How to check a TV for dead pixels when purchasing in a store. A very important point. Eliminating dead pixels on a TV. Is it possible to cure a dead pixel?

TV production technologies are constantly evolving. It's safe to say that we live in the generation of plasma and LCD panels. The well-known bulky televisions with cathode ray tubes are out of fashion. And this is not surprising, because modern TVs are far ahead of their predecessors, both in performance and in build quality and a number of other parameters.

But as they say, every technique has its drawbacks. In this article we will discuss an important issue regarding dead pixels on plasma and LCD TVs.

What is a dead pixel on a TV?

To put it simply, the image on a television panel is formed from a huge number of colored dots called pixels. The principle of operation of a plasma TV is of course different from the principle of operation of an LCD TV, but the structure of the image in both cases is the same. The pixels change their color in a given way, resulting in the desired picture.

Each pixel has its own strict structure. Pixels consist of three subpixels of different colors. Red, green and blue have different intensities and can create any color. Most modern TVs use an active matrix. In this case, each individual pixel is controlled by a special transistor. If a transistor fails, the corresponding pixel stops functioning - this is called a dead pixel.

This pixel looks like a black dot on the screen. A dead pixel of this type can only be restored by replacing a faulty or malfunctioning transistor. This method is not suitable for ordinary users.

There is another type of dead pixel - stuck pixel. A characteristic feature of such a pixel is the fact that it looks like a bright spot on the TV matrix. This is because the subpixel gets stuck in one position and only lights up in one color. Pixel defects of this type can be eliminated at home using specialized software or through physical manipulation. The question inevitably arises: why bother repairing dead pixels on a TV yourself if there is warranty service?

The answer is very simple. The production of panels without dead pixels is almost impossible; if you set up production that does not allow such a defect, the cost of TVs will increase significantly. Therefore, TV manufacturers have adopted specific standards, according to which a certain number of dead pixels on the matrix are not defective and cannot be repaired. There is a generally accepted state standard ISO-13406. According to this standard, there are three main types of dead pixels, and all panels can be divided into 4 classes. So the types of dead pixels:

1. There is a white pixel on a dark background.

2. There is a black pixel on a light background.

3 . The pixel is constantly lit in one color (problem with subpixels).

First class panels do not allow any dead pixels. If there is at least one dead pixel, then you have the right to a warranty replacement of the panel.

Panels of the second class allow the presence of two defects of the first and second types, as well as five defects of the third type. It would be appropriate to say that such panels are the most common on the modern market. If your new TV has a second-class matrix and a couple of dead pixels, then this is not a defect and do not expect a replacement.

Panels of the third class allow the presence of five defects of the first type, fifteen dead pixels of the second type and 50 of the third.

And finally, the fourth class has the largest range: 50, 150 and 500 dead pixels of the first, second and third types, respectively.

Check your TV screen for dead pixels

Determining the presence of dead pixels on a TV matrix can be difficult. In-store TVs display bright images, making it difficult to spot a pixel defect by eye. But if you take this issue seriously, you can still protect yourself from a low-quality matrix.

Of course, there are stores that provide paid services for checking the TV panel for dead pixels. But there are also free methods. In order to check the TV matrix for the presence of dead pixels, it is necessary to display images of a single color on the screen one by one.

For example, if you are looking for black dots, then display a white background. If you are looking for a white point, then display a black background, and so on. If you carefully view the entire screen, the dead pixel will be visible to the naked eye. The method is painstaking, but reliable. As they say, everything is in your hands.

There are special generators that display images of the corresponding color on the screen. The same can be done by loading pictures of the corresponding colors prepared in Painte from a flash drive onto the TV. A similar function can be built into the TV model you choose. Ask the seller about this.

A more functional way is to check for dead pixels using programs. But for this you need to first or. Download the appropriate testing program onto your computer and search for defects. I would like to highlight the functional utility Nokia Monitor Test, which will help detect defects and dead pixels on the TV panel.

Install Nokia Monitor Test on your computer. Launch the program and select the color check mode. Alternately switch the colors with the left mouse button and analyze the matrix. You can write the program to a disk or flash drive before visiting the store and ask a consultant to check it. If you are lucky, you will not find any defects. What to do if there are dead pixels? Read on.

Repairing dead pixels on TV

The sad news is that black pixels (the transistor burns out) cannot be restored with your own efforts. We will talk about restoring stuck pixels. There are several methods, they will not be 100% effective, but it is always worth a try.

