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My buddy and me... A dead pixel tale.

BrunoMac

BrunoMac

macrumors regular
Original poster
Aug 6, 2008
153
0
So after 3 swaps on my 27" iMac I had them open one up for me in the store to inspect. It was awkward to say the least and I wondered how anal I was being, so after staring at a bright white screen for a few minutes I decided it was probably ok and took it home. I mean what are the odds of so many of Apple's new "ultimate display" having so many problems. I was told that it would be my last exchange by the Apple Store manager so I was nervous to say the least.

I got home and instantly saw a dead pixel, it was not as bad as the other issues I had so I decided to embrace my new little buddy. I just wanted to say the I LOVE the whole Mac experience but every now and then I get extremely disappointed that I was unable to get a perfect display on my new $2000 dollar investment.

I love you Apple but come on!!
 
Sorry to hear that, unfortunately I hate to say this buddy, but you sorta asked for it. It's not that you should accept an unacceptable display, however since you were already in the know that Apple is having difficulties with their displays you should've gotten your money back and waited. Now, regardless whether you waited on day or until next year, it's impossible to avoid a dead or stuck pixel with any LCD. It's a crap shoot but the odds are pretty low that most people will get one with a bad pixel, but it's not uncommon. Just let it go and move on.
 
HLdan said:
Sorry to hear that, unfortunately I hate to say this buddy, but you sorta asked for it. It's not that you should accept an unacceptable display, however since you were already in the know that Apple is having difficulties with their displays you should've gotten your money back and waited. Now, regardless whether you waited on day or until next year, it's impossible to avoid a dead or stuck pixel with any LCD. It's a crap shoot but the odds are pretty low that most people will get one with a bad pixel, but it's not uncommon. Just let it go and move on.
Click to expand...

I actually agree 100%, I was just venting. I could have gotten my money back but my Dell was boring the heck out of me. I wanted to use Garageband and iMovie so I decided to go for it. Hopefully next time I buy a computer it will be mid cycle of a very good product. While my display has provided a little slice of hell, I am officially a convert and really enjoy the whole Mac experience. I was hoping to have my computing experience go as well as my music (multiple iPods) and cell phone (iPhone 3G) experiences have been and so far so good.
 
Are dead pixels listed on the 27" iMac Spec Sheet?

I must've missed that.

Don't let the store manager intimidate you. You're a paying customer who shouldn't have to be forced to accept a machine with dead pixels.

Of course, if it doesn't bother you, then no need to complain to Apple.
 
IndustrialSpace said:
Are dead pixels listed on the 27" iMac Spec Sheet?

I must've missed that.

Don't let the store manager intimidate you. You're a paying customer who shouldn't have to be forced to accept a machine with dead pixels.

Of course, if it doesn't bother you, then no need to complain to Apple.
Click to expand...

I completely understand the hatred for dead pixels. But before you continue your sarcastic rants, make sure you check things out first. Here's Apple's public statement about dead or stuck pixels. A certain number is acceptable. Also did you read the OP, this is his last return.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1721
 
Good to hear that all's well after your experience.

I agree, with that kind of money, you deserve to have what they were advertising for in the first place, but I guess you can't always win.

I hate dead pixels and I wish they never existed. Companies now include disclosures on their products, claiming dead pixels as normal and not a sign of defect. I say bulls**t! This is like them saying "here is your new TV sir and with it I have thrown in my little brother Timmy to stand in front of you everytime you watch."

On a different angle, accepting dead pixels on a display is like accepting an old enemy to live with you. Yeah you can say we should love our enemies, but regardless, they will always find some way to get in your way. Some people have high tolerance levels, some don't. And this is where we can end the debate on whether to accept dead pixels or not. It is totally up to you to look after yourself. Besides, you will be the one using the product for years to come.

Just my 2 centavos. :)
 
HLdan said:
I completely understand the hatred for dead pixels. But before you continue your sarcastic rants, make sure you check things out first. Here's Apple's public statement about dead or stuck pixels. A certain number is acceptable. Also did you read the OP, this is his last return.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1721
Click to expand...

Thanks for correcting me. I didn't know Apple provided literature on the acceptability of dead pixels.
 
IndustrialSpace said:
Are dead pixels listed on the 27" iMac Spec Sheet?

I must've missed that.

Don't let the store manager intimidate you. You're a paying customer who shouldn't have to be forced to accept a machine with dead pixels.

Of course, if it doesn't bother you, then no need to complain to Apple.
Click to expand...

Oh it bothers me immensely, I was just VERY ready for a computer upgrade and wanted to give a Mac a try, I could have waited but I had the cash and made the decision so I guess I'll live with it.

Is it possible to fix the dead pixel? I tried a widget that flashed a bunch of colors to no avail.
 
