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LCD screens are generally the most expensive part of a laptop computer. They're also the most likely part to contain noticeable flaws in the form of the dreaded dead pixels. Each notebook manufacturer has their own policy on how many dead pixels warrants a return and replacement. The problem is, most people are not aware of this policy before they get their notebook and falsely assume that one dead pixel is good enough to ask for a replacement, but this is generally not the case.
Some Background on LCD TFT Displays
LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display, it is the type of screen used in every notebook you can buy on the market these days. Screens come in various sizes and resolutions. Resolution is defined by the number of pixels (small dots) that make up the LCD screen. The pixel is the smallest unit that makes up an image. A pixel is however sub-divided into three sub-pixels colored red, green and blue that work together to display the correct color for that specific pixel location. Nearly all screens sold today are TFT (Thin-Film Transistor), TFT is also known as active matrix display. A TFT display means that each sub-pixel has a transistor, having a transistor at each sub-pixel means that the current that triggers illumination can be smaller and therefore be switched on and off more quickly. This means a TFT display is responsive to change, so when you move a mouse cursor across the screen or a fast moving image is displayed the TFT display is fast enough to reflect the movement (with a passive matrix display, the image might temporarily "dissapear" until the display can "catch up").
So What Causes a Dead Pixel?
Occasionally the individual transistors responsible for carrying current to a pixel will either short out or remain open resulting in what is called a dead pixel. A "lit" pixel is one that appears as one of several randomly placed white, red, blue or green pixel elements on a dark background, or you may have a "missing" pixel which shows up as a black dot on a light colored background.
So Why do New Screens Have Dead Pixels?
During the production process of LCD screens it is difficult for manufacturers to assess if a pixel is out or not. In fact, only once an LCD panel has completed production and assembly can it be determined that an LCD does or does not have dead pixels. Material costs are high for LCD displays so every attempt is made to avoid scrapping displays. If a screen is determined as being overly flawed, it will be thrown out, but if the screen is within a set quality standard -- say 2 dead pixels -- then the screen will not be thrown out. If manufacturers had to throw out every screen with even 1 dead pixel, prices would be much higher for LCD screens.
But What is the Standard Regarding How Many Dead Pixels is Acceptable?
This question is what we're really concerned with here. If you're spending $1,000+ on a laptop then you as a buyer of course would prefer zero dead pixels on your screen, but you're probably willing to accept the fact that one stuck pixel in the corner that's only noticeable on a dark background will not warrant a return and is likely not worth the hassle. But what if you have six dead pixels, does that warrant a return? You would hope so, but that's not the case with many manufacturers. The number of dead pixels it takes before a manufacturer will accept a return varies, and some manufacturer return policies for dead pixels is downright complicated. Here's a quick rundown of some major manufacturer policies on how many dead pixels it takes to warrant a return. Below numbers are based on a 14.1" screen with XGA resoluion (1024 x 768 pixels)has a total of 2,359,296 red/green/blue sub-pixels (1024 x 768 x 3 = 2,359,296):
*zero-dead pixel policy only valid in South Korea
Laptop Brand / OEM Dell IBM HP/Compaq LG / LG.Philips Sharp Acer Apple Samsung* Fujitsu Panasonic Portable One Sony Toshiba Alienware
Below are some links to various manufacturers policies for allowing return of a laptop due to dead pixels, you'll see there is a wide variation, Apple doesn't even havea set number, you basically have to haggle with them to try and win a return if you feel your LCD display has too many dead pixels. Acer has a formula and breaks up the screen into sections and defines which area's carry more weight in terms of importance -- if there's more than one dead pixel in the center Acer will replace the notebook, but if the pixels are elsewhere then you can suffer from up to 4 dead pixels per million on the screen.
Links to Dead Pixel Policies:
HowCan You Tell if you Have Dead Pixels?
- Apple Dead Pixel Policy
- Dell Dead Pixel Policy:
- HP/Compaq
- IBM Dead Pixel Policy
- Acer Dead Pixel Policy
- Samsung Dead Pixel Policy(zero dead pixel policy only true in South Korea at the moment)
- Nintendo DS Game System Dead Pixel Policy (Nintendo has a zero-dead pixel policy)
- NewEgg.com(NewEgg.com is a retailer, not a manufacturer, replacement or refund for 8 or more Dead Pixels)
![[IMG]](images/storyImages/3649.jpg)
Sometimes it is quite obvious as to whether you have a dead pixel on your screen, but sometimes it might take a little while for you to notice. It's best that you run a test on your screen right when you get your notebook to determine if you have dead pixels and then take the further step of deciding whether you want to try and return the laptop if there arean excessive amount of dead pixels. Downloada free application called Dead Pixel Buddy to test for dead pixels on your screen. Please be sure to donate via PayPal to the developer of this application if you can spare the money!
Bottom Line
Many people are not aware of the fact LCD screens can have dead pixels. Some people that are not picky won't be bothered by a tiny black or white dot in the corner of their screen, or maybe they won't ever notice it. Others that are very picky about their screens and do video/image editing or watch a lot of movies on theirnotebookwill go nuts if there's a dot that they always find themselves focusing on and being annoyed by. The best advice to be given is to investigate up front what the return policy is for a store or manufacturer before you buy a product with an LCD screen. Online stores such as NewEgg.com explicitly state that they will only accept returns onproducts with 8 or more dead pixels, but at least they state their policy. Other retailers are very generous and will accept a return forjust one dead pixel, while others arevague or do not have a policy. If you buy direct from a manufacturer or choose to deal with them for any returns instead of the retailer, then be aware of what that specific manufacturers policy is.
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"I know some people are such jerks that they may exploit this, but that happens everyday in other things as well."... This amazing point convinced me. You're right. It's ok. You should harrass Acer until they give you a replacement notebook if you have one dead pixel. Even though you are knowingly buying from a manufacturer where you can clearly read only offers replacements for 9-10 bad pixels.
We can make analogies all day long. But the FACT is that dead/lit pixels are an accepted byproduct of the lcd manufacturing process. And my OPINION is that ANYONE can use an lcd with several dead pixels without affecting what they are doing at all. Of course you can always take the advice one of the administrators of this site and lie to the vendor to try and get a replacement based on some fabricated problem because that glaring dead pixel you found by some utility (because you couldn't find it on your own) is disrupting your productivity.... just like that fleck of dust that wrecked your enjoyment of the Jon Stewart show.
"but obviously you haven't had much experience with watching displays"... probably more years than you've been alive.
...which has nothing to do with this conversation.
Lyndal. -
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Certainly dont take anything in my post personally. The passion that's coming through in my post is all about convincing you NOT to exploit return policies like this thread appears to advocate. I'm trying to win you over, not insult you.
I think I've fallen into the common forum-posting-trap of thinking the biggest smartass is right. Anyway....
I assume the lcd manufacturing process is getting better, and these stated return policies might get less strict. I am no expert on lcd manufactering. My whole point is that you are NOT getting screwed and an lcd with a few dead pixels is NOT a faulty product. Maybe a bit of bad luck, but not grounds to return the product. Especially since it will not hinder you use of the machine at all... not even a little bit. None. Good luck with your purchase and may your pixels be perfect.
Lyndal. -
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I got it from HPShopping.com
I didn't know about that policy, but it sounds like a good one
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yup...my Dell 9300 has no dead pixels watsoever...i was kinda shocked 2
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Dead Pixels on Notebook Screens
Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Andrew Baxter, Feb 17, 2005.
