I think I know what OLED is supposed to be good at w/ regard to no backlight bleed thru, but what about every other element of display quality compared of course to current standard LCD?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

1 hour ago, Noel said:

supposed to be good at w/ regard to no backlight bleed thru, but what about every other element of display quality compared of course to current standard LCD?

LCD are garbage displays.  No "supposed" to be good about "blacks" in OLED because they don't have "backlight" so no such thing as bleed thru in OLED.  OLED burn-in is myth these days (especially with all the features OLEDs currently use to prevent burn-it ... pixel shift on inactivity, image cleaning, logo/static object detection, built-in screen saver (not related to OS).

Our oldest and yet still incredible image quality is our Sony XBR65A1E from 2017 OLED 4K HDR.  With that said, not ALL OLED displays are equal.  I got a crappy Alienware OLED curved display and it's ability to produce accurate color was terrible ... I had to make A LOT of adjustments to get it to look just reasonable (still light years better than LCD or QLED ... not to be confused with QD-OLED).

QD-OLED is technically better but I've found that it's overly bright to the point of image blow-out so I end up reducing it's brightness to bring it down to standard OLED levels.

One thing I can guarantee you, once you switch to OLED, you will never consider an LCD (IPS, VA, TN) panel again.

 

Edited January 25Jan 25 by SayAgain

36 minutes ago, SayAgain said:

One thing I can guarantee you, once you switch to OLED, you will never consider an LCD (IPS, VA, TN) panel again

This answers the shorter version of my question, is the most telling.  Here's another targeted question you might have insight on.  Here, w/ my garbage 34" curved LG Ultra Gsync HDR10 display I sometimes have to run the GPU wide open versus locked in order to mitigate strobing/flickering which is most manifested when the terrain is very high contrast w/ competing bright/dark pixels, like you can see in certain kinds of tarmac especially.  I know you mentioned you limit frames to avoid the use of frame gen, and that was me for years first in 2020 then still many months into MSFS 2024.  When I retried using NV DLSS FG I discovered one other serious deterrent had been completely addressed:  previously when I would make my 2nd display active then return back to the MSFS curved display I got the very prominent image judder for lack of a better word.  That's completely gone now, though you will still see the main screen FPS cut by ~1/3 when screen 2 is active, but visually I'm not noticing this in part because the remaining rate is still very high.  So it's the residual strobe/flicker which for me only comes into play pretty infrequently, so often I don't need to run wide open and stay locked at 60FPS-fg and it's a definitely net plus for me now, again in part because of the 2nd screen issue, and in part because a keypress turns the rate lock off in runtime so it's instant fix of the strobe/flicker when it happens.

So...all of that to ask this question:  does the fact there is perhaps greater contrast between dark and bright exacerbate the issues w/ FG?  That would also explain why you might be more impacted by FG associated aberration.  Don't know of course but the question is plausible.

4 hours ago, Noel said:

mitigate strobing/flickering which is most manifested when the terrain is very high contrast w/ competing bright/dark pixels

Is the issue recordable?  If yes, can you show and tell?

 

4 hours ago, Noel said:

previously when I would make my 2nd display active then return back to the MSFS curved display I got the very prominent image judder for lack of a better word

I've had issues where I mirror video output to my BMD recording device and Alt+Enter (full screen in/out) of MSFS  2024 when I return to MSFS 2024 is downgrades to 1920 x 1080 (only sometimes not all the time) ... this is a bug with MSFS 2024 that I've report but got ZERO traction so probably not going to be addressed.  Reported to nVidia also, but again zero traction.  And finally reported to Microsoft and again zero traction.  I'll probably make an external recording with my cameras to demonstration the problem (60Hz to 120Hz recording) ... which might be the course still not make any difference in terms of attention/traction.  But, if this is an option for you to demonstrate, that could bring some evidence that would be harder to ignore for those able to resolve.

4 hours ago, Noel said:

I know you mentioned you limit frames to avoid the use of frame gen

No, I limit frames to 40 (min VRR range of my LG OLED monitor) so as to not overload the CPU/GPU which can lead to stutters and/or textures not loading at their best resolution. 

4 hours ago, Noel said:

does the fact there is perhaps greater contrast between dark and bright exacerbate the issues w/ FG?

I don't use FG so can't really comment.  I'm a bit confused, you indicated  you don't use FG but later indicated you lock to 60 + FG?  It would seem plausible that FG could trigger the issue you describe but easy test is to not use FG and see if that stops the flicker.  Another thing to check is to disable and automatic brightness adjustments and/or ECO mode in the monitor settings ... and/or in Windows 11 graphics settings "Change Brightness automatically ... " or something worded like that (mostly for Laptops).