The first method is to physically impact the malfunctioning pixels. Turn off the TV, and using a cotton swab, very gently press on the area where the dead pixel was detected. A few minutes and stop, turn on the TV and evaluate the result. Repeat the procedure if necessary. This method is intended for LCD panels; mechanical action can move the liquid crystal and the pixel will begin to function normally. Do not use sharp or cutting objects as this will further damage the matrix.

A more gentle and safe way is to use specialized programs. One of these is located at jscreenfix.com/basic.php. According to the developers of the utility, after 20-30 minutes of using it, the problem with stuck pixels is resolved. If there is no result, repeat the procedure after a few hours. What does the miracle program do, you ask? This program quickly changes colors around the broken pixel, which allows you to programmatically solve the problem.

Go to the above site and click Launch. When you launch the program, you will see a window with flickering pixels. Point it at the area of ​​defects and wait for the results. This program may require the purchase of a license. But there are other similar utilities.

conclusions

In this voluminous article, we examined all the questions regarding dead pixels on a TV. If you do not want to solve the problem with pixels at home, then after discovering them, it is better to turn to specialized services. Good luck to you, we hope the article was useful.

This article will tell you how you can fix a stuck pixel on your LCD monitor that has stopped changing colors. The pixel usually gets stuck on some color other than black or white, and the problem can often be fixed in a couple of different ways. If the pixel turns out to be broken and not stuck, then it will be impossible to fix it. Likewise, although you have a chance to fix a stuck pixel, it cannot be guaranteed that you will successfully fix it.

Steps

Part 1

Preparing for work

    Make sure that the pixel is really just stuck and not broken. Although the terms “dead” and “stuck” pixel are often used interchangeably to refer to problematic pixels, stuck pixels can be fixed, while dead pixels cannot. If a pixel is a specific color other than black, or doesn't change color correctly depending on the background color, it's likely just stuck.

    • Dead pixels usually remain white or black no matter what is happening on the screen. Even though white dead pixels are sometimes called “hot”, they are not fundamentally different from black dead pixels.
    • If you find a dead pixel on your monitor, you will need to either have it repaired or have the screen replaced. Also, sometimes (but not always) dead pixels are covered by the manufacturer's warranty for replacement of the device or its screen.
  1. Understand how pixels work. Pixels reflect combinations of red, blue and green colors depending on what is shown on the screen. A pixel can become stuck for a variety of reasons, including using the monitor for too long or after a long period of displaying overly saturated colors. When a pixel is stuck, it displays only one color, which may vary slightly depending on the color of the surrounding pixels.

    • Again, a dead pixel never changes color regardless of the state of surrounding pixels.
  2. Check the warranty terms for your LCD monitor. Often, manufacturers are willing to replace a monitor when it has a certain number of stuck or dead pixels. If your monitor is still under warranty, it is best to take advantage of a warranty replacement rather than trying to fix the problem yourself.

    Turn off the monitor for 24 hours. If the pixel got stuck recently, then the problem may disappear by itself - just turn off the monitor for a day. There's no guarantee that you'll fix your monitor this way, but a stuck pixel often means the monitor has been in use for too long and it's best to unplug it for a while to prevent further damage.

    • Completely unplug the monitor.
  3. Consider having your monitor repaired. Even if the monitor's warranty has already expired, paying for professional repairs will be cheaper than buying a new monitor due to an accidental breakdown of the device as a result of DIY repairs.

    Know that the pixel can work on its own. It is not uncommon for stuck pixels to disappear after some time, however, this period can vary from a few days to several years. If you only have one pixel stuck on an expensive monitor, it is best to refrain from tapping, rubbing, or otherwise physically pushing the monitor to fix the pixel.

    Part 2

    Using software to fix screen problems
    1. Understand how this method works. Screen repair software displays random combinations of red, green and blue at up to 60 flashes of color per second to return the pixel to its normal cycle.

      • There is no guarantee that screen repair software will successfully fix the problem, but it is usually effective in more than half of the cases.
      • There are both paid and free programs for restoring monitor screens. However, free programs are just as effective in repairing pixels that can actually be fixed.
    2. Avoid using stuck pixel repair software if you have epilepsy. Because such software displays random flashes of rapidly changing colors on the screen, you may want to avoid using it if you (or anyone in your family) has a history of seizures.

