Modern TVs are jam-packed with functions that help to put us in total control of all of our favourite content. However, some functions often go largely unnoticed or underappreciated. Such as the incredibly useful ‘Pixel shift’.

If you’ve never heard of pixel shift before, you might wonder what it actually is. As well as what it does. What is pixel shift? Is it a useful function that you should tap into regularly? Or just a superficial option that offers you only a semblance of control?

This ultimate guide will take you through everything there is to know about pixel shift, so you can make the most of it yourself.

What Does ‘Pixel Shift’ Refer To?

Pixel shift is a special function found in many modern smart TVs that helps to protect the health of the display itself. Certain TVs such as OLED TVs are incredibly susceptible to the dreaded screen burn. This is a problem in which certain images are burnt into the display of a TV. This usually occurs when a single static image is left on the screen for too long.

TV displays such as OLEDs make use of individual pixels to project an image out. When the brightness of these pixels is cranked too high, the pixels will burn out at a far faster rate. Or even worse, burn right into the surface of the screen. This is what causes specific static images to remain fixed on the screen.

To help prevent this irreversible issue, pixel shift will automatically shift around specific pixels on the screen after a certain amount of time. Shifting the pixels around means that certain pixels aren’t burdened with producing the same amount of light for prolonged periods.

Pixel shift is specially designed to shift around individual pixels on your TV screen so that static elements don’t end up burning in. It’s useful for keeping your TV going for years to come.

Pixel shift is incredibly useful if you are prone to falling asleep in front of the TV, or accidentally leaving the screen running!

Pixel shift is also great for ensuring that small static elements on your screen don’t end up burning in. Some of the most common cases of screen burn occur as a result of static elements such as TV channel logos, or user HUDS in popular video games. Pixel shift helps to keep these elements from burning into the screen by actively refreshing the pixels used to create them.

Is It Worth Making Use Of Pixel Shift?

Absolutely! Pixel shift is a very non-intrusive feature that helps to prolong the life of your TV for a number of years! Pixel shift is also incredibly subtle. While enjoying your favourite content you won’t be able to notice the pixels shifting incrementally.

You can simply activate pixel shift on your TV and then forget about it; allowing it to get right to work! It will help to keep static elements on-screen from burning in permanently.

Do All TVs Have Pixel Shift?

Unfortunately, not all TVs will provide access to pixel shift. If you have a non-smart TV or a TV that is a number of years old, then you may not be able to take advantage of pixel shift.

Luckily, a number of major manufacturers include pixel shift as standard within some of their most popular TV models.

To activate pixel shift on your TV, you’ll need to head to the system settings menu of your chosen TV model. We recommend consulting your TV’s user guide, in order to find the specific location of the pixel shift setting.

Can You Fix Screen Burn?

Unfortunately, once screen burn has occurred it is totally irreversible. If the case is particularly severe, you will need to either replace the TV or get the screen repaired. Keep in mind that TV screen repairs can be incredibly costly. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to completely replace your TV.

Luckily if screen burn is not too severe, you can actually work around it. To make the burned-in image look less apparent, you can simply turn up the brightness whenever you tune into your favourite content. However, you should make sure to turn off the TV whenever you finish watching. Higher brightness puts your TV at a much higher risk of screen burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Pixel Shift?

Pixel shift is a handy automatic function accessible on most modern smart TVs. It is a protective measure that works to minimise the risk of screen-burn on OLED displays. Pixel shift will intermittently shift static pixels around, to ensure that they do not burn out and result in screen burn. Pixel shift is a function that can be toggled on and off, but we’d recommend always leaving it active for the sake of your TV!

Is Pixel Shifting Noticeable?

Pixel shift is actually incredibly difficult to detect in action. Pixel shift occurs so instantaneously that it is incredibly difficult for the human eye to pick up on it when it occurs. As such, it’s a function that you should make use of as often as possible, especially if you frequently tune into the news, or use your TV for gaming!

Is Pixel Shift 4K Worth It?

4K TVs can cost a pretty penny to repair, so we would always recommend making use of pixel shift wherever possible. Pixel shift will help to ensure that none of the millions of pixels found in your 4K TV become burnt out or lose their immense lustre. Pixel shift is not noticeable in action, so it won’t impact your viewing experience!

Does Samsung Have Pixel Shift?

Samsung OLED TVs actually come with pixel shift activated by default! This means you can get right to streaming your favourite content, confident in the knowledge that pixel shift will protect your screen. If you want to turn pixel shift off, it’s incredibly easy to do so by accessing the system settings on the TV itself.