If you are going thru a display switch (KVM or splitter), try removing that from the equation and test again.

Of course, there is always going the DDU route and manual install of drivers.

Is this why you're looking for an OLED display?  Too many other unknows to be able to determine if OLED will solve your issue or not. 

 

48 minutes ago, SayAgain said:

I'm a bit confused, you indicated  you don't use FG but later indicated you lock to 60 + FG?

I wrote a detailed explanation above.   In short:  for years I would not use FG because of the issues described--2nd screen back to main screen judder, and, the strobe/flicker one sees in high contrast (think salt/pepper) tarmac and sometimes even from up a few thousand feet in winter conditions with bright snow stippled by evergreen treetops for example.  Those two issues kept me limiting frames to around 40-45FPS-native except in ultra taxing scenarios that could drop down to the low 30s's on occasion.   After years of this commitment to sticking with native rendering I decided to retry FG about 6 months ago and to my delight discovered two things:  1, the 2nd screen related judder issue was GONE; and 2, I learned running wide open where rate might increase from 60FPS-fg to 95-125FPS-fg mitigated all FG related visual aberrations.  So became committed to using FG since.  95% of the time or more I am locked at 60FPS-fg.  I do this because 95% of the time there is no need to cancel out FG related aberrations and it saves power and heat.

Edited January 26Jan 26 by Noel

https://www.tomshardware.com/monitors/televisions/three-year-test-shows-oled-is-significantly-more-reliable-than-lcd-with-most-lasting-more-than-10-000-hours-20-tvs-failed-out-of-102-tested

17 hours ago, Noel said:

So became committed to using FG since

Still a bit confused, so do you actually have a question about OLED?  

3 hours ago, SayAgain said:

Still a bit confused, so do you actually have a question about OLED?  

Doesn't sound like you can answer the question I posed to you and anyone else who can contrast OLED w/ LED on the issue of FG related aberration:

21 hours ago, SayAgain said:

I don't use FG so can't really comment.

The post was Pros and Cons of curved OLEDs.  The con I wonder about is exactly what I asked, "does the fact there is perhaps greater contrast between dark and bright exacerbate the issues w/ FG?"  Again, it's high contrast textures that really bring this issue out during any kind motion be it taxi looking out the side window at tarmac, or sometimes ground textures as I described which contain high contrast light/dark such as snow covered terrain with dark green evergreen trees poking up.  I tried a while ago to capture this in a video but it doesn't display well because the recording of it alters what is seen on the primary display.

If it isn't the kind of visual aberration I mentioned, strobe/flicker during motion/panning, why don't you choose to use FG?

I think you are essentially saying there is no downside that you can identify with OLED over LCD.

 

7 minutes ago, Noel said:

Doesn't sound like you can answer the question I posed to you and anyone else who can contrast OLED w/ LED on the issue of FG related aberration

Possibly, but the display technology be it OLED or LED wouldn’t be a factor … FG in relation to dark/brightness is evaluated on pixel color values not the technology that presents the pixel visually (aka OLED or LED). 

I don’t use FG because they are AI generated images from interpolation of real frames and guess a vector of motion (which may not match your controller input … aka lag).  

FG can cause text flickering, ghosting, and distortion … if that’s what you mean by “visual aberration” then I recommend you turn FG off.  The “strobing/flickering” is a result of the native frame rate being too low and FPS usually drops when panning/motion is involved as rendering workload increases.

Image quality with OLED is better but it will not solve your FG issue.

 

2 hours ago, SayAgain said:

FG can cause text flickering, ghosting, and distortion … if that’s what you mean by “visual aberration” then I recommend you turn FG off.

I'm delighted to use FG now and the only issue that kept me from using it for years was the strobe/flicker.   Prior to understanding how to mitigate the strobe/flicker I was teetering on the edge of insufficient frame rate in demanding scenarios so it's nice to be rid of that.   There is no significant drop in rate when panning w/ FG at 60FPS-fg as this CapFrameX capture documents:  I did this while mouse panning back and forth over high contrast textures (IFly MAX 8's seat covers qualify and in the VC at PAJN) w/ FG locked at 60FPS:
 

In stark contrast this is the same type of panning done with the rate locked at 60FPS-native by the same method, but FG off:

I would imagine this might improve some with the rate dropped in this setting to 45 or 50FPS as 60FPS in this setting was getting close to too fast. Here it is at 45FPS-native:

Def better for sure as predicted, but really no better than 60FPS-fg ultimately.  It's an issue because w/ my preferred settings in MFSF the native rate can drop down to the low 30's in spots, for example flying into EDDF in a demanding plane w/ ample AI traffic, BATC etc.  This is why I happily use FG now.  As for the introduced input lag it's completely irrelevant in my use of MSFS, just does come into play, period.  