      Visit the JScreenFix website. Go to http://www.jscreenfix.com/ in your browser. JScreenFix is ​​a free online application that can fix stuck pixels.

      Scroll down the page and click on the button Launch JScreenFix to launch the application. This button is colored blue and is located at the bottom of the page. It allows you to open JScreenFix in your browser.

      Find the stuck pixel. The main part of the screen will be black, so you can easily find the stuck pixel.

      • If the pixel is not located in the black area of ​​the application window, press F11 to enter full screen mode. You may have to hold down the Fn key first to press F11 if the browser doesn't go into full screen mode when you just press F11.
    3. Move the flashing repair block of the application to the stuck pixel. Click and drag the flickering block onto the problematic pixel, then release.

      Leave the application running for at least 10 minutes. In this case, do not roll up the window, move the repair unit, or turn off the monitor.

      • If possible, leave the application running for a full hour.
    4. Check the pixel status. When the required amount of time has passed, close the application window to check the pixel. If the pixel is restored, then the problem is solved.

    Part 3

    Applying pressure and heat to the problem pixel

      Understand the risks associated with this method. Although some people have been able to fix stuck pixels with pressure or heat, using this method is more likely to damage your monitor screen than to fix it.

      • Another problem with this method is that it voids your warranty.
    1. Turn on your computer and LCD monitor. For this method to work, you must turn on the monitor.

      Open the black image. It is critical that the screen actually shows a black image and not be in a no-signal state, as you need the LCD monitor's internal backlight to work.

      Find a thin object with a narrow, blunt end. You will need a marker or a pen with a pointed cap, a very blunt pencil, a plastic stylus, or the back of a makeup brush.

      • Before moving forward, please read the warnings at the end of this article. Physical friction can aggravate the condition of the monitor screen.
    2. Wrap the end of the selected item with a napkin. This will protect the monitor from scratches.

      • If an object can pierce a napkin, then it is too sharp. Find something else.
    3. Use the rounded end of an object to gently press down on the stuck pixel. In this case, a white ripple effect should appear around the point of contact.

      • Try to press exactly on the stuck pixel without affecting the surrounding area.
    4. After a few seconds, remove the item. If the pixel remains in the same state, you can reapply this method or switch to using heat. However, if the problem is resolved, turn off the monitor immediately and do not turn it on for at least one hour.

      Wet a washcloth with hot water. If possible, heat the water on the stove until the first sign of gas bubbles appears at the bottom of the container (about 88°C), then dip a washcloth into it and soak it in the hot water.

      Protect your hands. To avoid burning your fingers in subsequent steps, use an oven mitt or thick cloth.

      Seal the hot washcloth in a Ziploc bag. This will protect the monitor from moisture. Make sure the bag is securely closed.

    5. Apply the washcloth bag to the stuck pixel. Light pressure through the washcloth should loosen the pixel's contents slightly, potentially aiding in its correction.

      • Never apply the packet to a pixel for more than a few seconds at a time.

Although liquid crystal panels have long ceased to be a dream, even when using the most modern technologies, there are defects that can greatly spoil the mood of a perfect purchase. In order to be completely satisfied with the purchased product, you need to check the TV for dead pixels when purchasing.

Today, liquid crystal displays are not something unusual or extraordinary. On the contrary, in addition to televisions, they are present in many devices: computer monitors, phones, cameras, navigators and other similar equipment. The basis of LCD or LCD technology is liquid crystals. After light from lamps or LEDs passes through a layer of crystals, a corresponding picture appears on the screen.

The matrix of a color TV is a huge number of tiny indivisible rectangular or round cells called pixels. In turn, each such object consists of red, green and blue subpixels. It is these colors, or rather their combinations, that are considered the basis of color television. The simultaneous lighting of all pixels forms a complete image on the screen. Moreover, the more pixels, the clearer the picture. If you look closely at the display, you can easily see the three colored areas of these objects.

The concept of dead pixels, the reasons for their appearance

The number of pixels on the display is so huge that it is almost impossible to guarantee their 100% serviceability. Often on the screen you can see dots glowing in one color, completely motionless, which even with a change in the TV image do not change color or location. It is these objects that are commonly called dead pixels. They can be black, white and colored. There are two reasons for the occurrence of these defects: imperfect technology and ordinary manufacturing defects.

Dead pixels occur in two layers: liquid crystals and thin-film transistors.


