Q: MacBook Pro Retina display burn-in?

Had my computer repaired and it was with another LG that had same IR problem, not as bad but I knew it would only get worse in time. I called AppleCare and explained that my friend had a retina with no problems and has a Samsung screen is there anyway to just replace it with a Samsung? They explained they had no way to look up the part numbers - the ripley system or whatever didn't exist. I said I felt they sold me a different product then what they sold my friend, this is their flagship product and there are obviously some QC problems. They said engineers are going thru 1000s of retinas trying to replicate the problem and are not seeing serious problems but are also working on a fix. I explained a fix like the one to make a white background as your screensaver lol. I explained that considering the difference in my second LG screen to my first one (noticeably duller, whites and greys look yellow compared to my superbright first LG) there are some manufacturing problems that still have yet to be worked out as this is a 1st year product and I would just like to get my money back and hold off until they get sorted. I was transfered to Customer Relations who had to get OK from her SA before they gave me refund.

Ahmentunsur I would attempt to have your's fixed and if you have the same problem with the new screen like I did they might be willing to help. I had applecare as well not sure if that helped or not?

Not at all johns1. My apologies for the misunderstanding. On the contrary I'm taking everyone's word at face value. Otherwise all the reports on this forum are meaningless. We know that image persistence on the LG panel may not show up in the beginning. Sometimes it doesn't show up until much later. We don't know the exact time period before image persistence becomes an issue. However, people seem to be reporting that it becomes more prominent within a few weeks. I would be interested to see a post  from someone who has used an LG panel for a couple of months. If they don't see image persistence with a checkboard pattern test on a solid grey background, I would consider that a convincing report. I also know that some people don't perform the image persistence test "properly." I've personally examined countless rMBP's and have yet to see a single LG display without image persistence. Not one. If there is indeed a functional LG display out that's great. But based on what I've seen an LG display without image persistence would actually be the one that's out of spec (from the majority). There may indeed be some LG panels out there that don't have an issue. However, given how rare they are and the fact that image persistence can come later, an LG display is a bad bet for my needs.

johns1 wrote:

quintex

It's almost impossible to say that the majority of people with LG panels are unaffected because there has not been a single convincing report of an LG display without image persistence and we do not know the total number of units shipped.

Oh give me a break, so everyone here who doesn't see IR on a LG is a liar?

quintex

Not at all johns1. My apologies for the misunderstanding. On the contrary I'm taking everyone's word at face value. Otherwise all the reports on this forum are meaningless. We know that image persistence on the LG panel may not show up in the beginning. Sometimes it doesn't show up until much later. We don't know the exact time period before image persistence becomes an issue. However, people seem to be reporting that it becomes more prominent within a few weeks. I would be interested to see a post  from someone who has used an LG panel for several months. If they don't see image persistence with a checkboard pattern test on a solid grey background, I would consider that a convincing report. I also know that some people don't perform the image persistence test "properly." I've personally examined countless rMBP's and have yet to see a single LG display without image persistence. Not one. If there is indeed a functional LG display out that's great. But based on what I've seen an LG display without image persistence would actually be the one that's out of spec (from the majority). There may indeed be some LG panels out there that don't have an issue. However, given how rare they are and the fact that image persistence can come later, an LG display is a bad bet for my needs.

Thanks for providing clarification.  The assumption though is it will always materialize sometime later.   All I can do is test as time goes by.   Still no go approaching a month of usage.

Thanks a lot for the advice. I'll first try my chances at the apple store, to see if they can manage to replace the current one with a Samsung display. The issue was escalated to the engineering department the last time. Maybe if I keep insisting they'll figure out a way.

This is such a magnificent display that my first priority is getting it fixed, but otherwise these issues are unacceptable. I would also suggest everyone to use Microsoft Word or Pages for testing purposes as well. In all cases I was able to replicate the issue in under 5 minutes at the Genius Bar using them. They might even be better than the checkerboard test.

I just received my new macbook pro retina display and powered it on for the first time about 2 hours ago.  It was all working great, and I didn't notice any burn-in or image retention despite being an LG screen.  But after about 30 minutes with it on, a bright pink vertical line of stuck pixels showed up in the middle of the screen.  I tried restarting it multiple times, and also running a few "stuck pixel" fixing apps available online but after an hour of troubleshooting my brand new machine, nothing seemed to work.  I packed it right back into the box and now am not sure if I want an exchange or a full-on return.  I'm a huge fan of my old mac, from 2006, figured it was time for an upgrade because the retina display is amazing, but after 30 minutes.......  I might start looking somewhere else for my next computer.  If I'm paying upwards of $2200 for anything, I sort of expect it to work properly, especially seeing as I've had my previous mac for 6 years and NEVER had an issue with it.

Mathieu13

I just received my new macbook pro retina display and powered it on for the first time about 2 hours ago.  It was all working great, and I didn't notice any burn-in or image retention despite being an LG screen.  But after about 30 minutes with it on, a bright pink vertical line of stuck pixels showed up in the middle of the screen.  I tried restarting it multiple times, and also running a few "stuck pixel" fixing apps available online but after an hour of troubleshooting my brand new machine, nothing seemed to work.  I packed it right back into the box and now am not sure if I want an exchange or a full-on return.  I'm a huge fan of my old mac, from 2006, figured it was time for an upgrade because the retina display is amazing, but after 30 minutes.......  I might start looking somewhere else for my next computer.  If I'm paying upwards of $2200 for anything, I sort of expect it to work properly, especially seeing as I've had my previous mac for 6 years and NEVER had an issue with it.

