Enhance Moonfin Screensaver: Dimming, Logo & Clock!

The Moonfin client on Android TV and Fire TV offers a screensaver dimming feature, which is a great addition. This article proposes a few minor enhancements to improve the user experience and prevent potential screen burn-in.

1. Finer-Grained Dimming Level

Currently, the screensaver has a simple checkbox to darken the screen display. While this is an improvement, users might prefer more control over the dimming level. Providing a finer-grained dimming level would allow users to customize the screensaver to their specific preferences and viewing environment.

The Need for Adjustable Dimming

Many users have different preferences when it comes to screen dimming. Some may prefer a subtle dimming effect, while others may want the screen to be significantly darker. A simple on/off switch does not cater to this diverse range of preferences. By offering a slider or similar control, users can fine-tune the dimming level to achieve the perfect balance between visibility and energy saving.

Moreover, the ambient lighting conditions in a room can significantly impact the perceived brightness of a screen. In a dark room, even a slight dimming effect can be sufficient, while in a brightly lit environment, a more aggressive dimming level may be necessary. Adjustable dimming allows users to adapt the screensaver to these varying conditions, ensuring optimal viewing comfort at all times.

Implementing a Dimming Level Slider

A slider, similar to the one used for the Playback → Next Up timer duration option, would be an intuitive and user-friendly way to implement finer-grained dimming control. The slider could range from 1% to 100%, allowing users to select the exact dimming level they desire. The changes should take effect in real-time, allowing users to immediately see the impact of their adjustments.

This feature would not only enhance the user experience but also contribute to energy saving. By allowing users to dim the screen to the lowest comfortable level, the screensaver can help reduce power consumption and extend the lifespan of the TV.

Benefits of Finer-Grained Dimming

• Personalized viewing experience: Users can customize the dimming level to their specific preferences.
• Adaptability to different environments: The screensaver can be adjusted to suit various lighting conditions.
• Energy saving: Lower dimming levels reduce power consumption.
• Improved screen lifespan: Reduced brightness can help extend the lifespan of the TV screen.

2. Dynamic Moonfin Logo Placement

The current implementation of the screensaver features a static Moonfin logo in the middle of the screen. This can lead to screen burn-in, especially for users who leave the screensaver running for extended periods without dimming. To mitigate this risk, the logo should be moved to a random location on the screen periodically.

Understanding Screen Burn-In

Screen burn-in, also known as image retention, occurs when static images are displayed on a screen for prolonged periods. This can cause the pixels in those areas to degrade faster than others, resulting in a faint but permanent ghost image. OLED and older plasma screens are particularly susceptible to burn-in, but LCD screens can also be affected over time.

The risk of burn-in is higher when the screen is displaying bright, high-contrast images. The static Moonfin logo, especially if it is white or another bright color, can contribute to burn-in if it remains in the same location for extended periods.

Implementing Dynamic Logo Placement

To prevent burn-in, the Moonfin logo should be moved to a different, random location on the screen at regular intervals. A reasonable interval would be every 60 seconds. This ensures that no single area of the screen is subjected to the static image for too long, reducing the risk of pixel degradation.

The movement should be subtle and non-distracting. The logo could be gently animated to glide to its new position, rather than abruptly jumping. This would make the transition less noticeable and avoid disrupting the user's viewing experience.

Benefits of Dynamic Logo Placement

• Reduced risk of screen burn-in: Prevents static images from causing pixel degradation.
• Extended screen lifespan: Protects the screen from permanent image retention.
• Improved user experience: Ensures that the screensaver does not contribute to screen damage.
• Peace of mind: Users can leave the screensaver running without worrying about burn-in.

3. Dynamic Clock Display

Similar to the Moonfin logo, the clock display is currently static, which can also lead to screen burn-in. To address this, the clock should also be moved to a random location on the screen at regular intervals.

The Importance of Dynamic Clock Placement

Like the logo, a static clock display poses a risk of screen burn-in. The numbers and characters of the clock are displayed in the same location, which can cause uneven wear on the pixels in that area over time. This is especially true for OLED screens, which are more susceptible to burn-in than LCD screens.

By implementing dynamic clock placement, the risk of burn-in can be significantly reduced. The clock should be moved to a different, random location on the screen every 60 seconds. This ensures that no single area of the screen is subjected to the static image for too long, preventing pixel degradation.

Implementation Details

The implementation of dynamic clock placement should be similar to that of the logo. The clock should be gently animated to glide to its new position, rather than abruptly jumping. This would make the transition less noticeable and avoid disrupting the user's viewing experience.

In addition, the clock's font and color should be carefully chosen to minimize the risk of burn-in. A softer, less contrasting font would be preferable, as would a color that is not too bright or saturated.

Benefits of Dynamic Clock Display

• Reduced risk of screen burn-in: Prevents static images from causing pixel degradation.
• Extended screen lifespan: Protects the screen from permanent image retention.
• Improved user experience: Ensures that the screensaver does not contribute to screen damage.
• Peace of mind: Users can leave the screensaver running without worrying about burn-in.

These minor changes to the Moonfin screensaver would greatly enhance the user experience and help prevent potential screen burn-in. Implementing finer-grained dimming, dynamic logo placement, and dynamic clock display would make the screensaver more customizable, energy-efficient, and protective of users' TV screens.

For more information about preventing screen burn-in, check out this article from RTINGS.com.