Today I will tell you about one very small, but very important program that will save the lives of millions of your nerve cells after purchasing a monitor or laptop.

The name of this program is IsMyLcdOK and it will help you find everything "broken" pixels on any LCD screen. What is a dead pixel?...

The official definition of the expression “dead pixels” you can find it on Wikipedia, but the site is different from others in that here I explain complex things to you in simple language, in pictures and sometimes even with humor. For example, this is how this article describes the concept of disk defragmentation using the example of a simple school ruler.

So, what are “broken” pixels according to the website…

Imagine that any LCD monitor consists of a huge number of tiny light bulbs that can (and should) change their color depending on what signal is received from the video processor. Thanks to this, everything that you see on the laptop screen or on the LCD monitor of any computer is formed.

But, as in real (not digital) life, sometimes, some light bulbs (pixels) try to stand out from the crowd of their relatives and do not want to change color...



Naturally, the neighboring pixels do not like this behavior and they beat this show-off...


This is how the expression “broken” pixel appeared.

The description above is, of course, funny, but all the fun will disappear when you come home from the store with a brand new laptop or an expensive, wide-screen HD monitor, turn on the purchase and find a dot that does not change its color.

Believe me, this is a very sad feeling. My son and I had a chance to try it out six months ago, after buying a laptop.

The most annoying thing is, firstly, that you may not notice the “dead” pixel right away. A pixel can “get stuck” on any color (but most often it is white) and “shoot” in your eyes, even after a week.

A detected “broken” pixel will remain a thorn for the rest of the product’s life. It is very, very rare that you can get rid of this problem with the help of special programs.

Secondly, if you find it at home, and not in a store, when purchasing, in 99.9% of cases you WILL NOT EXCHANGE the product.

This is such a common defect that all manufacturers have hedged their bets and introduced an acceptable number of “dead” pixels, at which the product is not covered by the warranty and is not considered defective at all.

For some reason they “forgot” to write this in their advertising brochures.

Let's summarize - you MUST check laptops and monitors for “broken” pixels IN THE STORE BEFORE BUYING!

IsMyLcdOK - “broken” pixels will not be hidden

This is where we return to the IsMyLcdOK program. It is (portable), which means that it does not need to be installed anywhere. You copy it onto a flash drive and go to the store, where you ask to check the product using this program.

If the consultant refuses you, feel free to send him to the butterfly farm and go to another store, where first of all they think about the buyer, and not about how to push all the accumulated “not defective” to the mugs.

Have you found such a store? Launch the IsMyLcdOK program from the flash drive by clicking on the shortcut...

The following will be displayed on the entire screen...


The check consists of completely “flooding” the entire monitor with various colored backgrounds and visually identifying the rebel pixel. If it is there, you cannot help but notice it!

To do this, press the keys on the keyboard numbered from 1 to 0 one by one. To return to the main screen of the program, press the F1 key, and to exit the program, press the Esc key.

I still don’t understand what the durability test (available via F5) is for, but I got out of it by simply pressing Enter and admiring the change of backgrounds in automatic mode.


A program for identifying defects in LCD monitors - checking for dead pixels, scratches on the matrix become more noticeable. IsMyLcdOK is a set of tests for LCD monitors such as screen fill with color, screen fill with gradient, horizontal and vertical lines, colored rectangles and stripes. The utility has a test to determine the durability of the matrix and implements a BitBlt MB/sec check. with FPS calculation - IsMyLcdOK displays alternating frames on the screen.

Dead pixels

What do you need to know about pixels when buying an LCD monitor or LCD TV? Pixel is the smallest object and component digital image. In a liquid crystal monitor, there are millions of pixels on the matrix, each pixel has three cells for outputting red, blue and green colors, from which the overall picture of the image is composed. Are there any dead pixels? Then the result is a poor-quality display of the image on the screen. Broken pixels, like nerves, cannot be restored. IsMyLcdOK, by illuminating the screen with different colors, lines and stripes, allows you to identify defective pixel cells, thereby helping to avoid purchasing low-quality monitors and TVs.

One of the most common computer monitor problems is the appearance of individual dots on the screen whose color does not match the picture. The reason for this is damage or malfunction of the screen matrix, the minimum size element of which is a pixel. This term refers to an indivisible rectangular or round object with which an image is formed.

Several types of problem

A defect like dead pixel may look different:

  • elements that always remain off are called “dead pixels” and will appear as dark dots against a light background;
  • pixels that are always working are considered “hot” - you can see them on a dark or completely black background, where they continue to remain white;
  • “Stuck” are elements that do not change color - they become noticeable only when the shade does not match the main image.

