HD TV Warranty & Bad Pixels - What is covered?

kingtoad · 06-02-2005, 11:26 PM

I have read on this Forum of people who have received HD TVs with bad pixels and have returned them only to receive another TV with bad pixels. Here, I am referring to dead pixels as well as stuck pixels (stuck on a color).

Does anyone know just what the manufacturer's warranty states regarding this problem?

Can a buyer return a TV with only one bad pixel or is there a minimum number or percent that the manufacturer will not accept as a return?

It would be interesting to know the answer to this question for each manufacturer - Sony, Mitsubishi, JVC, Samsung, etc.

Of course all types of displays would be of interest - Plasma, DLP, LCD & LCOS.

LordGamer · 06-03-2005, 08:53 AM

I don't know if dead pixels apply to anything besides LCD, but not sure (also, don't know if it affects rear projection LCDs...I'm sure someone will give detail). However, from what I read, most companies require a minimum amount and I highly doubt they would take it back for one.

oblioman · 06-03-2005, 10:39 AM

The company I formally worked for had a quality control room for LCD monitors - thier go-no go rules were if the screen had 3 dead pixels connected or 5 altogether,,,it was a reject. I vehemently objected to this and pushed for rejection if it had one dead pixel. Money beat out common sense.

LordGamer · 06-03-2005, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oblioman

The company I formally worked for had a quality control room for LCD monitors - thier go-no go rules were if the screen had 3 dead pixels connected or 5 altogether,,,it was a reject. I vehemently objected to this and pushed for rejection if it had one dead pixel. Money beat out common sense.

Really, you would of rejected if there was one? I'm guessing there would of been a ton of rejects then?

rudyusmc1980 · 06-05-2005, 11:23 PM

mitsu is .01%, or 92 dead/stuck on a 720p display.

kingtoad · 06-07-2005, 12:40 AM

I sent an email to Sony asking them their policy regarding the warranty for dead pixels. This is their response:

Television: Grand WEGA Projection
Thank you for contacting us with your inquiry regarding the Sony Warranty. Sony does not have a stated 'Dead Pixel' policy. Sony deals with Dead Pixels on a case-to-case basis. Customers with dead pixels need to contact the Service Centers. Please note this applies to LCD Televisions and Displays.

I have been waiting for a 1080P JVC D-ILA. Maybe I will change to a Sony!

daleb · 06-07-2005, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingtoad

I sent an email to Sony asking them their policy regarding the warranty for dead pixels. This is their response:

Television: Grand WEGA Projection
Thank you for contacting us with your inquiry regarding the Sony Warranty. Sony does not have a stated 'Dead Pixel' policy. Sony deals with Dead Pixels on a case-to-case basis. Customers with dead pixels need to contact the Service Centers. Please note this applies to LCD Televisions and Displays.

I have been waiting for a 1080P JVC D-ILA. Maybe I will change to a Sony!

Don't get too excited. Dealing with Sony Service if there IS a problem is not a walk in the park.
If you did run across dead pixels, you would probably find it easier and faster to exchange the display if the retailer is accommodating.

But dead pixels have not been a common problem on the Sonys at least from what I've read here and elsewhere, as well as my own experience.

Cle. Plasma · 06-07-2005, 06:16 AM

Just about every manufacturer will not replace a tv with a few pixels out. If you have 3 or more or a group you may have a claim. Plasma's and Lcd's are the only style Television that have pixels though. You have to be within 5 ft to see them and have a real kean eye. Its the luck of the draw and just because there are none out when you buy it does not mean there will not be any out in the future.

daleb · 06-07-2005, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cle. Plasma

Just about every manufacturer will not replace a tv with a few pixels out. If you have 3 or more or a group you may have a claim. Plasma's and Lcd's are the only style Television that have pixels though. You have to be within 5 ft to see them and have a real kean eye. Its the luck of the draw and just because there are none out when you buy it does not mean there will not be any out in the future.

