How do pixels go dead?

Veljo

Veljo

Mac Enthusiast
I mean, on an LCD screen. People are complaining of 'dead' pixels. How do these come about? Is there a way to prevent them?
 
'prevent' dead pixels? nope. A 'dead' pixel can be always-on (white), always-off (dark), or combination (each pixel has the sub-elements giving you partial red or green or blue). These can be an original defect, or due to trauma (physical or electronic) to the screen. Some remain permanently, others can 'massaged' (gently) back to operation. Remember, the display manufacturer will not admit to providing a 'perfect' display, and will allow some limited number of 'dead' pixels as 'normal'.
 
The major reason for a dead pixel or two (being very modest in the number) is when you wipe down your screen to clean it and you use too much force at one point. Also constantly touching the screen with even slight preasure will damage a pixel. That's why on powerbooks you sometimes see lines from where the screen rested on the keyboard.

LCD screens are not like tv screens. There is no glass to protect it.
 
Originally posted by Cheryl
LCD screens are not like tv screens. There is no glass to protect it.
Click to expand...

Now that's an interesting question: Why DON'T they put glass over LCD screens? It may not be practical on a portable computer, but it sounds like a good idea for a desktop screen.

And, just for the record... I can vouch for the "massage" technique to bring a dead pixel back to life. It worked for me.
 
Well, there is glass, the 'liquid crystal' part is enclosed between thin glass plates, the viewable surface is protected by a relatively soft plastic cover over the glass. You've probably seen a cracked LCD (maybe on a watch, or portable vid game). The liquid crystal, being a very thin layer, is easily distorted. Notice the response when you push gently with your fingertip, but usually returns when the pressure is released. The marks left by your keyboard on laptops can normally be cleaned off with the recommended cleaner, as it's commonly just oily residue from your fingers. Occasional mild pressure to the screen should not normally cause any damage to the screen, unless there's enough pressure to crack the glass. (Don't do what I did once, dropped a box of books with the corner landing on the powerbook carrying case, cracked the LCD from corner to corner :( )
 
My ibook (original) has got a line of blue pixels running down from the top of the screen to about 1cm from the bottom. It wasn't always like that, I just noticed it one day..

Anyway, doesn't seem like there's much I can do about it, so I just ignore it.
 
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