Dirt-like screen issue O_O

I have a nasty problem with my screen.
It became appearing some time ago. At first it was just a small horizontal dirt-like line or two in the middle of the screen. But in time it became larger and larger so now i got about 1/3 of my screen (in the top center) full of dirt like grayish-brown lines. I thought it was dust and condensation problem so i removed the glass and wiped the screen and the glass however nothing changed. Turns out it's something within the screen itself. Has anybody encountered this problem? Is there a solution to this or am i doomed?
I took a photo of it. You can see the photo here (photo is not brilliant but you can clearly see the problem): http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h89/duckiealbum/DSCN0657800x600.jpg

iMac24", Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Nov 29, 2008 4:59 AM

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21 replies

Dec 5, 2008 9:40 AM in response to iduck82

until today I had exactly the same problem......I called Apple support and they recommended that I left my iMac screen turned on for at least 24 hours as it could be condensation build-up on the inside of the glass.....this would allow the unit to get to a constant temperature required to burn off the water.....and it worked 😉

Dec 8, 2008 5:42 AM in response to iduck82

Since I read Dazza's reply Friday night, I left my display on to see if it would help. Honestly, I did not think it would since I doubted that the problem was condensation. Unfortunately, I was right...there is no change on my display after 2 1/2 days.

Looks like tonight is the night I'll try to see what Apple says about this.

Message was edited by: PhillySportsFan II

Dec 8, 2008 12:11 PM in response to PhillySportsFan II

maybe I was wrong.....I have just checked again and whilst the problem is better, it has not entirely gone away - how annoying!

When I spoke to Apple Support at the end of last week they said that I would have to take it into an Apple Store for them to take a look at - my nearest one is 50 miles away so that will be a bit of a nightmare. Not sure what to do about it really.....it is only really noticeable on the grey startup screen....do I live with it or go through the hassle of getting it sorted?

Dec 11, 2008 6:15 AM in response to DazzaG

Well, I called 1-800-MY-APPLE last night, and they located an authorized repair center (since I'm not close to an Apple Store) for me to have my iMac checked out. I was told they are authorized to report if there is a defect in the LCD display. When I first called in, the person who answered acknowledged there have been instances like this before. Hopefully, they can check it out soon and I'll report what happens afterwards.

Dec 11, 2008 9:28 AM in response to PhillySportsFan II

I had similar problems and Apple just replaced the LCD for me (I have other less cosmetic problems that now need addressing though) at the Apple store. Of interest to your particular situation though is this: I fist went to an Apple authorized dealer (where I purchased the computer) where they refused to get me a new LCD saying Apple would never approve it since they felt it must be my fault (spillage). I new this was not the case and brought it to the Apple store and they indeed replaced it without any question. Good Luck

Dec 15, 2008 12:21 PM in response to iduck82

I had/have pretty much the same thing, just started within the past few days. Would only notice it on the boot screens, and any solid color. Thought it might be an image persistence thing as the shapes seemed to line up with dock icons and other "windowed" items (browser, stickies) so I left the mac on with a 3 minute rotating screen saver, 3 hour power save - it seems to have helped with the finer lines.

Thick swipe remains thru the bottom and lighter ones speckled around but are now only visible during boot - and low brightness setting solid windows.

Anyhow, the lines were clearly visible at boot and during use with the default mac background image, now they're less so.

Weather-wise, we went from dry subfreezing to 30s with high humidty to dry subfreezing - can't say for sure but since my Mac sits near a window (next to my PC's 24" Dell non-glassed in LCD - both get the same usage patterns - except the non-glassed monitor has never had a problem of this nature) - it may be humidity playing a role..

Dec 15, 2008 2:19 PM in response to iduck82

hmm... on my imac this problem appears in the top middle of the screen and spreads from there on all sides... is everyone having it in this position too? or does it show up in different sections of the screen?
i just looked at the pictures of a disassembled imac and in my situation the problem appears right where the hard drive is located... could it be the hard drive is causing the problem? o_O

Dec 16, 2008 6:41 AM in response to iduck82

Don't know, but it does appear to line up with the disassembled ones on the photos I've seen (yours does, mine does not).

Not too happy with the yellowing around all edges of the monitor now myself, or the banding on the solid backgrounds (not really visible on anything other than solid backgrounds with a lower brightness) gonna take a trip to the local apple dealer and see if theirs show the same effect (aside from the thicker horizontal line that isn't going anywhere).

Having other problems with mine that may require AC anyhow.

Dec 16, 2008 7:04 AM in response to iduck82

My problem is exactly as you described, in the same location--top center of the screen down to about the center area.

The service agent I was directed to tried to get the repair/replacement screen approved through Apple--and was rejected.

Again, I called AppleCare (as mentioned, my warranty is expired) and calmly explained this issue. I was totally honest and told them it had started months before but wasn't a big deal then and I didn't take care of it when it was under warranty, but has been getting progressively worse now and it very noticeable. I also directed the agent to this discussion and he looked at the picture you linked to in the original post. I offered to send him pictures of my screen. Instead, he put me on hold to talk to a supervisor. When he got back on the line, they approved the repair/replacement as needed and gave me a code to give to the servicing location closest to me.

Now it could be the agent was just in a good mood....but more likely there is a known issue they are taking care of when brought to their attention.

That was on Friday afternoon. Monday the service location called and the new screen is in and is getting replaced today. It should be repaired tomorrow and hopefully all will be well again.

Thank you Apple!

Dana

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Dirt-like screen issue O_O

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