OSDs

On-screen displays (OSDs) are user interface overlays rendered directly on a device’s screen to convey information and expose control options. They are generated by the device’s video processor or firmware and sit above the main image, independent of the operating system’s graphical user interface. OSDs are used to present settings and status without requiring external software.

Common domains for OSDs include televisions, computer monitors, projectors, cameras and camcorders, Blu-ray and DVD players, set-top boxes, and gaming consoles. They provide a consistent way to access and adjust features even when other software interfaces are unavailable or impractical.

Typical elements shown by OSDs include brightness, contrast, color temperature, saturation, sharpness, and aspect ratio; input selection; language; and parental controls. Many devices offer preset picture modes and, in more advanced models, options such as gamma adjustment, color management, noise reduction, dynamic contrast, and motion processing. Some OSDs also display status indicators like battery life or firmware version.

Interaction with OSDs is usually through device buttons, a remote control, or a touchscreen. In some cases, companion apps can trigger the same overlay or provide alternative control methods. The design goal is to be legible and unobtrusive, providing quick access to important settings without permanently altering the primary image.

Design and usability considerations include legibility over diverse content, color accuracy of the overlay, and minimizing risk of image persistence on certain display technologies. Modern devices mitigate these concerns, ensuring OSDs remain a practical, nonintrusive tool for on-device configuration.