Generally, I think most problems are visible early on, not later on. How often do you see pc notebooks, etc. develop pixel problems as they age?
Maybe you have, I have not.

talion83 · 06-08-2005, 02:43 AM

actually, the older the LCD the higher likely hood it will get a burned out/stuck pixel. I'm pretty sure the reason you get "stuck" or burned out pixels is from the transistor behind the pixel being fried. If the entire pixel fails, you get a 'dead' pixel...if only a single or several transistors fail you get it 'stuck' on a color.

The reason you normally don't see it on notebooks is because they are battery powered, the main killer of pixels is going to be how well the board can take power fluctuations.
-----
edit: i put capacitor instead of transistor.

daleb · 06-08-2005, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by talion83

actually, the older the LCD the higher likely hood it will get a burned out/stuck pixel. I'm pretty sure the reason you get "stuck" or burned out pixels is from the transistor behind the pixel being fried. If the entire pixel fails, you get a 'dead' pixel...if only a single or several transistors fail you get it 'stuck' on a color.

The reason you normally don't see it on notebooks is because they are battery powered, the main killer of pixels is going to be how well the board can take power fluctuations.
-----
edit: i put capacitor instead of transistor.

The notebook was one example. There have been lots of LCD displays on desktops for a few years now. Maybe someone has noticed an increase in bad pixels over time, I seriously believe they would be an exception not the norm.
Besides, I am sure I am not the only one that uses a notebook MOSTLY with AC power, and the battery for only some travel or when laying in the hammock.

Granted, the AC adaptor may provide some buffering from voltage fluctuations, but when it comes to TV displays I have yet to hear anyone complain about bad pixels after some time has passed. It's usually shortly after plugging it in the first time. Time will tell if how much they really worsen.

RX8 · 06-27-2005, 10:20 PM

Have had my Samsung 5085 for about a month and today I noticed a bad pixel middle left of screen. White dot and its annoying. i am concerned because it is highly notcieable and if they don't believe its enough to warrant ruining your tv experience then thats ridiculous.
Now that I have spotted it I can't help but fixate on it. I guess there is no chance its a temporary thing and its stuck white forever.

lienly · 06-28-2005, 07:39 AM

don't know about policy in States.
FYR, IBM TW offered no dead pixel guarantee on NBs last yr. but this yr it canceled such strategy.

probably too many returned last yr?
some NB makers offer 1 wk checking time to ensure you have no risk to take NB to home immediately since you can check it at home from pixel to pixel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by daleb

The notebook was one example. There have been lots of LCD displays on desktops for a few years now. .

daleb · 06-28-2005, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lienly

don't know about policy in States.
FYR, IBM TW offered no dead pixel guarantee on NBs last yr. but this yr it canceled such strategy.

probably too many returned last yr?
some NB makers offer 1 wk checking time to ensure you have no risk to take NB to home immediately since you can check it at home from pixel to pixel.

Yeah, it's a downside of the technology. The fussier manufacturers become about the suppliers of LCD panels, the fewer bad pixels should occur. I still believe if you don't notice any bad ones in the first few months or so, it is unlikely they are going to suddenly creep up as the set ages. At least not for several years.
Whether it's notebooks, desktop, or any other usage of LCD display, I have yet to hear of pixel complaints unless it was simply an isolated case.
If someone has data to show something different, I would love to see it. If for no other reason than be fore-warned.

RX8 · 06-29-2005, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RX8

Have had my Samsung 5085 for about a month and today I noticed a bad pixel middle left of screen. White dot and its annoying. i am concerned because it is highly notcieable and if they don't believe its enough to warrant ruining your tv experience then thats ridiculous.
Now that I have spotted it I can't help but fixate on it. I guess there is no chance its a temporary thing and its stuck white forever.

FYI in case anyone has this problem and is unsure. Called tech support and they said because the pixel is white it is warranty work. Relieved to say the least...

