Level 1

1 points

MacBook Pro screen blinks

My new MacBook Pro display screen is blinking or flickering every few minutes now. I've only noticed it when I've switched to the integrated 9400M graphics processor. I don't recall seeing any blinks when using the discrete 9600M GPU. Usually it is only the top half or so of the display that blinks or flickers for a split second. Anyone else having the same problem?

MacBook Pro (Late 2008), Mac OS X (10.5.5), tv, iPhone, iPod Touch, et al

Posted on Nov 28, 2008 5:28 PM

1,610 replies

ferger

Level 1

1 points

Mar 31, 2009 1:55 PM in response to munchnstuf

You guys are NOT going to believe what I found!!!
OK, I think I found the absolute irrefutable proof that MacBook Pro's have a problem with the display...

I was checking out some video tutorials on the Apple website and I found one video that, believe it or not, it was produced on a MacBook Pro with a defective blinking display!
When I saw it I freaked out because I am on my second MBP 17 (2009) and had to wait one month to get it exchanged since it was a CTO unit, because the first one started blinking the very same day I received it.
I thought it was my MPB doing the same thing but to my surprise I review other tutorials and nothing, it only happens with that one in particular not to mention that you can pause the blinking on the video....

It's amazing to me to have found this because that means that there must be thousands of MBP out there with the same problem and it goes undetected by a lot of people.

Just like other post above said, its unacceptable to find problems of this kind on a MacBook Pro which is supposed to be a professional level computer with a hefty price tag.

Here is the link to the video so you can check it out:

http://www.apple.com/business/theater/?sr=hotnews#tutorial=infoinspectorpanel

Let me hear your comments and hope this gets corrected soon...

Mar 31, 2009 2:16 PM in response to ferger

hi ferger
i cant see the blinking.. let me watch it again

thx

nope.. cant see any blinking in this one

Message was edited by: kongnator

hotplug

Level 1

17 points

Mar 31, 2009 3:08 PM in response to ferger

hi ferger

Same as kongnator ...

Did you save this Quick Time video ?

ferger

Level 1

1 points

Mar 31, 2009 3:27 PM in response to ferger

Some users have reported that they can only see the blinking while watching the video in firefox and NOT on safari... anyway maybe its something related to quicktime and the display, who knows, i tried safari & firefox and have confirmed those new findings...

Mar 31, 2009 3:32 PM in response to ferger

Sounds like a coincidence.

I hope I have better luck with the Mac Pro 2009 that's en route.

hotplug

Level 1

17 points

Mar 31, 2009 3:38 PM in response to ferger

I see the blinking everywhere between 2 and 5 brightness.

Not need to make an effort to see it. It is obvious to the eye

Mar 31, 2009 3:40 PM in response to ferger

same as hotplug here..

especially on white/grey or blueish backgrounds.

on some sites like http://livescore.com the flicker is however more visible with high brightness..

cheers

Mar 31, 2009 3:46 PM in response to hotplug

Okay guys (and gals)...

The plot thickens...

So, the fluttering MacBook Pro is plugged into a lovely new 24" LED display and I have the two screens side by side. Looking like a total fruit-loop I have been starring at the LED display like a rabbit in the headlamps of a juggernaut. Do I see a flutter? A flicker? Even a twitch? NO! On all brightness levels!

It seems that when the MBP is trussed up to a LED display (with power connected, screen DVI and USD connected and keyboard USB connected), it behaves. I don't suggest this is a fix, I am only adding it here in the vain hope, in the distant belief, in the remote glimmer of expectation that an Apple techy will put two-and-two together and fix this.... SOOOOOOOOOOOOOON.

Message was edited by: Stochastic

Message was edited by: Stochastic

hotplug

Level 1

17 points

Mar 31, 2009 3:55 PM in response to Stochastic

Thanks for the info Stochastic

Sure i do not need a 24" LED 🙂

Mar 31, 2009 4:11 PM in response to hotplug

this fluttering/blinking u are referring to. Is it like mine? Mine is a quick pulsing like a refresh rate issue at low brightness levels. It's like pulsing dimming back and forth really quickly. It's subtle but obviously there. Is this like yours?

Mar 31, 2009 4:13 PM in response to Aunty June

Hi Aunty June,

Yes that sound like it. Like the screen is "fluttering" less than 100% brightness?

hotplug

Level 1

17 points

Mar 31, 2009 4:19 PM in response to Aunty June

*Aunty June,*

Yes it is like you.
Pulsing ..
On the 1 point brightness, there is no fliker.
The pulsing is between 2 and 5 point.

Have a look here :
http://tiny.cc/pkuws

Mar 31, 2009 4:17 PM in response to Stochastic

yes, ive had this problem since day one of the new unibody release (15") I've posted many times about this issue. Usually half or above brightness level you don't 'notice' it but that doesn't mean it's not there of course. Anything from 1-5 brightness level is noticeable. I've just been waiting it out hoping to hear of a concrete answer to the issue and a solid solution.

hotplug

Level 1

17 points

Mar 31, 2009 4:20 PM in response to Aunty June

have a look here

This is for MacBook but the pulse is the same on MBP

http://tiny.cc/pkuws

Mar 31, 2009 4:23 PM in response to hotplug

yeah, that's a pretty good video which is what i'm experiencing too.

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MacBook Pro screen blinks