Important: If several pixels in one area fail at once, such damage is called a “dead pixel group.” Together they stack into rectangles ranging in size from 2 x 2 to 10 x 10 elements, or even in lines horizontally or vertically.

Allowable number of dead pixels

You should check the monitor for damaged matrix elements immediately upon purchase. Such a check will allow you to avoid problems with returning the product under warranty and conducting an examination to prove that the cause of the problem was a manufacturing defect and not the actions of the user.

According to the ISO13406-2 standard, each monitor is allowed a certain number of defective items. Therefore, even if checking the monitor for dead pixels showed their presence, this will be considered the norm in such situations:

  • the product belongs to quality class 4 and can have up to 50 “hot” pixels, up to 150 “dead” pixels and up to 500 with other types of defects;
  • the matrix was released in class 3, which allows for up to 5 always-on, up to 15 always-off elements, as well as up to 50 pixels with other problems;
  • monitor quality class is second, and up to 2 “hot” and “dead” pixels and up to 5 “stuck” pixels can appear on the screen;
  • first class monitor - there should be no dead pixels at all.

You can only count on the complete absence of defective elements when purchasing a first class product. However, most serial models belongs to the second, and when checking them you can find 1-2 or even 5 incorrectly working pixels. Although the monitor class shows how many defects are not considered defective, in fact, most products are completely absent.

It is recommended to determine whether the matrix is ​​damaged at the store where you buy the monitor. However, if this is not possible or the product is purchased online, the check can also be carried out at home. To do this, use an online test or special program, although noticeable defects can be detected with the naked eye.

Visual verification method

The simplest monitor test for dead pixels is to display a solid background of standard colors on the screen - black, white, red, green and blue. These five options will detect "burning", "dead" and "stuck" pixels.

You can check the monitor for defects in this way both at home and in stores. In the latter case, the backgrounds are copied to a flash drive and launched on the computer connected to the purchase. In addition to monochromatic images, you can use test pictures by finding them on the Internet.

Software

Another way to find defects is to use a program to check your monitor for dead pixels. You can use a suitable application both at home and in a store by recording not test images on a flash drive, but one of the verification utilities.

Dead Pixel Tester

One of the most popular programs for testing a monitor is Dead Pixel Tester. You can download it from the official website.

To check you should do the following:

  1. Launch an application that does not require installation and select the appropriate mode in the Pettern section and color using the Color Selector button.
  2. If necessary, set the mode change using the Auto Color Cycle option.
  3. Check to see if dots appear on the screen that do not match the color of the picture.

The Exerciser function, activated by pressing the corresponding button, allows you to find defects in a specific part of the screen. It creates a rectangular area that you can drag around the screen to look for dead pixels.

IsMyLcdOk

Another program suitable for diagnosing computer monitor matrices is IsMyLcdOk. It can also be downloaded for free and does not require installation. Instructions for performing the test appear on the screen after the first launch.

The check is launched with 4 keys - from F2 to F5. The list of available testing modes includes the display of colored stripes, rectangles, vertical or horizontal lines. In addition to standard tests, you can display a monochromatic or gradient image.

Online services for verification

If you cannot download and run the utility (for example, due to restrictions on downloading and launching on a work PC), you can check your monitor for dead pixels online. There are quite a few sites that allow you to find defects, but among them there are two that are simplest and easiest to use.

Monteon

To check matrix defects on this resource, just click the start testing button and select one of seven types of diagnostics and its variation.


Important: unlike most other sites, Monteon.ru uses not a static image for testing, but a looped video. Therefore, with its help you can not only find defects, but also control the refresh rate of pixels on the screen.

Vanity Monitor Test

Another popular service that allows you to quickly detect problems with displaying images on the screen. To run the utility on a PC, you will need installed Adobe Flash Player and a browser that supports it. To start checking, click the HTML Window inscription.

Modes in the online service are selected using the drop-down menu at the top. And you can use it to check for dead pixels not only on a computer monitor, but also on the screen of a laptop, tablet, and even a smartphone.

