People are just now realizing the true purpose of screensavers, which was to prevent screen burn-in.
Screensavers are a nostalgic feature of older computer systems, often remembered fondly for their quirky animations.
While many people still use them today, their original purpose might be less familiar.
And,understanding the history of screensavers reveals why they were once essentia. And why they continue to be relevant in different ways.
On social media, a user, who goes by @r/mildlyinteresting sparked discussion about the purpose of screensavers.
They asked: “This tv outside a convenience store has the average of its surveillance footage burned into the screen.”
In the comment selection, many viewers shared their knowledge about the real purpose of screensavers.
One person said: This is an CRT (Cathode ray tube) TV. This is caused by prolonged display of non-moving images. This is because the phosphor compounds which emit light to produce images lose their luminescence with use. Uneven usage results in uneven light output over time, and in severe cases can create a ghost image of previous content. This only happens with older TV’s and computer monitors.
A second wrote: This is in no way limited to CRTs! My TFT has some risk to it. Some OLED, seen iPhone x and all OLED TV have that risk..
While a third commented: The fact that so many people don’t know about screen burn-in is making me feel old.
Another added: many types of screens including CRT eventually hold an image if you keep the same image on for long enough, this is called burn in.
The original purpose of display protectors
Protecting CRT screens
The primary function of screensavers was to protect older cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors and televisions.
When a static image was displayed for an extended period, it could burn into the screen. This would leave a permanent ghost image.
This phenomenon occurred because the phosphor coating inside the screen was permanently altered by prolonged exposure.
As a result, the same image would become burned into the screen.
Preventing burn-in
To prevent burn-in, screensavers were designed to activate after a certain period of inactivity.
These screensavers displayed moving images or patterns.
While, this ensured that no single image stayed on the screen long enough to cause damage.
For example, TV channels that went off-air would often display a test card or pattern to avoid screen burn-in.
The evolution of animated backgrounds
Today, screensavers no longer serve their original protective purpose. Image Credits: Getty
From protection to privacy:
The modern monitors and TVs no longer suffer from burn-in issues. However, the screensavers are still used for various purposes.
Additionally, screensavers can serve as a privacy measure. They conceal what is on the screen from curious eyes, whether in an office setting or at home.
Aesthetic appeal:
Screensavers also provide a way to personalize and add a decorative touch to computers.
Additionally, the range of available screensavers includes everything from animated graphics to digital art. So, this variety allows users to express their tastes and preferences.
While screensavers originally served a crucial role in protecting CRT screens from burn-in, their utility has evolved.
In short, today, screensavers offer privacy benefits and aesthetic enhancements. They prove that even outdated technology can find new uses.