nx8420/nc8430/nw8440 WSXGA+ Screen Users, Test This

Hi,

Recently, I got the WSXGA LCD on my notebook replaced, but the new LCD seems to have a little issue that is bothering me.

I'd like to know if this is a common problem, so I'll need the help of fellow forumers to perform this little test for me using default graphics driver settings (no color/brightness/contrast/gamma adjustments).
1. Download the attached image file.
2. Set it as your desktop background, tiled.
3. Tilt screen back 150 degrees +.
4. Observe carefully and closely.

Please tell me if you can see faint lines running diagonally down the screen? They look like scan lines, but it seems as though the LCD backlight isn't calibrated properly.

The problem goes away if I go into ATI Catalyst Control Panel and increase the brightness 0.1 (1 notch up). Changing the backlight brightness using the hotkeys don't make the problem go away, only doing it via the software does.

This is my 3rd replacement screen and while this new screen is better than the last, it still has this problem, only not so obvious because it is calibrated brighter.

 

Hi chrixx!

I had my screen replaced, too, there was a vertical line of approx. 800 stuck pixels. I followed your instructions and have to say that there is nothing visible at all, sorry.

 

I have a nc8430 and I do not see the lines after doing your test.

CTDW

 

This is going to hurt so bad. It's either a graphics card problem or an LCD problem. The thing about the LCD is that this latest one I got is much better than the previous one as the problem doesn't appear in a normal viewing angle, only when tilted backwards and viewed from a normal viewing angle (eyes in normal viewing direction). The previous one has this problem at any vertical viewing angle.
Statistically speaking, after 3 LCDs, all with the same problem, only gradually improving, I'm not sure what to make of it. My original screen was LPL (has dead pixels), the replacement ones are QDS screens. The LCD was replaced twice in Australia and last in Malaysia (the best so far), but they all seem to end up having the same problem. How is it possible for all replacement LCDs to be this faulty and in different countries in this case?
It's not a driver problem because the latest driver and BIOS are used in all 3 attempts.
At this point, it can potentially be a graphics card problem which will involve a systemboard replacement, but no one seems to know. I'm going to take it into HP again to ascertain the problem.

 

No lines here. Using Omega 6.8 driver

 

I should probably ask if everyone has an LPL screen because all my replacements are QDS.

 

AU Optronics screen

But my laptop was assembled in China for the UK. I dunno if that matters (presuming you're in the US)

 

LPL screen. One stuck pixel, but it doesn't bother me at all. Screen is fine, otherwise.

 

No lines on mine (original wide view screen)

 

It's an LCD problem. The HP technician informed me that he tried it on a new systemboard and the problem is still there. He ordered a new screen (still QDS) and the problem is even worse. So, we went through several screens (order, replace, etc.) and still, they all have the same problem, some more visible than others. The entire shipment of screens seem to be QDS and it's still so bad.
The tech offered to try escalating the case to their regional headquarters to see if something could be done about the quality of these screens. He did offer to replace the WSXGA with a WUXGA screen if it doesn't work out because production/manufacturing defects are beyond their control. I'll leave that as the final resort as WUXGA resolution is too much for me and the WSXGA screen is the main reason I got this notebook.
Any other opinions on how I should proceed at this point? The notebook is still with HP and they can only get back to me on Monday.

 

Mine is a QDS, but I do not have the issue you have.

 

After 2 weeks, this problem still exists for me despite a new systemboard and screen. Has anyone looked closely from a normal sitting angle, making sure the background is of that specific color and tiled? The HP service centre doesn't have any similar units to test and the tech is baffled by this too, hence I have to resort to asking for opinions from other users. It seems like some electromagnetic interference, but it appears anywhere.

 

An update if anyone is interested:
Finally after going through 5 screens from beginning till now, we have managed to find an LPL screen which is near-perfect in quality. The color reproduction in this one is vibrant and the lines can only be seen faintly because it is much brighter. A poorer quality screen will make the lines more defined.

I realise that this could be a BIOS fault. I managed to test another nc8430. Before a BIOS upgrade, the lines do not appear upon delivery (the similar colour produced grainy results instead), but they appeared after I upgraded to a newer BIOS (but the graininess is no longer there). In case anyone is wondering, the same problem appears under Linux too.

There is no other hardware-related issues here because we have tried with a new motherboard & graphics chipset and a new screen.

I should say that the lines are really faint and unless you observe closely, you won't see it, so it is most likely present. Most people have not noticed it either.

The entire process went like this:
Original LPL = 2 dead pixels, no leakage. No lines (because old BIOS).
Replacement 1 (R1) QDS = No dead pixels, slight light leakage on bottom, faint lines. Replaced because glue residue left on bezel after repairs.
R2 QDS = No dead pixels, no light leakage, defined uniformed lines.
R3 QDS = No dead pixels, no light leakage, defined uniformed lines.
R4 QDS = No dead pixels, no light leakage, very bright (slightly washed out), faint lines at 100 degree+ angles. Flickering near bottom.
R5 LPL = Stuck red pixel. No light leakage. Faint uniformed lines.
R6 LPL = No stuck pixels. No light leakage. Very very faint uniformed lines. No flickering.

I am not going to conclude that one brand of screens is better than another. It's just the inconsistency that irks me.

For all the effort HP has tried to put in, I have to commend their excellent service personnel and technicians, who are really willing and committed to fix the problem.