Buying a new TV is a serious matter, therefore it is necessary to treat it with all responsibility and with knowledge. Specialists recommend checking the TV for broken pixels along with the seller-consultant without fail.
What is a pixel in a TV?
The matrix of the TV receiver is a huge number of smallest cells. This is the pixels. The quality of the image depends on the number of pixels: the more of them, the clearer the picture. Each pixel of a color TV, in turn, consists of subpixels: red, blue and green.
A cell that does not react to a signal change is a defect, which is called a "broken pixel". It manifests itself in the form of points of the same color, which spoils the picture displayed on the screen. There are the following types of pixel violations:
- white pixel - constantly burning point;
- black pixel - non-functioning cell;
- red, green or blue pixels - subpixel defect;
- simultaneous presence of two or three defects.
How to check the pixels on the TV?
Checking the pixels on the TV is the most difficult stage in testing the device before buying. The simplest method of verification is to examine the screen when any color is displayed on it. To find black dots, you must submit a white box. Accordingly, to detect white points, a black field is applied. To search for subpixel defects (color points), the screen color changes alternately. At close examination, even with the naked eye, it is possible to detect defects, but it is better to use a magnifying glass to perform the inspection procedure for broken pixels more efficiently.
In modern models of devices there is a built in menu function of testing the TV for broken pixels. When it is turned on, the screen for some time is consistently colored with uniform colors, which makes it possible to detect a defective pixel. If such a function is not provided, then in specialty shops there are special generators supplying black, white and colored fields to the TV screen, and test programs. For example, Nokia Monitor Test makes it possible to check for broken pixels, moire (light areas) and a number of other defects.
A broken pixel on the TV: a guarantee
Unfortunately, to hand over or exchange a TV with a broken pixel is often not possible. The fact is that according to the existing international standard, in the technology of each class, the maximum permissible number of pixels with a defect is provided. So, in accordance with the standards, only in the first class television receivers pixel defects are not allowed. The technique of the second - fourth grade is subject to exchange only if the established threshold of admissibility is exceeded.
Treatment of broken pixels on the TV
Often, users of television technology, already in the process of using it, discover that a bad pixel appeared on the TV. Just want to warn you that it is impossible to get rid of black points by yourself. But the colored broken pixels can be eliminated on their own. There are two ways:
- Massaging the defective area. For "massage" a cotton swab is suitable.
It is necessary to accurately determine the location of the broken pixels, turn off the TV and press on this area for a long time. Repeat the procedure several times. - Hardware massage. Treatment is done using special programs to remove stuck pixels that can be found on the Internet. The second way gives more chances to "heal" the screen, besides it is more safe for the device. The developers of the utility argue that the defect can be eliminated for several tens of minutes of the program.
There are also other malfunctions of TVs.