LCD screens offer crisp, colorful images in high definition; and are often cheaper to sell and manufacture than alternative display technologies. This has allowed the format to become increasingly popular with consumers, with LCD HDTVs becoming a mainstay in many homes. Unfortunately, the LCD HDTV format is prone to some unsightly problems, including stuck pixels, dead pixels, occasional burn-in, backlight bleeding, and excessive image shimmering. These problems can require costly repairs, but sometimes can be fixed using specialized image calibration tools.
Backlight Bleeding
First, you need to determine what the problem with the monitor is, as different problems will require different solutions. Many times you will be able to complete the necessary repairs without leaving your home.
If you are experiencing excessive backlight bleeding, you may simply need to adjust the picture settings on the television. Ideally, your brightness should not be higher than 80% of the possible amount. Similarly, your contrast may be turned up too high, and should be lowered to below 80%. Some modern LCD TVs have a separate "backlight control" option, which can be modified independently from the picture controls. These options are usually accessible through the "Menu" command on your television or remote control. If you cannot find the menu controls, you can reset most modern televisions to their factory settings by leaving them unplugged for five or more minutes.
Excessive Image Shimmering
Excessive image shimmering is usually caused by a problem with connector cables, rather than with the screen itself. It can occur when cables are damaged, or not completely making contact with the necessary components. Check the quality of your A/V cables, and ensure they are properly fitted into your television and auxiliary device. If the shimmering continues, you may need to invest in newer cables.
Stuck or Dead Pixels
Stuck pixels and dead pixels can be more difficult to deal with, and they can occasionally be a permanent flaw in the screen. If you have a large number of dead or stuck pixels in your screen, examine the warranty for your device. Many manufacturers will offer a free replacement after a set number of dead pixels. If you are dealing with a smaller number of these troublesome pixels, you may be able to repair them using a built-in calibration option, or a special screen-calibration DVD. You should check your television's built-in calibration options.
Modern televisions often have the option to turn on pixel-shifters which reduce the load of still images and prevent burn-in problems. This option can occasionally resolve a stuck pixel. Your television may also have a mode in which it circulates a thick white bar across the screen horizontally. This can be used to clear away burnt-in images, as well as to resolve stuck pixels. If your television does not feature this mode, you can simulate it by obtaining a calibration DVD. These DVDs are usually available for purchase in large electronic stores.
If your television can be connected to the Internet, you can navigate to the website http://www.lagom.nl/lcd-test/ to run a large battery of LCD calibration tests to optimize your settings and attempt to resolve any stuck or dead pixels. If your problems persist after following all of the above steps, you may have a more serious problem than can be resolved with calibration or settings adjustment. Check your warranty for additional repair options.
Tags: your television, dead pixels, pixels your, resolve stuck, backlight bleeding, built-in calibration