Repairing damaged areas

  • Sometimes the functionality of a damaged matrix can be restored without contacting service. You can decide how to remove dead pixels on your monitor after you understand where they came from. If the control transistor fails, the damaged screen element can only be removed using a special laser. However, if the cause is subpixel freezing, the user can get rid of the defect by using the Bad Crystal program.
  • The UndeadPixel utility also performs very well. If you encounter a pixel error, launch the application by clicking "Start" in the "Undead Pixel" section. A square will appear on the screen that changes colors. Using the Drag & Drop function, you can move the square over the defective area. A permanent color change should occur over several hours - after such a procedure the pixel can be restored. Please note that bring back to life completely black pixels is no longer possible.
  • Free program EIZO Test Monitor (suitable for any device) contains 24 test images and will help you quickly optimize color parameters and also check the screen for dead pixels. This utility does not require installation. Extract the ZIP archive and launch the application by double clicking. After that, click on the “Start TEST” button. Eight scenarios are available in the utility, including brightness and contrast calibration. If there is a need to change any settings, the program will tell you how to do this.
  • Another treatment method involves physical exposure. To remove the damage, take a cotton swab and gently press on the dead pixel. After a few minutes (10 to 15), the failed element may start working. It will be possible to cure the matrix in this way if the pixels were “stuck” or “hot”.

Features of returning a monitor to a store

If all else fails, the user who discovers a defect has the right to return the monitor or exchange it for an equivalent product. Within 14 days, returns are made without specifying a reason: you just need to provide a sales or cash receipt and packaging of the returned equipment, on which there should be no traces of use.

If 2 weeks have already passed from the date of purchase, the buyer has the right to count on warranty repair of the monitor or its return if the device cannot be repaired. However, in this situation, the equipment is first sent for examination: based on its results, it is determined at whose expense the monitor will be repaired - the buyer or the seller.

Every buyer faces this interesting problem when choosing a new TV. It's no secret that when buying a modern TV in a store, managers offer paid service- check the TV screen for dead pixels and sound quality. The most interesting thing during the conversation is that they refer to service centers where, if you find one or more dead pixels, they will still give you a conclusion that the TV is working and there is no reason to return the defective product. Indeed, according to the ISO 13406-2 standard, a new TV with up to 7 dead pixels must be returned to the consumer without claims to the store. You can find more information about this ISO 13406-2 on the Internet.

Yes, we know that according to the law of consumer rights, within 14 days the store that sold this TV is “sort of obliged to replace” the TV with another or return the money. This cherished word seems to calm. But not everything is as good as it seems. The store will replace your TV or refund your money only when you bring an official statement from the warranty service center about the unsuitability of a product called TV.

To save yourself from wasting time and money, I recommend checking the TV before purchasing using a flash drive.

Checking a new TV for dead pixels from a flash drive

If you buy a modern TV with a USB connector, then checking for dead pixels is very simple.

photo 1

The archive below contains 9 photos with a resolution (1920x1080 pix) and a movie trailer in 1920x1080 mkv HD format. They need to be moved to a flash drive.

Install the flash drive into the USB connector of the new TV.

Using the TV remote control in the menu - connect USB flash drive. Then select viewing photos by pointing to our test photos in the menu.

We look through 9 colors of photographs one by one and in the case of a dead pixel or several dead pixels, we will see them on the TV screen.


photo 2

By viewing each of the 9 screensavers, you can easily determine the presence or absence of dead pixels on the TV screen even before paying for the purchase. Don't forget to check the sound quality in the folder there is a movie trailer in excellent quality and with good sound.


photo 3

Happy shopping!

Files for checking your TV for dead pixels

The files are archived with WinRar. Use the link below and download the archiver.

The user consumes information through a monitor or laptop screen, so the presence of defects on it is unacceptable. The monitor itself is a fairly simple device, but at the same time quite fragile. The main trouble that a user may encounter when purchasing a monitor is the presence of dead pixels, that is, screen elements that are not capable of correctly transmitting colors. To avoid such a problem, you need to carefully check it when purchasing a monitor, and in this article we will look at how to do this.

Table of contents:

What is a pixel, what are dead pixels?

First we need to tell you a little theory. A pixel is the smallest part of the display that displays a picture. Depending on the display resolution and its diagonal, the pixel may be larger or smaller in terms of physical dimensions.

Please note: Modern monitors can use several million pixels.

If one pixel or group of pixels is not working, the image on that part of the screen will not match the one sent to the monitor from system unit. There are several types of dead pixels:

  • Non-working. These pixels do not convey the image, and they are always black;
  • Stuck pixels. Most often these are pixels that are stuck in blue, red or green. They are not capable of working with RGB colors;
  • Constantly glowing pixels. These are pixels that are constantly lit in white.

Please note: Sometimes not just one pixel fails, but a group of pixels in a horizontal or vertical stripe, or “squares” of pixels, for example, 5 by 5 or 10 by 10 elements, are damaged.

