Using a 4K OLED TV as a Monitor | 6 Months Later

I've been using the LG CX 48-Inch OLED TV as my main computer monitor for the past 6 months. Did I get any burn-in? Is it too big? Can a TV really replace a traditional Monitor?

How I multitask on a 4K TV:

LG CX 48 Inch OLED TV

Monitor Lamp

Speakers

Desktop Wallpaper

00:00 - Overview
00:34 - Do I have burn in?
02:07 - Is 48-inches too big?
03:16 - Eye strain
03:48 - Pixel density and future 42" OLED
04:26 - No Standby Mode
04:48 - HDMI forgets settings
05:13 - Limited On Screen Controls
05:31 - Default TV Stand
05:41 - Too glossy?
06:02 - Conclusion
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Disclaimers:
The LG TV was provided to me last year.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Music Credits:
FREI

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[colemanson]

LG needs to make 32" to 27" 120hz oled gaming monitors. They would make a killing no doubt. I would buy one tomorrow no hesitation.

[bundo-san]

This is the kind of detailed impressions I am looking for!

[id]

You have 2 dead pixels.


..never mind - I have a dead pixel.

[HunterB]

2 weeks into owning my CX - I use it for 85% work (data analysis, presentations, Teams, etc..) & 15% console gaming. My productivity is through the roof with this "monitor" and i don't know if i could ever go back to a dual monitor setup. Turning off Microsoft's snapped feature and installing PowerToys takes the experience to a next level as well! Price hurts at first but after a few hours of use you start to fully understand the cost<benefit analysis long term with the seconds saved in tandem with the viewing pleasure.

[Rippy]

Thank you, David! Your older video on this TV inspired me to do more research and about a month back I bought the 55" version. I use it for 3D Design, Illustrator, and video work. It sits about 100cm from my eyes and at this distance the sharpness is perfect, I think I can even pull it in even closer, later on, should I choose to.
Initially, I was very concerned, it is a big investment that "might not work" as good as I hoped. But even my most "optimistic" take on it before I bought it where understated. This thing is amazing, it's a massive, accurate canvas that I can tailor to my needs. I really don't see any dual monitor or 49" ultrawide that could come close to the productivity benefits of this thing for my use cases. Yes I do wish it had a slight curve but in most cases, for me, the edges of the screen are filled with UI elements that I don't need to look at constantly.

[justmeandtom]

Got this beauty yesterday and already love to work with it. Your content helped me decide if this is the right tech for me. Thx a lot

[YWeeJun]

Really really detailed review. The questions you answered, shows you're relevant to most of our concerns, unlike many reviewers who are simply doing it for the job and reading off spec sheets. Kudos!

[nicola]

When you don't even have to ask for the wallpaper's link because David has already taken care of it... And the drive folder too. Man, you are the best

[mariopaz]

Nice, I use mine primarily for work on my computer desk; 1403 hours since 11/2020.

I measured two 27" LG 4K monitors, side by side, and they were only 0.3" less width (not diagonal) than one CX55. Now, instead of having to quad-stack four 27" monitors, I only have to worry about 1 power cable, 1 HDMI 2.2 cable, and no bezels, it's great!

Screen burn in? I'm not worried because RTINGS did a great video review doing a 1-year hardcore burn-in test on several OLEDs and proved that burn-in, especially on these *newer* LG OLEDs, can be easily avoided by maintaining basic precautions like:
- Windows Screen savers
- Screen Shift: On
- Logo Luminance Adjustment: On
- and common sense things like don't stream news or the same content 24/7 (for hours)

When I'm working for 8+ hours and have several static white windows, desktop icons, and/or reading documents for a while, I turn on:
- Energy Saving: Maximum
- Eye Comfort: On
- Windows Screen Saver: 4 minutes

Screen Savers:
- Mystify or Bubbles

For Gaming aka "Full PC Master Race glory mode"
- Energy Saving: Off
- Eye Comfort: Off
- Windows Screen Saver: Doesn't turn on if you're gaming
- Windows HDR: On

The monitor/TV is smart enough to auto-change into "Game Mode" whenever you turn on Windows HDR. At the end of the day, when I switch from work to play I just change 3 settings: Energy Saving, Eye Comfort, and Windows HDR, really fast, real easy.

Lastly, I believe this monitor/TV *is* as close to perfect as we're all going to get for a healthy chunk of time. Even with a beefy i7700K system w/ 64gb ddr4 and an ASUS RTX 3090 TUF OC2, still can't maintain 120 FPS 100% of the time on games like COD MW/CW, maxed out settings (realistically solid 80~115 fps).

I would love a little curve tho! 😉

[Steven_R_]

Next setup he's gonna be at the movie theater!

[gepardtilly]

Good summary of the issues. I am surprised none of these is a deal breaker for you. I had this TV for a month, partly based on your videos here. The auto brightness limiter was so disturbing, it was driving me nuts, turning up and down the brightness all the time. Waiting 10-15 seconds each time to turn on, no auto source selection, the immense heat coming from the screen, the glossy surface. I switched to a Dell U4320Q. Way much better. There is no 120 Hz for gaming, but at least I don't have a headache at the end of the working day.

[SQTierHog]

Paused to write, first time viewer here, soft-spoken and calming reviewer. No hype, no pump up, etc.
Hits all points and concerns that I have, thank you! Subbed.

[Lam]

Nice! I love followup videos. I didn't even think of the contrast challenges at night with a giant OLED. Upgrading lighting is a win in general, I think it's overlooked in a lot of interior design. There's probably a ton of people who wanted to replace their monitor and just wanted to know what it's like to own one for a long period of time. Great vid!

[Bushidounohana]

Love this, been using a 42” TCL for the same purpose with an old Mac Pro. You outline the pros and cons very well, thank you for your content!

[Easterhands]

A nice way to game on these in ultrawide fullscreen is to use 'resize desktop' to create a new resolution rather than the standard custom option in control panel. It will open up your desktop and allow you to drag its corners around, reducing height of the desktop as low as it will go will create a resolution of 3840x1620, almost exactly 21:9. The reason you want to do it this way is that it generates the proper HDR metadata so windows will let you toggle HDR on while in the ultrawide resolution.

[cadosbeene]

I watch your videos multiple times. Primarily because you have a soothing voice and it helps me fall asleep while I let your videos run.

[ΜηναςΣαρρης]

I love your content!! Keep working hard!

[Lolimaster]

When you buy a monitor or tv always do it at a physical store with a clear "product change no questions asked". Check for dead pixels or any abnormal behavior at site

[Sirfunkymonkey]

Great update, you can use an EDID to hold the signal to avoid the signal drop. You can turn off the ABL using a service remote or service remote app (use at own risk). I think it's ideal to use an ultra-wide as a monitor and have the TV above as a reference monitor. Best of both worlds :) Thanks for sharing.

[clm]

Great presentation. I’m using a 43” tv and love it. I previously used a 55” and it was too much. I would love to know which monitor arm you’re using. I’d like to be able to make some tilt, swivel, and height adjustments.