General question on LCD displays

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Level 3

696 points

General question on LCD displays

Just wondering if anyone knows the reason for this. I've noticed on a number of LCD displays (non-Apple, and a couple of 20" cinema displays) that the upper part (first 3.5 inches) of the screen is darker than the lower part (last 3.5 inches). The middle being "normal". I've personally tested the Acer AL226W, and the Samsung SyncMaster 226BW, both had this issue. These are brand new displays. Colours, sharpness, contrast are all good, exceptional even (when viewed in the middle portion of the screen).

Now originally, I was told that it is because there is something wrong with the monitors. But for (brand spanking new) 4 out 4 non Apple displays, and 2 cinema displays? I think that would be more than just coincidence. But on the larger 30" cinema displays that I've seen, I've noticed this issue, but no where near what it is like on the other monitors. Actually, if you don't even think about it, you wouldn't even notice it. I've also seen the LG 26" HD display with no problems like this. Could it be that if you don't spend more than $1000 you'll always have this issue with lower end LCD displays?

G4 MDD Dual 1GB, 1.5GB ram, Pioneer 112D + LG H10N burners Mac OS X (10.4.8) 80GB, 120GB, 2x 250GB HDs, Radeon 9600 256MB

Posted on Apr 17, 2007 7:01 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 18, 2007 7:12 AM in response to Eric Shawn2

Hi

I've always been under the impression most LCD displays have some uneveness in the backlighting (in addition to any bleeding around the edges). It may be that larger displays have more backlight bulbs/tubes, or the electronics occupy a smaller percentage of the internal space, so the light is spread more evenly.

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Answer 2

Eric Shawn2 Author

Level 3

696 points

Apr 18, 2007 7:46 AM in response to Rodney Culling

Thanks Rodney. So I guess, for designers, unless they can cough up a lung and a leg, they are better off using CRTs till this issue can be fixed with smaller/affordable LCDs.

Unless you've come across any LCDs in the 20" - 22" range that doesn't have this issue? Any suggestions would really help.

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Answer 3

Apr 18, 2007 8:03 AM in response to Eric Shawn2

Unfortunately current LCD technology isn't perfect and they seem to have advantages and disadvantages just like CRTs. I prefer LCDs because they occupy less desk space, generate less heat and seem easier on the eyes, especially if you're viewing the screen for hours on end. However, they can suffer from uneven backlighting, backlight bleeding, dead or stuck pixels, inaccurate colour reproduction when veiwed at certain angles etc. I guess it depends on what's most important to you as a user. I suspect smaller LCDs may have a single backlight at the bottom, hence the darker top portion. Hopefully someone else can recommend a particular model - I don't tend to view them with such a critical/designers eye.

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Answer 4

Eric Shawn2 Author

Level 3

696 points

Apr 18, 2007 1:32 PM in response to Eric Shawn2

I just found out something very interesting. Turns out the LCD monitors that I seen that DIDN'T have the dark/light issue had a response rate of 14ms and higher. I believe there is a direct correlation between response rates and viewable area. The monitors (including the ones I own) are 5ms or less.

But with that in mind, ghosting may now be an issue when viewing movies on screen with slower response rates. But I guess I have to decide which is more important being able to view my work properly, or being able to watch movies/play games without ghosting. But that's a no brainer, since I have a TV for gaming and watching movies.

Now I just need to find a 22" LCD monitor with 12ms or slower. Anyone have anything come to mind?

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