After the transistor that controls the liquid crystals fails, black (“dead”) dots appear, indicating non-functioning cells. Subsequent management of these crystals is simply impossible. Such defects are most visible on a light background. Some experts consider it impossible to “treat” them, others argue that using a laser it is possible to partially return the pixel to its working condition.

The second reason is the subpixel frozen in one position. This problem appears in the liquid crystal layer. Such a “stuck” object appears on the display as a white (burning) or colored dot. To eliminate this defect, you can use special programs or carry out a series of physical manipulations. There are cases when dead pixels, after some time, disappear on their own.

Thus, when choosing an LCD TV, it is not enough to pay attention to its appearance, the presence of numerous functions, ports, and connectors. It is also important to check the device for matrix defects. Let's try to figure out how to check a TV before buying and protect yourself from purchasing low-quality equipment.

Allowable number of dead pixels

You can often see a picture in stores when a buyer tries to return a newly purchased TV after discovering defects on the screen, in particular, dead pixels. For the sake of truth, we note that usually a dispute between a store and a buyer ends not in favor of the latter. To avoid getting into an unpleasant situation, we recommend choosing a TV very responsibly. In particular, it is worth knowing how to check an LCD TV at a retail outlet when purchasing for dead pixels, and become familiar with certain standards, according to which displays are divided into four classes.

How to check a TV in a retail chain

The information in the table indicates that first class products are completely free of dead pixels. The cost of a product depends on its class.

The picture is formed on the screen by all pixels of the display. For example, Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) involves more than two million pixels. Knowing the acceptable standards for dead pixels and methods of checking for such defects, it is not difficult to choose high-quality equipment.


Testing of devices can also be carried out using special programs by connecting the TV to a computer or laptop. Often the buyer does not have a computer at hand, so it is extremely difficult to carry out such manipulations in the store. Now many stores offer a paid service for checking screens for defects. What to do in this case, should you agree or should you still try to cope with this work on your own?

The easiest way is to visually inspect the screen at close range for the presence of a dot glowing in a different color. An ordinary magnifying glass will be a reliable assistant in this check. Detection of black dots is possible when a white field is applied to the screen. To find white spots, just make the screen dark. Finding defective color subpixels can be made easier by changing the screen color one by one.

It is important to remember that some defects do not appear immediately, but only after the matrix is ​​heated. Pictures in the form of colored stripes, grids, and checkerboard fills will also help you quickly find malfunctioning subpixels that stand out from the general background.

If you are planning to purchase new equipment, first of all, study the relevant information, in particular, how to check the TV when purchasing it in a store. To carry out testing, you need to select special images and videos. They contain special pictures of different colors that appear alternately on the screen. Then write this information onto a flash drive, and then go get the TV. Videos are usually accompanied by music, which allows you to simultaneously check the quality of the acoustics.

Many today prefer new generation devices with Ultra HD resolution (3840 x 2160). They are characterized by excellent color saturation, perfect transition from one shade to another, the ability to adapt any format to 4K, excellent sound, and many additional functions. To check a 4k TV when purchasing, you need to use pictures with the appropriate resolution.

Is it possible to “cure” dead pixels?

Often, defects on the display appear during operation. Black dots, as mentioned earlier, cannot be removed on your own. As for colored pixels, there are two ways to get rid of them: physical treatment and hardware massage.

The first method involves using a regular cotton swab to massage the damaged area where the “stuck” pixel is located. Such manipulations are carried out in a circular motion with the device turned off. This method cannot be called completely safe, because careless movement not only will not save you, on the contrary, it may add to trouble.

The second method is to use special programs that are easy to find on the Internet. BadCrystal – does not always cope with the task, however, it’s worth a try. Practice shows that it removes stuck spots within a few minutes or a couple of days. The JScreenFix program is no less popular today. She not only finds the defect, but also eliminates it. Operating time from 20 minutes to 10 hours.

Thus, armed with the necessary test kit, you can safely head to the store for a new TV. Rush when checking the device is unacceptable. The test should be completed slowly, examining each section of the screen step by step.

First, let's get to the heart of the problem. The easiest way to understand the cause of the malfunction is when we become more familiar with the principle of displaying an image on a television panel. To put it simply, the image on a television panel is formed from a huge number of colored dots called pixels. The pixels change their color in a given way, resulting in the desired picture.

Each pixel has its own strict structure. Pixels consist of three subpixels of different colors. Red, green and blue have different intensities and can create any color. Most modern TVs use an active matrix. In this case, each individual pixel is controlled by a special transistor. If a transistor fails, the corresponding pixel stops functioning - this is called a dead pixel.

