Black video looks "splotchy"...

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Level 1

15 points

Black video looks "splotchy"...

Hello all, new owner of a gorgeous new 23" ACD... most everything looks to be ok so far. No dead pixels and only a slight yellowish vignetting on the edges... but not too bad. So I pop in a DVD and when the screen goes completely black, well, things don't look so good. The black video turns uneven and splotchy. It's mainly located around the edges and corners, but even dips into the center quite a bit.

Is this normal? Is it supposed to do this? Any ideas?

Thanks
Josh

Posted on Sep 7, 2005 11:14 PM

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Answer 1

DPJ

Level 4

1,374 points

Sep 11, 2005 8:42 PM in response to JoshH

You are not alone, I just bought one of these beauties to go with my new PowerMac 2.3Ghz. When the screen goes completely black you may experience slight white splotches. It appears to be uneven backlighting. Funny thing, if you take a cleaning cloth and wipe the screen (while it's black) you may see the splotches shift around as if the glass on in the bezel doesn't lye evenly. I think that's what it may be.

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Answer 2

JoshH Author

Level 1

15 points

Sep 12, 2005 8:52 AM in response to DPJ

Thanks for replying, I see there's another thread that's just been started about this too : (

Does anyone think I should replace it, or chances are I will get another one just like it (as in all of them do it)?

I'm in Arkansas - the land of non existent Apple Stores - so replacing it isn't as easy as some...

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Answer 3

DPJ

Level 4

1,374 points

Sep 12, 2005 10:14 PM in response to JoshH

I would recommend highly to exchange it if the splotches are quite noticable while watching a movie. I don't understand what's up with the 23" cinema display. Apple has addressed (quietly) the color problems but it doesn't seem perfectly manufactured, but most LCD's are not anyway. The Dell 24" seems to get good reviews for the most part but it's main complaint that I have been reading is it has an annoying high pitched sound after it warms up. People have exchnaged it and ended up with a refurb from Dell and still have the same issues.
So don't get too caught up with the negatives that you read about the Apple 23" display, most LCD's larger than 17" seem to be not too perfect, in fact including dead pixels all LCD's have their issues.
If you live too far geographically to exchange your screen then keep it if the viewing is comfortable overall.

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Answer 4

Phil Ta

Level 6

10,400 points

Sep 12, 2005 11:13 PM in response to JoshH

The problem is commonly called "backlight leakage". Due to the nature of any LCDs and its backlights, there is bound to be some leakage. However, if it's really noticeable, then it sounds like a defect.

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Answer 5

Sep 13, 2005 12:43 AM in response to JoshH

If your display looks anything like mine (just sent it back):

http://img370.imageshack.us/my.php?image=monitor0069zj.jpg

seriously consider exchanging it.

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Answer 6

JoshH Author

Level 1

15 points

Sep 13, 2005 8:37 AM in response to Iceman2500

Yeah, Iceman, that looks really similar to mine. Different splotches in different places, but pretty much the same thing going on.

I think I'll pack it up and send it out. Hopefully, they'll pay shipping...

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Answer 7

JoshH Author

Level 1

15 points

Sep 17, 2005 8:46 PM in response to JoshH

Good news... I was in the Dallas area over the weekend, stopped by the Plano Willow Bend Store and had it replaced.

This one is much better. Just a few light blotches along the edges but they're not near as intense as the last monitor. The color consistency is better too with less dingy yellow vignetting.

So far so good.

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