The other aberrations you mention are too subtle to be an annoyance like strobe/flicker issue is for me.  As said, a simple key or button press to remove the rate lock removes the strobe/flicker when it's an issue which is <1% of my sim time in any flight.  I can easily run wide open or locked well higher it's just not worth the power/heat because most of the time when I toggle between 60FPS and 120FPS or what have you I'm only going to notice this in large part when we're in the type of textures which manifest the strobe/flicker issue.

This models looks good:  34-Inch UltraGear™ Curved OLED Gaming Monitor - 34GS95QE-B | LG USA  But I have to see what I can get for my current LG UltraGear LCD first.  

Cheers and thanks for your input.

Edited January 27Jan 27 by Noel

OLED (LG45GX950A-B 5K/2K) with FG (FSR3) here - no issues beyond some minor flickering of the prop when viewed from outside. 

On 1/26/2026 at 6:36 AM, Noel said:

 I sometimes have to run the GPU wide open versus locked in order to mitigate strobing/flickering which is most manifested when the terrain is very high contrast w/ competing bright/dark pixels, like you can see in certain kinds of tarmac especially.  

I get this sort of "flickering" effect when flying at night with my C4 48" OLEDS. Oddly, my eyes only pick it up in my peripherial vision, that is on the two side monitors. Its easier to spot flying over an area with a moderate level of ground lights in otherwise dark (black) terrain. If I'm staring at the centre monitor and bank the aircraft, the flicking is noticeable in my peripheral vision on the side monitors. 

Its odd - When staring straight at the side monitors its almost indecipherable. Maybe something to do with the eye works....

14 hours ago, Noel said:

The other aberrations you mention are too subtle to be an annoyance like strobe/flicker issue is for me.

After some night testing (no FG), and seeing some strobing … this could be a result of autoexposure compensation built into MSFS 2024 combined with the increased brightness of lights at night.  Autoexposure adjustments enters hysteresis resulting in a flickering or strobing effect.  Might be something MS/Asobo could look into.

Unable to replicate during day, only night.

It’s definitely related to only MSFS 2024 as Xplane 12 and P3D don’t exhibit the issue.  Definitely NOT related to LCD/OLED.

7 hours ago, KL Oo said:

I get this sort of "flickering" effect when flying at night with my C4 48" OLEDS. Oddly, my eyes only pick it up in my peripherial vision,

I can relate to that as the flicker/strobe is often noticed in my peripheral vision out a side window in the plane during motion.

On 1/26/2026 at 5:46 AM, SayAgain said:

One thing I can guarantee you, once you switch to OLED, you will never consider an LCD (IPS, VA, TN) panel again.

 

I bought an OLED for my TV setup in 2024 (LG C4) and yes, it is stupendously fantastic - the best I could ever have hoped for and even imagine. It is just wonderful! But I will be getting a much less expensive VA LCD monitor for my simulator computer this week.

The reasons for sticking with backlit LCD technology for my simulator computer are several: the first is that I prefer smaller curved monitors and no manufacturer makes a curved OLED 27 inch OLED - at least for sale here in Australia. The second reason is that I believe burn in would actually be a problem - too many static popups and menus, etc - in a computing environment and furthermore unlike my TV setup where I watch in a darkened room, I don't use my PC in a darkened room so I would have to turn an OLED up quite a bit - and obviously the more you turn an OLED up, the shorter it's service life and the more likely you are to cause burn-in. None of these things happen with LCD technology.

Although I love my OLED and could never go back for a TV setup, I would only recommend them to visual quality nerds like myself who are prepared to "baby" them somewhat. LCDs are still great and will always have their place. They are also what I would recommend to almost anyone. A good quality gaming LCD monitor is not hugely behind the capabilities of an OLED - yes they are certainly less capable but I think people would really only be disappointed if they were already living with an OLED and were used to it. I've never had backlight bleed problems when running any computer applications (3D or otherwise) but I did with watching movies and stuff which is one reason I went to OLED in that scenario. The other main reason is that so much movie and show content is dismally dark these days and with an OLED I no longer have any trouble at all seeing the details in the darkness that the producer wants me to see but I sure did have problems with an LCD. But with a simulator computer, that is not so much of a problem (well if it is I sure haven't even encountered it even when flying at simulated night).