This pixel looks like a black dot on the screen. The exception is TN matrices on which such a pixel will be white. A dead pixel of this type can only be restored by replacing a faulty or malfunctioning transistor. This method is not suitable for ordinary users.

There is another type of dead pixel - stuck pixel. A characteristic feature of such a pixel is the fact that it looks like a bright spot on the TV matrix. This is because the subpixel gets stuck in one position and only lights up in one color.

Pixel defects of this type can be eliminated at home using specialized software or through physical manipulation. The question inevitably arises: why bother repairing dead pixels on a TV yourself if there is warranty service?

The answer is very simple. The production of panels without dead pixels is almost impossible; if you set up production that does not allow such a defect, the cost of TVs will increase significantly. Therefore, TV manufacturers have adopted specific standards, according to which a certain number of dead pixels on the matrix are not defective and cannot be repaired. There is a generally accepted standard ISO-13406. According to this standard, there are three main types of dead pixels, and all panels can be divided into 4 classes. So the types of dead pixels:

1. On a dark background - a white pixel.

2. Black pixel on a light background.

3. The pixel is constantly lit in one color (problem with subpixels).

First class panels do not allow any dead pixels. If there is at least one dead pixel, then you have the right to a warranty replacement of the panel.

Panels of the second class allow the presence of two defects of the first and second types, as well as five defects of the third type. It would be appropriate to say that such panels are the most common in the modern market. If your new TV has a second-class matrix and a couple of dead pixels, then this is not a defect and such a TV cannot be replaced.

Panels of the third class allow the presence of five defects of the first type, fifteen dead pixels of the second type and 50 of the third.

And finally, the fourth class has the largest range: 50, 150 and 500 dead pixels of the first, second and third types, respectively.

Excerpt from ISO-13406 standard:

How to check your TV screen for dead pixels?

Determining the presence of dead pixels on a TV matrix can be difficult. In-store TVs display bright images, making it difficult to spot a pixel defect by eye. But if you take this issue seriously, you can still protect yourself from a low-quality matrix.

In order to check the TV matrix for the presence of dead pixels, it is necessary to display images of a single color on the screen one by one. For example, if you are looking for black dots, then display a white background. If you are looking for a white point, then display a black background, and so on. If you carefully view the entire screen, the dead pixel will be visible to the naked eye. The method is painstaking, but reliable.

There are special generators that display images of the corresponding color on the screen. The same can be done by loading prepared pictures of the corresponding colors from a flash drive to the TV. A similar function can be built into the TV model you choose.

A more functional way is to check for dead pixels using programs. But to do this, you must first connect your computer or laptop to the TV. Download the appropriate testing program onto your computer and search for defects. If you are lucky, you will not find any defects. What to do if there are dead pixels?

The sad news is that black pixels (the transistor burns out) cannot be restored with your own efforts. We will talk about restoring stuck pixels. There are several methods, they will not be 100% effective, but it is always worth a try.

Method No. 1 is as follows: it is necessary to carry out physical influence on correctly functioning pixels. It's not difficult, turn off the TV, pick up a regular cotton swab, then gently press the area of ​​the non-working pixel. After a few minutes of physical impact, turn on the TV to check. Don't be discouraged if the pixel is still black. Repeat the procedure again. Method No. 1 has long been tested on the restoration of LCD panels. The fact is that the liquid crystal inside the panel can be moved by impact, after which the pixel will continue to perform its functions as it should. The display is a very fragile part; do not use sharp, piercing or scratching objects on its surface.

Method No. 2 more secure, one might even say remote. It consists of using specialized applications. Software always helps, and maybe it will help in this case. One of the popular programs for repairing dead pixels is publicly available: JScreenFix.

JScreenfix program in action:

The software developers claim that the utility eliminates image defects after just half an hour of use. The procedure must be repeated several times at intervals of 4 hours. During such manipulations, the program changes colors in the area of ​​the faulty pixel at tremendous speed. As a result, the owner will receive a fully functioning color display of the screen. Do not stop at this utility, try others if you cannot access this one.
Note that cured pixels do not acquire immunity and with the onset of summer heat they have every chance of sticking again. In this case, it is recommended to repeat the course of treatment. If the TV is not under warranty, and methods No. 1 and No. 2 did not help, most likely it is worth replacing the burnt (faulty) transistor. Repairing TVs yourself may seem simple and straightforward, but you should not overestimate your capabilities, because even if you are armed with the necessary information, this does not guarantee you a 100% guarantee of troubleshooting. To do this, it is still better to call a qualified technician or contact a special service center.

