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To try to better understand how long a TV should last, we're running 100 TVs through an accelerated longevity test for the next two years. We've just posted our 1-year video update with our latest findings on temporary image retention, burn-in, and more!

Test Bench 1.2
Changelog

Updated

See previous 1.1 changelog.

See next 1.3 changelog.

Tests

Picture Quality

  • Added objective tests for 'Specular Included' reflections and 'Specular Excluded' reflections in the 'Reflections' box.
  • Added new reflection photos with screen off, to allow easier comparison.
  • Added new objective gradient test.
  • Updated all color gamut measurements for all TVs, due to bug with gamut calculation software causing incorrect results.
  • Moved 3D support to the 'Input Specifications' box due to declining availability.
  • Changed scoring curve and weightings for 'Temporary Image Retention' test
  • Added new 'Risk of Permanent Burn-in' test to penalize TVs susceptible to burn-in with static content.
  • Added 'Color Temperature' to 'Pre-Calibration' and 'Post Calibration' tests.

Motion

  • Added new stutter test to grade TVs on how smoothly they can display low frame rate content.
  • Added new variable refresh rate test to support FreeSync, G-SYNC, and HDMI Forum Variable Refresh Rate.
  • Added new flicker free test for those who are sensitive to flicker or want the smoothest motion.
  • Added new Judder-Free 24p via Native Apps test

Inputs

  • Removed some rarely-used input lag tests (1080p @ 60Hz outside game mode, 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4 + 8 bit HDR).
  • Added new test for 4k @ 120Hz input lag and Variable Refresh Rate input lag.
  • Added new supported resolutions test for 1440p @ 60Hz and 4k @ 120Hz.
  • Added new test for Wi-Fi support, including frequency band (2.4GHz and/or 5GHz).
  • Added new test for Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) support.
  • Added new test for HDMI 2.1 full-bandwidth support.

Other

  • Improved sorting and table display of fields with multiple units (Borders, Thickness, Temperature)
  • New format for settings page includes recommendations for different room brightness's, and HDR and SDR.

Usage ratings

  • Added strikethrough for HDR usage ratings on TVs which don't support HDR.
  • Added 'Stutter' test to 'Movies' rating
  • Added 'Permanent Burn-In Risk' to 'TV Shows', 'Sports', 'Video Games', 'HDR Video Games', and 'PC Monitor' rating
  • Reduced weight of 'Curved' in 'PC Monitor' rating

Notable changes

  • OLED TVs (LG B7, LG C7, LG E7, Sony A1E) reduced in 'Movies' and 'Video Games' ratings due to stutter with low frame rate content
  • OLED TVs reduced in 'TV Shows', 'Sports', 'Video Games', 'HDR Gaming' and 'PC Monitor' ratings due to risk of permanent image retention
  • Sony TVs (Z9D, X940E, X930E, X900E) increased in 'PC Monitor' ratings due to 1440p support
  • Some TVs (most notably the LG SJ9500) changed 'HDR Movies' and 'HDR Gaming' ratings due to fixed 'Color Gamut' calculation

42 TVs Updated

We have retested popular models. The test results for the following models have been converted to the new testing methodology. However, the text might be inconsistent with the new results.