Series of "stuck" pixels?

[MDTyKe]

Hey guys,

My C2D Macbook is pretty much perfect apart from a series of stuck pixels that have appeared on the screen.

They are 'white' - and especially noticable when there's a white background. When the background is dark colors, eg: black, you don't notice a thing... so the pixels are "working", just not right. When the background is say, blue - they are blue too.. but a different shade of blue. There's a series of I'd guess 4 or 5 in one spot (centered around one incorrect)

Then there's another one, in a different part of the screen - much smaller though. I bought the Mac in Palo Alto, CA though I'm living in Ireland (no Genius bars here). Only had it since April, and the first of these problems occured a few months ago.

There's a genius-bar equivalent in N.Ireland though Ive never had a chance to visit them. Any way I can sort this out myself? Is it covered by warranty? I've ran a few of those "pixel fixer-epileptic-flashers" for a while with no luck.. though haven't had a chance to run them for 10-12 hours as I've seen some recommended.

Any ideas?


Thanks!


Matt

 

[emptyCup]

If your machine is less than 90 days old, or you bought Applecare, you can call Apple and ask about a fix. Normally, they won't replace a screen for just a few pixels unless they are together. Yours are, so it's worth a call. Go to the Apple Ireland website to find the number. Good luck.

 

[majordude]

My C2D Macbook is pretty much perfect apart from a series of stuck pixels that have appeared on the screen.

Stuck pixels are one of my pet-peeves. I can handle a scratch or two here and there but thos pixels drive me NUTS.

Did they just spring up or were they there from the start?

I'd call Apple Care or take it to a store if one is around.

 

[MDTyKe]

I didn't "buy" Applecare, but doesn't it come for 1 year as standard?

No apple stores within 500 miles I dont think, so that's not possible. Supposed "Alternative" Genius bar (Authorized fixer) not too far from here though.. maybe worth a try with them?


Matt

 

[roger6106]

Have you tried some of the screen tapping methods? This page explains some other methods of fixing a stuck pixel. I have fixed some stuck pixels on a HP laptop by tapping them gently.

 

[majordude]

Have you tried some of the screen tapping methods?

That is like using toilet paper to clean a Nikon camera lens!

 

[roger6106]

Tap might be too strong of a word. When I did it I just barely had to touch the screen.

 

[emptyCup]

I didn't "buy" Applecare, but doesn't it come for 1 year as standard?

No apple stores within 500 miles I dont think, so that's not possible. Supposed "Alternative" Genius bar (Authorized fixer) not too far from here though.. maybe worth a try with them? Matt

One year standard on repairs, but 90 days of free phone support. If your local shop is authorized, they will be able to handle warranty repairs.

 

[jakeguy99]

I am on a MBP and i have the same issue you are having. I even tried PixelFix with no results, it is also really frustrating seeing these pixels on white screens and not on darker screens. Too bad apple wont help much unless you pay.

 

[Hockeypuck]

If your computer is still under warranty, take to an Apple Store. They should be able to replace the display assembly.

 

[irrªtiºnal]

They are 'white' - and especially noticable when there's a white background. When the background is dark colors, eg: black, you don't notice a thing... so the pixels are "working", just not right. When the background is say, blue - they are blue too.. but a different shade of blue. There's a series of I'd guess 4 or 5 in one spot (centered around one incorrect)

The reason why they look white-ish in white background and blue-ish in blue background is because of this:

Each pixel is composed of 3 channels or subpixel, so to sat: Red, Green and Blue. Each channel can take values from 0 to 255. When all channels are 255, the result is White. When all 0, the result is black. Now, in your case, the Red subpixel of those pixels seem to be always-down, or at least not able to go all the way up to 255. Thats why you see a mixture of some Red (but nor completely Red 255,) Green 255 and Blue 255, which yields Cyan. When your background is dark, the channels are basically at a low level, so you don't really see any diference (because presumably the Red subpixel can take low levels)

Now, the blue-ish problem also tells me that either your Red or Green subpixels, or both, do not attain their lowest possible value of 0 either. That's why when there should only be Red 0, Green 0 and Blue 255, you see maybe something like Red 20, Green 20 and Blue 255.

Try this simple experiment: change your background to this colors: all read, all green, and all blue. You will spot the pixels problem this way.

PS. I know this didn't help to solve anything, but it gives me an oportunity to annoyingly show off and keep myself alive in this forum, in which I had not posted in about 2 years