Dear readers, in ours all products undergo mandatory pre-sale preparation (in particular, they are checked for dead pixels and screen glare).

Dead pixels are one of the most pressing issues, often becoming the reason for heated showdowns with suppliers of LCD monitors, tablets and smartphones. Managers of fashionable stores often hasten to disown this problem, citing the regulations of official manufacturers. We will focus on what “broken” pixels are and how to deal with them one-on-one in this article.


Checking and treating dead pixels
We buy a monitor, like a personal computer, for more than one year. But, unlike a PC, which can always be upgraded if desired, there is no way to improve the quality of the image using hardware. That is why, when assessing the functionality and picture quality of a potential candidate for the position of a home monitor, we approach the issue of choosing a model extremely responsibly, investing in the new product to the maximum and for a long time.

And now, all the accents have finally been set, a brand new monitor has been purchased and connected, it shows all the signs of life, it pleases the eye with image quality and color depth. You are, of course, happy with the purchase and everything would be fine, but something confuses you, distracts your attention and prevents you from perceiving the picture in all its fullness and entertainment. The gaze every now and then slides to a dark, light or colored point, which retains its color regardless of the image being broadcast. Well, introduce yourself, gentlemen, you are extremely lucky: before you is His Majesty “Broken Pixel”!

Problem
The image that we see and perceive on an LCD monitor as a single whole is actually formed from many clusters of dots called “pixels”. In turn, the entire color gamut can be achieved using only three subpixels - red, blue and green. In models of LCD monitors with an active matrix, each pixel is assigned an individual thin film transistor (TFT), damage to which will appear on the screen as a black inactive dot, which is called a “broken” pixel. And in this case, the problem can only be solved by replacing the transistor in the laboratory and, alas, there is no alternative here.

If you observe a light point on a dark background, do not rush to despair! Quite often, the reason for the appearance of broken subpixels is their “stuck” in some intermediate position, which outwardly manifests itself in the absence of their reaction to a changing picture. You can solve the problem at home, without fear of damaging the monitor, using software, or by performing some physical manipulations.

Why do it yourself if the monitor is under warranty?
An absolutely normal question that everyone asks themselves who has already become familiar with our problem, but is not yet familiar with the likely reaction of the store. It turns out that even despite the warranty obligations of the service, nuances and disagreements are very likely.

Defective pixels? - Complain to the Stockholm Arbitration Court!

The real reason for the dispute is the manufacturers themselves, who have officially established a tolerance for a certain number of “allowed” dead pixels on monitors of the relevant standards - ISO-13406 regulations.

In accordance with accepted tolerances, monitors are divided into 4 classes:
1st class - dead pixels are practically excluded, warranty repairs and replacement in case of detection are mandatory and carried out immediately;
Class 2 is the most common option, allowing for the presence of 2 defects of types I and II;
3rd class - budget models that allow the presence of 5 dead pixels of type I, 15 of type II, 50 of type III.
Class 4 - low quality monitors, allowing the presence of 50, 150 and up to 500 (!) defects of type I, II and III, respectively.

Note:
Type I - white pixel visible on a black background;
Type II - black pixel on a white background;
III type - red, blue, green pixels.

It becomes clear that despite the warranty, the annoying single white pixel in the center of the screen of a class 2 monitor remains your problem, and the best way to prevent such a situation is to connect and test the display before settlement or within the period available for exchange in accordance with consumer protection law.

Checking the monitor
A visual assessment of the picture quality in the interior often does not allow one to draw an unambiguous conclusion about the presence of broken subpixels, much less determine the presence of moire, assess the readability of moving text, the response speed of the matrix and other significant parameters. And why, if it is much more reliable, easier and more efficient to check the monitor using specialized utilities that will allow you to obtain all the data in full, and most importantly, on time. Fortunately, the choice of free programs that allow us to achieve our goal without spending any money today is off the charts.

IsMyLcdOK
IsMyLcdOK is a portable universal utility with a simple, intuitive interface that will allow you to check your TFT LCD monitor or LED-backlit LCD monitor for dead pixels in a few minutes.

