displayscoloration

Discoloration on displays refers to colors that appear altered or inaccurate compared to a reference image or intended output. It can manifest as a uniform tint across the screen, uneven color areas, color fringing, or more localized issues such as backlight bleed and mura. Discoloration can affect various display types, including LCDs, OLEDs, and plasma panels, across devices like monitors, televisions, and smartphones.

Common causes of discoloration fall into hardware, software, environmental, and content-related categories. Hardware factors include aging or degraded components (for example, backlight drift in LCDs or backlight bleed, and burn-in or image persistence in OLED panels), as well as viewing-angle effects that change perceived color on some panel types. Software factors involve incorrect color calibration, mismatched color spaces or gamma, and aggressive processing such as HDR tone-mapping or dynamic contrast. Environmental influences include ambient lighting, temperature, power stability, and the use of pulsed-width modulation PWM for brightness control. Content-related issues arise when source material uses a color space or tone mapping different from the display’s capabilities.

Diagnosis typically involves comparing the display against known references, testing with neutral color targets, and reviewing color-management settings in the operating system and graphics hardware. Calibration tools, color profiles, and firmware updates can correct some software-driven discoloration, while hardware-driven problems may require adjustments to display settings or professional service. In some cases, issues such as backlight bleed or OLED burn-in are not fully reversible and may necessitate panel replacement. Regular calibration and safe usage practices can help minimize perceptual discoloration over time. Seek professional assessment if discoloration affects critical color tasks or appears suddenly.