Why is it important to check your monitor for dead pixels when purchasing?

When purchasing a new monitor or laptop, be sure to immediately check for dead pixels in the store. This is due to the fact that if you discover such a defect after purchase, it is far from certain that you can return the monitor under warranty. The fact is that there is a standard ISO13406-2, which determines the permissible number of defective pixels for monitors of various classes.

This standard provides for the release to the market of monitors in 4 quality classes. Most best class– the first, the worst – the fourth.

Please note: Almost all mass-produced monitors are produced according to the second quality class, respectively, according to the standardISO13406-2 implies the presence of dead pixels.

According to standard ISO13406-2, the following number of non-functioning or malfunctioning pixels in monitors of various classes per one million pixels in the panel is allowed:

  • 1st quality class. There should be no defective pixels at all;
  • Quality class 2. No more than 2 permanently lit white pixels, 2 permanently off black pixels, 5 pixels with other defects are allowed;
  • Quality class 3. No more than 5 permanently lit white pixels, 15 permanently non-lit black pixels, 50 pixels with other defects are allowed;
  • Quality class 4. No more than 50 permanently lit white pixels, 150 permanently non-lit black pixels, and 500 pixels with other defects are allowed.

It is worth noting that the acceptable value of defective pixels does not mean that they are necessarily present on a monitor of one class or another. The quality class of a monitor according to accepted standards is determined by the device manufacturer itself. Depending on what class it determines, additional warranty obligations are imposed on it.

How to check your monitor for dead pixels

When purchasing equipment in a store, there is always the opportunity to check it right on the spot, and in a situation with a monitor, this must be done. There are special applications that allow you to check your monitor for defective pixels. Programs are available, both standalone and presented on various sites.

The principle of operation of all programs for checking the screen for dead pixels is identical. The entire working area of ​​the display is filled with a single color, a group of colors or a gradient, which allows you to see dead pixels if they are present on the monitor. Let's look at the main programs and sites that can be used for such a check.

Programs for checking your monitor for dead pixels

If you buy a monitor in a store, it is better to first record one of the programs described above on a flash drive in order to perform an on-site test.

Dead Pixel Tester

One of the most famous free applications to check your monitor for dead pixels. To use Dead Pixel Tester you need to:


Among the program’s capabilities, it should be noted that the function of changing modes can be set to a timer; to do this, you need to check the “Auto Color Cycle” box and set the time in milliseconds. After this, the modes will change automatically.

Another feature of the program is the creation of a limited area on the screen with constantly changing colors. To create it, you need to click on the “Exerciser” button, after which the corresponding square area will be created. It can be dragged with the left mouse button. If there is any doubt that there is a dead pixel in some part of the monitor, this tool helps to verify this.

IsMyLcdOk

IsMyLcdOk is another application that does a good job of diagnosing dead monitor pixels. The program also does not require installation and can be easily downloaded for free on the Internet. The application weighs very little and works extremely simply.

When you first launch the IsMyLcdOk program, information will appear that describes what you should click to perform the test. To return to the instructions after starting the diagnostics, you will need to press F1.

To test, select the mode using the buttonsF2-F5. Among the monitor test modes available in the IsMyLcdOk program:

  • Check BitBlt MB/sec;
  • Painted rectangles;
  • Painted stripes;
  • Durability testing;
  • Vertical lines;
  • Horizontal lines.

In addition to special modes, it is also possible to simply switch colors or gradients.

Sites for checking your monitor for dead pixels

If you don’t want to download a program to your computer to check your monitor, you can use sites with similar functionality. Let's consider a couple of options.

Please note: Sites for checking the screen for dead pixels are convenient to use, for example, when testing tablets or smartphones.

Monteon

A simple and functional service for testing your monitor for dead pixels.

To use the service you must:


To finish testing the monitor with the service, click on the house icon in the lower left corner of the screen.

Please note: ServiceMonteon, unlike the programs discussed above, has a mode in which looped video is shown. In this mode, you can check the pixel color refresh rate.

Vanity Monitor Test

Quite an old, but well-proven service that allows you to test your monitor. For work of this service will need to have a Adobe computer Flash Player, which can be considered its disadvantage. To start testing, you need to click “HTML Windows”.

The choice of operating mode in the Vanity Monitor Test program is carried out through the drop-down menu at the top.

Treatment of dead monitor pixels

Dead pixels on the screen are not always a death sentence. In some cases, you can get rid of them and make them function normally again. There are several ways to do this:


If none of the above methods helped restore the dead pixel, you will have to put up with it or replace the monitor.


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