The program does not require installation; it runs on any portable devices and computers running Microsoft Windows: Servers 2000/2003/2005 Win 98/XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10 x64/x86 from removable media. This will allow you to avoid unnecessary disputes with the store manager, who is not always interested in the test results.

The operating menu is available immediately after a test run of the program. Switching between testing modes is carried out by selecting the number keys corresponding to the description.

Program window


The program allows you to evaluate the speed of image processing, the refresh rate of the screen and stripes colored in different colors - rectangles. By tracking the alternately changing color and monochrome images and following the simplest instructions, you can accurately and easily detect dead pixels on reference colors, determine their type and quantity.

Available colors make it easy to find dead pixels or verify their absence

NOKIA MONITOR TEST 2.0
One of the most popular utilities in this category, which has advanced capabilities for checking the quality of an LCD monitor, including a test for the problem of dead pixels that interests us, as well as templates that allow you to evaluate parameters such as: resolution, moire, contrast, focus, brightness, readability text, geometry accuracy, color rendering and much more.

Program window

Using Nokia Monitor Test, you can test not only the image quality of monitors, but also the latest generation video cards. The advantages of the program are the power of functionality, simplicity of the interface, miniature size of the distribution, and the ability to run from removable media. To obtain all the data necessary for analysis, you will only need to move the left mouse button over the active buttons of the main screen menu.

System requirements: Servers 2000/2003/2005 Win 98/XP/Vista Windows7 Windows8 x64/x86. No installation required. The distribution size is 1.15 MB. There is a Russian version.

PixPerAn 1.011e
The developers of this program cannot be denied originality. Unlike more or less ascetic or, on the contrary, colorful static interfaces, here the key parameters of the monitor’s performance are checked on a dynamically changing picture. The utility contains a series of unique tests that help identify problems associated with the inertia of the LCD matrix. Among them is such a common one as multi-colored trails that appear when viewing a dynamic picture.

Program window

PixPerAn tests allow you to adjust the color palette, size and speed of movement of objects, while monitoring the response of the matrix, drawing speed and the number of dropped frames, processor load and screen parameters. The “game” test will allow you to play a fun, simple game with cars and identify the shortcomings of the image in the rapidly changing dynamics.

An original gaming test that allows you to evaluate image quality in dynamic scenes

Thus, by installing this miniature (68kb) utility, you get the opportunity to simulate on the display the conditions under which hidden monitor problems will appear explicitly.
Platform: Windows. The interface is in English.

All of the programs listed are absolutely free and do not require registration in the registry.
The patient is probably alive...

So, software diagnostics allowed us to accurately determine the presence, location and type of dead pixels. Let's assume that we are lucky, and the pixels that we see on our screen are among the “stuck” ones, that is, light ones.
Paradoxically, it is often possible to carry out an operation to “reset” the pixel into its place by massaging the injured area with circular movements. This should be done not with your finger or with hard and sharp objects, but with a cotton-tipped swab, gently, slowly, with the monitor turned off. And in order not to “miss”, mark the dead pixels detected by the program before you turn off the monitor.

Manual therapy or how to get rid of frozen pixels surgically

Repeat the rotational movements for two to three minutes, then start the monitor and appreciate the fruits of your labors. If there are none, repeat everything again. The method does not provide a 100% guarantee, but it increases the chances of getting rid of the problem many times over.

“Civilized” way
Unlike the first method, which requires some caution on your part, the alternative, the software method, is completely safe. The simplest way is to use a specialized program that can deal with stuck pixels in a few minutes. You can launch it directly from the site by following the link: www.jscreenfix.com/basic.php and clicking on the Launch ScreenFix button at the bottom of the page.

After starting the program, you will see a window with flickering pixels, which must be aligned with the problem area. During the “shaking” process, the colors of individual pixels change at an increased speed, which at some stage allows the stuck culprit to “unstick” and return to working condition.

Jscreenfix program at work

As practice shows, in 20 minutes of work the program deals with the vast majority of problem areas. If the result is not achieved, the developers recommend leaving the computer in this mode for 5-10 hours. Note that cured pixels do not acquire immunity and with the onset of summer heat they have every chance of sticking again. In this case, it is recommended to repeat the course of treatment.

Well, now you are armed with the knowledge, and if necessary, you can deal with stuck pixels without the help of computer gurus and intractable managers. Better yet, use the acquired knowledge when purchasing by testing the monitor of one of the programs at the store counter, then the problem of “stuck” and fatal black pixels can be avoided!

Afterword from iCover:
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