Try doing a SMT reset

see http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964

Also run a hardware test by holding down "D" when booting.

That could be video card related.   Certainly take it to a local store for them to check it out.

RIPLEY DOES EXIST.

But let me tell my whole experience first.

I bought a 2.3/8/256 rMBP on Aug 3 (1st display). I didn't notice IR on it until Aug 17. I had the panel replaced on Aug 19 (2nd display). On Aug 20 I noticed the IR issue and did some research. This is when I came across all the IR threads like this one.

I went back to the First Colony Mall, TX Genius Bar where the head Genius rudely dismissed my problem as "normal display characteristics" and refused to replace the display.

I had to call AppleCare and get a Senior Advisor on my case who made me email the pictures into him and wrote on the case notes that the display needs to be replaced. The Head Genius then decided to be an ******* and refuse to replace my machine because he was "backed up" and wanted to mail it off to a depot.

I then went to the Houston Galleria, TX store, and there the staff was much more respondant to my problem. They allowed me to replace the display (3rd display) again. But after that display showed IR, the managers refused to let me order any more replacement displays but allowed me to refund my money.

I used the money to upgrade to a 2.6/8/512 (4th display) at the Memorial City Mall, TX store where again I got an LG display yesterday.  This morning I used my "No Questions Asked" return which they did not bat an eye at. (5th display)

I returned later in the afternoon and spoke to a Manager who promptly referred me to the Senior Manager on duty. He was completely sympathetic to my problems and allowed me to open a couple of rMBP although of course he could not promise me a Samsung display. After I had opened up the replacement (6th display) I was able to reproduce IR immediately but it appears that the Snr Manager had discovered the Ripley system! He handed me a box and said "This display is not LG" and I almost cried with relief. The second I turned it on I knew it was not an LG display. The contrast ratio on the Samsung puts the LG to shame and it doesn't have that comically purple Apple logo like I had on all the LG displays.

Kenneth Greenleaf, Senior Manager of the Memorial City Mall, TX Apple store, I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH.

I guess we can assume your luck has finally changed for the better.

Just a heads up on posting where and who you deal with.  I did this a while back and found out that Apple researched who I talked to and ended up scolding that store's manager.  The only reason I advised some caution is so that we don't throw these people under the bus who are genuinely trying to help. 

Glad you got your Sammy.

It has, although I will note every Apple Store I visit  (including employees) had some really annoying jerks that responded to my quoting of the Apple Discussions Threads with "Keep reading the rumors. *rollseyes*" even though I personally reproduced the issue 6 times in a row.

BarrettF77: I can't edit the post now.

But I'm not sure why Apple would scold him. He didn't actually acknowledge that Ripley does exist. All he said was "This is not an LG". But even if Apple does scold him, I hope that he comes back and reads this reply, because I'm only ever doing business at his store again and recommending all my friends to as well.

I myself have spent $10k+ in the past 3 years on MBPs so I'm sure he'll be glad to have all my business.

I'm not sure either why they would scold for this behavior.  But Apple is a odd company.  You can get 20 different explanations to a problem.  

The issue for apple is really that they expanded too quickly and still act like a small company and communicate like one.  This is where I have issue in that they never acknowledge fault and their "idiot" bar in my experiences has created more stress than they ever have helped. 

However, I find no issue when you point the finger at stores to avoid.  They have numbers they must hit like any other retail chain, and I always take that into account when I make future purchases based on past experiences.  Managers who waste my time don't earn future dollars and they also get free negative publicity to boot.  But I also like to give word of mouth praise on stores such as yors who go above and beyond. 

Update:

Color LCD

LP154WT1-SJA1

DCN232202Z6DMJ0A1

C02J73NJDKQ2

LG display

Week 34, ML

2.6/8/512

ordered from Amazon, 8/25/12

Developed image persistence after Day 3, returned to Amazon.

Another rMBP, purchased at Apple Retail Store, 9/2/12:

2.3/8/256

Week 33, 10.8

Image Persistence after 30 minutes with display intensity on full, dark gray background with Safari opened to this discussion thread and dock at bottom.

BarrettF77 wrote:

 

Managers who waste my time don't earn future dollars and they also get free negative publicity to boot.  But I also like to give word of mouth praise on stores such as yors who go above and beyond.

I'm kind of tempted to write an email to the 2 stores that treated me poorly and link them to my post which gives them free negative publicity.

I already wrote on my Facebook wall urging my Houston friends to buy at the Memorial store only

Just got my 3rd replacement (Brand New) BTO- 2.7/16/512 with LG on each one, and 24 hours later IR. Lottery not going well for getting a samsung screen. Guess another week and a half for a new one to come in...

3 Bad LGs have taken up the following:

- Weeks excitement for first order to come in - Ordered when ML came out. Sad when first unit got IR.

- Tying up credit card with 3 MBPr orders so far that are all going back for refund. Smart Label return took 7 days to get to Apple. Credit about 3 days after they got first return.

- Full backup on time capsule 100+ GB - Slow even with thunderbolt to Cat6 adapter.

- Restoring backup to new MBPr - again over 100+ GB.

- Apple.com cancelling new replacement orders because I had reached my EDU limit... Hello??? Can you track the Smart Label you sent me and see that it is with your carrier of choice on its way back to you?  Release my order!!!

- Hours on hold trying to resolve bureaucratic policies even after a manager had approved order, then system cancelled it.

- Weeks lurking on this board hoping that one day there would be a solution.

- I can confirm that 3 out of 3 LG MBPr's that I have personally ordered have had the IR.

Yes, I really do like the MBPr at least before the IR rears itself, if not I would avoid the stress.