06-02-2005, 11:26 PM	#1
kingtoad High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 84	HD TV Warranty & Bad Pixels - What is covered? I have read on this Forum of people who have received HD TVs with bad pixels and have returned them only to receive another TV with bad pixels. Here, I am referring to dead pixels as well as stuck pixels (stuck on a color). Does anyone know just what the manufacturer's warranty states regarding this problem? Can a buyer return a TV with only one bad pixel or is there a minimum number or percent that the manufacturer will not accept as a return? It would be interesting to know the answer to this question for each manufacturer - Sony, Mitsubishi, JVC, Samsung, etc. Of course all types of displays would be of interest - Plasma, DLP, LCD & LCOS.

06-03-2005, 08:53 AM	#2
LordGamer Lord of Gaming Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,788	I don't know if dead pixels apply to anything besides LCD, but not sure (also, don't know if it affects rear projection LCDs...I'm sure someone will give detail). However, from what I read, most companies require a minimum amount and I highly doubt they would take it back for one. __________________ LordGamer Profile - George Carlin, R.I.P. 06.22.08 HD Qualifications... -- Westinghouse 47" 1080p LCD (LVM-47w1) -- Scientific Atlanta HD Receiver & DVR (8300HD), Comcast -- Sony Playstation 3 -- Microsoft Xbox 360

06-07-2005, 12:40 AM	#6
kingtoad High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 84	Sony policy on dead pixels I sent an email to Sony asking them their policy regarding the warranty for dead pixels. This is their response: Television: Grand WEGA Projection Thank you for contacting us with your inquiry regarding the Sony Warranty. Sony does not have a stated 'Dead Pixel' policy. Sony deals with Dead Pixels on a case-to-case basis. Customers with dead pixels need to contact the Service Centers. Please note this applies to LCD Televisions and Displays. I have been waiting for a 1080P JVC D-ILA. Maybe I will change to a Sony!

06-07-2005, 06:16 AM	#8
Cle. Plasma WWW.CLEVELAND PLASMA.COM Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: CLEVELAND, OHIO Posts: 455	Not covered Just about every manufacturer will not replace a tv with a few pixels out. If you have 3 or more or a group you may have a claim. Plasma's and Lcd's are the only style Television that have pixels though. You have to be within 5 ft to see them and have a real kean eye. Its the luck of the draw and just because there are none out when you buy it does not mean there will not be any out in the future.

06-08-2005, 02:43 AM	#10
talion83 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 115	actually, the older the LCD the higher likely hood it will get a burned out/stuck pixel. I'm pretty sure the reason you get "stuck" or burned out pixels is from the transistor behind the pixel being fried. If the entire pixel fails, you get a 'dead' pixel...if only a single or several transistors fail you get it 'stuck' on a color. The reason you normally don't see it on notebooks is because they are battery powered, the main killer of pixels is going to be how well the board can take power fluctuations. ----- edit: i put capacitor instead of transistor. Last edited by talion83; 06-08-2005 at 02:52 AM.

06-03-2005, 10:39 AM	#3
oblioman OTIS,,me hero Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Someville TN Posts: 4,570	The company I formally worked for had a quality control room for LCD monitors - thier go-no go rules were if the screen had 3 dead pixels connected or 5 altogether,,,it was a reject. I vehemently objected to this and pushed for rejection if it had one dead pixel. Money beat out common sense.

06-05-2005, 11:23 PM	#5
rudyusmc1980 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: McAllen, TX Posts: 709	mitsu is .01%, or 92 dead/stuck on a 720p display.

06-27-2005, 10:20 PM	#12
RX8 U.S. Air Force Join Date: May 2005 Age: 42 Posts: 79	Have had my Samsung 5085 for about a month and today I noticed a bad pixel middle left of screen. White dot and its annoying. i am concerned because it is highly notcieable and if they don't believe its enough to warrant ruining your tv experience then thats ridiculous. Now that I have spotted it I can't help but fixate on it. I guess there is no chance its a temporary thing and its stuck white forever.