TV technology may have improved over the years, but steep prices remain.
On average, you are likely to spend from $400 to as much as $1000 on a good TV, which is why it only makes sense to want to get one that would last long.
This article will give you a detailed rundown of the lifespan of the three major TV types (based on technology) prevalent in the market today.
But before we go into that, why do TVs go bad? What makes some TV types last longer than others?
Continue reading as we answer these questions.
What Makes A TV Last?
TVs are made up of several components. But the two most important parts of your TV that would determine its lifespan are the light source and the screen on which that light is displayed.
Light Source
TVs have always used a light source to display images onto its screen. In the past, they used cathode ray tubes.
But these days, the three most prevalent TV technologies in the market today make use of a form of a light-emitting diode.
They are often called backlights because they are usually found at the back of a light panel.
Light sources are crucial because they enable the TV to form images.
What good TVs do is manipulate how light is spread across the screen.
Screen
Backlight is often reflected on the screen, and the type of screen the TV uses will usually determine the quality of the image.
However, a damaged screen such as a crack or leak will ruin your TV viewing experience.
The quality of these two essential TV components would usually determine how long your TV would last.
For instance, a poor backlight would quickly grow dim, leading to either a black screen or reduced image quality.
Fortunately, you can avoid making bad purchases by buying from trusted sources.
Let us see the three common TV types and how long they last.
The Lifespan of The Three Major TV Types
The three major TV types commonly found in the market, which we will be discussing in this article, are the QLED TVs, OLED TVs, and LED TVs.
We have not included LCD TVs because they are rarely produced these days, but most LED TVs use a form of LCD.
4K TVs are also not mentioned because they are LED TVs. Find out if 4K TVs are worth the hype.
QLED TVs
QLED stands for Quantum Light Emitting Diode.
It comprises three layers; a backlight display, millions of inorganic quantum dots that allow light to pass through, and an LCD screen that displays the light.
Most of the information on the longevity of QLED TVs is derived from Samsung, which is the leading producer.
Their website estimates that a QLED TV can last for seven to ten years despite heavy usage.
Why can we trust them?
In 2018, when they made their claims, Video (a renowned German magazine) tested the QLED TVs rigorously and found them incredibly durable. As such, we can believe their claims to a reasonable extent.
OLED TVs
OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode, and unlike the QLED, it doesn’t have any backlight.
It has a layer of tiny dots, but each of these dots produces its light. Hence, they don’t use a backlight display.
They also don’t need an LCD screen on many occasions.
But how long do they last?
OLED TVs are estimated to give you 100,000 hours if the TV is turned on for three hours daily and 60,000 hours if it is turned on five hours daily.
This gives you an average span of eight years. However, turning them for twenty-four hours daily reduces their lifespan to six years.
LED TVs
LED TVs use light-emitting diodes that are usually displayed on an LCD screen. They are considered the most energy-efficient TV screens and last longer.
They can give you an average of eight to thirteen years if used three hours daily. This also makes them the most economical television in the market.
5 Tricks You Can Use To Improve Your Television Lifespan
We have seen the average lifespan of three of the most prevalent TVs in the market. But what can you do to improve your television lifespan?
Here are five things you can do to help your TV last longer:
Keep Your TV in a Properly Ventilated Environment
Nothing destroys the components of your television faster than heat.
So ensure your TV is in a cool and aerated location in your home.
Switch Off Your TV When Not In Use
Heavy usage plays a key role in TV lifespan. TV lifespan is usually measured in hours of usage.
You can reduce the hour mileage of your TV by making a practice of turning off your screen when they are not in use.
Keep Your TV Dust Free
Dust can quickly destroy TV components, significantly reducing how long they last.
Regularly dusting your TV prevents this from happening and increases the longevity of your television.
Use a Voltage Regulator
Power surges and fluctuations can be fatal to the board of your TV.
Sadly, this is a common experience in most homes as TVs are usually plugged alongside other home appliances that take up power.
Using a voltage regulator solves this problem, and it keeps power pretty stable and protects your TV.
Adjust Brightness and Contrast Levels
TV lifespan is calculated in total hours of brightness due to their dependence on a backlight.
One of the significant signs of a failing TV is reduced or flickering screen brightness.
This happens when the brightness of the TV is high for a long time.
So, optimizing your TV brightness and adjusting its contrast would extend the number of hours your TV can work for you.
Final Words
The lifespan of a TV is an essential factor to consider when purchasing a new television.
This is because TVs are not cheap, and longevity would mean a good return on the money spent on them.
Careful analysis of the pros and cons of each TV type and proper maintenance practices can ensure you buy a TV that can last a long time.
