Jump to content

Virtual dead pixel


Space Voyager

Recommended Posts

After I first spotted a bluish dead pixel on my new laptop I simply thought that there is nothing I can do. Than I finally realized that this dead pixel is sometimes there and sometimes not...

 

After some Goggling I found implications about bad video card memory that probably causes it.

 

I'm taking the comp to be serviced and I want any possible solutions to this problem. Is there any other way to get virtual dead pixels?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Are you it's sometimes not there? In some cases you will just have a hard time seeing it with some backgrounds, but see it easily with others (related to what colour it is etc.). Most manufacturers of LCDs does not replace the LCD with only one dead pixel. Policy varies widely...

 

As for the "virtual dead pixel", I've not encountered that working support ever. I see it mentioned in forums as you say however, so if the pixel is only sometimes dead that's a likely solution. Don't have any other possible reasons for you, but I'd suggest you get hold of a memory test program to check the video card memory. Also keep in mind that most notebook video cards use parts of the RAM as video memory. This means that it could also be the RAM, and not the video memory.

 

Memtest is nice for testing RAM, but not sure if it also tests the video memory: https://www.memtest86.com/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sounds like a truly dead or dying pixel. Sometimes it turns the right colour, sometimes it doesn't, until it sticks on one colour, and changes no more.

 

I'm able to put up with them as long as they're not a bright colour. Having a lime green pinhole in your image can really put you off, however.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My first laptop had a red pixel, but it was also elusive and not always there. When it was red again, I somehow discovered that pressing the edges of the screen would turn it back to normal - or worsen it. In this case, I assume that it may have been a problem with the circuitry for the individual row/columns not contacting properly.

 

It eventually went away, but then the whole screen started to go a red hue as the laptop started to age. But I guess 2 - 3 years is a long time for laptops that were made with technology circa 2000.

 

- NKF

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I tap 'em with the very tip of my fingernail. It usually works, but odds are the pixel will "die" again within about ten minutes.

 

I've been lucky with my particular screen... Had it a couple of years or so by now, no blemishes at all. ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Are you it's sometimes not there? In some cases you will just have a hard time seeing it with some backgrounds, but see it easily with others (related to what colour it is etc.).

Very! I've been staring at the screen for quite some time before I was certain... It is a light blue pixel on a black background and it is annoying - when it is there.

 

@Gimly: Thank you, I will definitely take any available option to even get rid of it! Didn't think it was possible... I'll take the comp to be serviced anyway (the battery died in a month!), so I'll ask them as well, but your option may well be the only one. Oh, and BBs nails. ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It is suggested that you use a ballpoint pen instead of nails. You'd need to be careful not to do more damage, so I suggest googling for instructions. I don't have the guts to try something like that.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

One possible cause for the red pixels is stress. That is to say: the whole process of opening and closing the laptop screen, and the way they are designed to offer a little resistance so that they stay upright in any position you choose. Of course that points to sloppy manufacturing.

 

Unfortunately, not closing your screen forever does defeat the whole purpose of having a laptop! ;)

 

- NKF

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
  • Create New...