viewing flexibility even many projectors can‘t match. Yes there remains modest backlight clouding but colors uniformly retain punch anywhere guests wander.
I apologize if I’m beating a dead horse for enthusiasts well acquainted with OLED view shift complexities. My guidance here targets shoppers new to display terminology who may overlook these pesky optical drawbacks amidst rave reviews. Specifically for mixed room seating layouts the issue merits consideration – why frustrate a partner or house guest relegated off-center with subpar views?
Motion Handling Still Lags LED Rivals
Let me pause anyone rolling eyes at the absurdity debating OLED speed after witnessing buttery smooth 120Hz motion interpolation across the C2/C3 range. I would never dispute LG has achieved phenomenal video processing power leveraging the blistering 0.1ms pixel response advantage.
My point instead involves an esoteric technicality called “response time” falling lower on OLED priority list versus eliminating jutter or backlight blooming:
In an effort to safeguard longevity and avoid burn-in, LG caps peak current/voltage levels through the OLED diode layer. Reduced current ceiling in turn slightly blunts pixel transition speed. This manifests as faint shadowing artifacts in particular panning shots:
You must understand – we’re talking nuances only truly discerning viewers actively analyze absent side-by-side LED comparison. LG processing mastery all but eliminates classic stutter and tearing.
But for sports, gaming, and cinema purists expecting reference-grade clarity, the limitation stands. OLED isn’t fundamentally incapable achieving faster pixel response – LG merely prioritizes longevity and anti burn-in precautions first. We carefree LED owners suffering no uniformity anxieties happily blast pixels freely between extremes with no regard for long-term degradation!
This seems a good moment to reiterate my goal isn‘t attacking OLED performance for perfect motion handling impossible today. Merely raising awareness that while finest-available contrast comes bundled, we haven‘t fully conquered every traditional LCD strength. Relevance depends greatly on your tastes and what you watch.
Sunlight Reflectance & Peak Nits Still Improve
Let’s shift gears to brightness, perhaps the measurement generating most fierce debate between format fanboys.
No one will refute Samsung’s “QNED” (hybrid quantum dot / LED backlight) TVs legendarily blaze 1000-2000 nits searing eyeballs under showroom spotlights. Facing such marketing glitz, LG’s upgraded C2 and C3 maxing around 800 nits brightness seems dim.
But don’t underestimate just how piercingly bright modern television displays have evolved! Anything over 500 sustained nits punches daylight visible HDR highlights through sunlit living rooms. And when calibrating in darker spaces for critical movie or gaming viewing, blasting 1000+ nits loses practical meaning quick. Such lighting conditions literally fatigue human eye anatomy unadjusted.
Between upgraded EVO emissivity, AI luminance boosting, and dynamic tone mapping, LG’s latest OLED generations provide outstanding punch for all but most sun drenched environments. Allow an old display engineer to spare you chasing meaningless “nits” arms races absent proper context. Our eyes physically cannot withstand LED/LCD extremity without pain – and manufacturers exploit this fact cleverly marketing against OLED.
I’ll leave this section with some practical guidance around brightness concerns:
- Wall of windows? Stick LED.
- Blackout home theater? Dark scenes reveal OLED’s mastery.
- HDR gaming with sunlight glare? Meet halfway with QD-OLED.
- Prioritize sports clarity? LED motion handling wins.
- Watch varied content in mixed lighting? Consider metrics beyond peak brightness claims.
There are no universally “right” answers contrary to forum chatter. Let your unique preferences and room guide display decisions.
LG C2/C3 Price Tags Remain Stratospheric
We can’t ignore the elephant in the room – LG’s absolute premium pricing tiers for their OLED models. Due to technological complexity and low fabrication yields, current LG factory capacity only permits producing a couple million OLED panels annually. This scarcity allows the company to charge ascending four digit premiums rivaling latest iPhone launches.
As example, the LG 65” C2 OLED debuted at a staggering $2799 MSRP. Meanwhile rival TCL and Hisense launched 75” 4K LED models under $1000, with Samsung and Sony 65” LEDs pitching robust competition sub-$1500. In other words, at retail prices the OLED premium equates to a second TV!
To reiterate – even among prestige Samsung “Neo QLED” line, LG commands 30-50% higher pricing with fewer overall screen size options. They get away with it because, well, no volume television display industry-wide matches OLED picture quality today. But it’s still an onerous upcharge considering OLED pitfalls outlined herein – one that gives frugal buyers pause.
Obviously street pricing and holiday sales help ease the damage; LG smartly seeks to reel in upper middle class buyers versus strictly catering high net worth early adopters. We see 65” C2 models dip below $2000 periodically. But there’s no denying that ratio of cost toLED competitors shows little sign of abating, at least not until Chinese display juggernauts BOE and CSOT enter OLED television production en masse.
Of course enthusiasts eagerly awaiting next holiday season discounts care little about corporate profit scheming. We’re here to judge the TVs on merit! Just be warned the great visual splendor comes at a mighty premium over amazing nearly-as-good LED televisions. I leave it to your budget priorities deciding whether the upgrade cost justifies.
The Bottom Line – Consider Your Personal Usage Before Rushing to Purchase LG C2 or C3 OLED Televisions
In closing my treatise on merits and limitations around LG’s venerated C-Series OLED televisions, I hope the depth herein provides balanced food for thought. Too often display analysis fixates solely on color gamut charts, perfect black levels, and other clinical benchmarks not mirroring reality. My aim was to sprinkle in responsible caution around remaining OLED drawbacks that could damper certain applications or environments.
Make no mistake – I endorse LG’s C2 EVO and brand new C3 OLED panels as delivering unquestionably the most stunning, nuanced contrast and inky blacks possible on modern flat panel displays. The improvements overcoming years of OLED panel deficiencies stand monumental, leaving all prior LCD and LED television advancements far behind on picture quality.
However, significant risk of permanent burn-in persists for abusive usage scenarios. More pedestrian motion clarity and brightness nits leave some headroom vs traditional LED/LCD televisions. And there’s no denying the eye watering price premium commanded.
If your use case and seating arrangement permits exploiting OLED strengths, while mitigating format limitations discussed, LG C2 and C3 models will provide the ultimate television viewing bar none. Those prioritizing home theater, appreciating deep blacks, playing single player gaming, or streaming varied content will find the upgrades over LED well worth surmounting side effects and shortened lifespan risks.
But more mainstream television viewers less discerning may struggle noticing OLED refinements day to day. Sports fans, families streaming ESPN/News all day, and multimedia power users should consider less expensive LED alternatives with brightness and longevity advantages better suiting their lifestyle.
Whichever technology you select, may your new television provide countless memorable moments with those who matter most! I’m happy to address any individual questions in comments below around optimizing display decisions for your situation.