BrunoMac said:
Oh it bothers me immensely, I was just VERY ready for a computer upgrade and wanted to give a Mac a try, I could have waited but I had the cash and made the decision so I guess I'll live with it.

Is it possible to fix the dead pixel? I tried a widget that flashed a bunch of colors to no avail.
Click to expand...

There are no known sure way to fix a dead or stuck pixel. Some have claimed they fixed them but it's all a myth to me...believe me, I've tried everything. The dead pixel is yours forever I'm afraid.
 
i s a dead pixel really that annoying? like ive never had or seen one so i was wondering if you guys were exaggerating. i would to see some pics just to see how bad it is if you guys dont mind.
 
tflournoy95 said:
i s a dead pixel really that annoying? like ive never had or seen one so i was wondering if you guys were exaggerating. i would to see some pics just to see how bad it is if you guys dont mind.
Click to expand...

It's annoying on a new $2000 computer. You can have my dead pixel if you want him.
 
As much as it pains you at the moment give it a week or so of use and that dead pixel will become completely insignificant and you'll likely not notice it (unless it's bang in the centre of the screen).

Despite what people say dead pixels are an acceptable manufacturing variance and are synonymous with the technology. We may not like them but the only real way to guarantee a display is free of them is to invest in a Grade 1 monitor - we have three Cinetal's at work completely free of dead pixels but then they cost £16000-£19000 per monitor.
 
spcdust said:
As much as it pains you at the moment give it a week or so of use and that dead pixel will become completely insignificant and you'll likely not notice it (unless it's bang in the centre of the screen).

Despite what people say dead pixels are an acceptable manufacturing variance and are synonymous with the technology. We may not like them but the only real way to guarantee a display is free of them is to invest in a Grade 1 monitor - we have three Cinetal's at work completely free of dead pixels but then they cost £16000-£19000 per monitor.
Click to expand...

Acceptable according to whom? The manufacturers? I find any dead pixels completely objectionable. Especially since none of my Apple products have them. It's fairly uncommon to have an IPS panel with a dead/stuck pixel. With Apple stuff, it's usually dust under the glass that's an issue.
 
WilliamG said:
Acceptable according to whom? The manufacturers? I find any dead pixels completely objectionable. Especially since none of my Apple products have them. It's fairly uncommon to have an IPS panel with a dead/stuck pixel. With Apple stuff, it's usually dust under the glass that's an issue.
Click to expand...

My 20" Core Duo iMac in 2006 had a stuck pixel that I was actually able to revive by physically pressing on it.

Stuck/dead pixels are actually not that uncommon, especially on screens as large as the 27".

To the OP: are you sure the pixel is dead and not stuck? Stuck pixels can sometimes be revived. It's a lot easier to do with a matte display by gently pressing (massaging) on the area of the pixel but there is software that sometimes works to un-stick them as well like jscreenfix.

Good luck!
 
WilliamG said:
Acceptable according to whom? The manufacturers? I find any dead pixels completely objectionable. Especially since none of my Apple products have them. It's fairly uncommon to have an IPS panel with a dead/stuck pixel. With Apple stuff, it's usually dust under the glass that's an issue.
Click to expand...

OK, in full disclosure here is where I must divulge my ignorance, something on my 2nd iMac that the local genius said was a dead pixel, looks awfully similar but smaller on my new (3rd) iMac, is it possible it is dust, HOW would I ever know the difference?
I've grown fond of my dead pixel however if it is dust I might be willing to try something irrational like blowing it out.
Help please.
 
WilliamG said:
Acceptable according to whom?
Click to expand...

I think this may answer your question:

ISO 13406-2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_13406-2

It has always been the case that LCD/LED panels can have dead pixels they are an acceptable manufacturing variance. If every panel that had a dead pixel was rejected by the manufacturer then the overall price of flat screen technology would be prohibitively expensive for the end user since all the rejects would push the yield down and costs up.

Obviously non of us want them on our monitor and if it happens to be in a prominent position Apple will often show goodwill in an exchange.

WilliamG, If you don't want one I can sell you one of our Cine-tal monitors for around $24000, or you may wish to buy direct from them:

http://www.cine-tal.com/

To be honest though you don't need to spend quite this amount to ensure a display free of dead pixels as Grade 1 monitors can be purchase for a little less and you probably don't require a 2K display - however you do need to spend quite a bit more than the cost of the LG panel fitted in the 27" iMac.
 
spcdust, you are absolutely correct about the flat screen panels. Years ago I remember reading about during the manufacture of lcd screens that they throw away many many (I forget the number) of these screens due to bad pixels and stuck pixels and that is why they were so expensive or at least they were in the beginning.
 
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