Glossary A–ZLetter L
Lifetime (display)
The lifetime of a display is the operating time in hours after which its brightness has fallen to half of its initial value under defined conditions.
Manufacturers also speak of the brightness half-life. The device usually continues to work after that, but shines less brightly.
The figure in the data sheet helps to compare devices and plan replacements. A screen that runs many hours a day reaches the stated time after correspondingly fewer years than one that is switched off in the evening. It is therefore worth switching off or dimming screens outside opening hours. For LED walls and backlights, the lifetime of the diodes is usually the decisive figure.
Lifetime is not the same as the permitted daily operating hours, the mean time between failures or the warranty. Power supplies, fans and electronics may fail sooner. The manufacturer's figure applies to specific conditions, such as a room temperature and a brightness setting; high heat and full brightness shorten it. Operators should ask under which conditions the figure was determined.