[kuddles]

Sorry if there's another thread for this kind of question but I couldn't find one.


I've noticed this tiny darkish smudge in the lower left corner of my television. At first I thought it was a dead pixel or something but the fact that it's this weird smudge and not a clearly defined block that is one colour makes me question that. Regardless, I've tried doing all the usual manual tricks or running something like Jscreenfix to no avail.


I was just wondering if anyone has an idea of what it is and if it's something serious. The TV is still under warranty, but it's also something I usually never notice unless I'm in a menu or something so I'ld rather not be forced to ship it away for several weeks if it's unlikely to get worse.

 

[Joxer]

What model and type of TV is it and how old?

 

[Gary McCoy]

That actually looks like a typical spot on an LCD caused by an impact of some sort. My wife poked one of our sets with a broom handle end while cleaning, and that was what it looked like on a light colored screen. I also saw similar damage on a friend's set after his kids hit the screen with a plastic glider plane.


AFAIK it's permanent damage caused by abuse. If it just appeared, I would not consider it a defect that the manufacturer should address, because it happened after you owned the set. If on the other hand it was always there and you never noticed it, the damage might have happened before you bought it. Was the carton factory-sealed?


Anyways, count your blessings. Most plasma sets suffer catastropic damage in such impacts when the glass breaks. But an LCD has polarizing films and a layer of liquid crystals that sort of absorb impact.

 

[kuddles]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Joxer  /t/1417184/what-is-this-dark-blemish-on-my-television#post_22161090


What model and type of TV is it and how old?

It's an LG LCD and it's very new.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gary McCoy  /t/1417184/what-is-this-dark-blemish-on-my-television#post_22161264


AFAIK it's permanent damage caused by abuse. If it just appeared, I would not consider it a defect that the manufacturer should address, because it happened after you owned the set. If on the other hand it was always there and you never noticed it, the damage might have happened before you bought it. Was the carton factory-sealed?.

I just bought this set this week, so it's very possible it was like that when I unpacked it, but of course I have no way of proving that. Do you know if it's possible for it to be fiixed? Since it's 55" and I bought it online, it would be an immense hassle to return it when the rest of the set works fine which is why I was considering sending it to a nearby service centre instead of that.

 

[Gary McCoy]

As long as you object to this spot and consider it a defect, you have a reason to exchange the set. However what exact action you take depends upon the terms of purchase.


I consider LG to be a good quality set, a major name brand - and what we call a "first tier supplier". That means that they take the time to assemble their own HDTVs versus utilizing contract manufacturing, one of only four HDTV venders that do so. They also invest in a service organization which demonstrates that they care about customer satisfaction.


For a 55" set the service is probably via housecall as the shipping expense is considerable. But on the other hand the dark spot will never be resolved by a service call, what you really want is a new set. The terms of the sales deal apply, you made the choice to do a mail order deal which does reduce your available options.


Read this and make up your mind how to proceed: http://hdguru.com/how-to-deal-with-hdtv-customer-service-and-win/5727/

 

[kuddles]

Thanks for the advice. I think my best bet is to call the retailer and find out what the procedure is for defective returns and make my decision once that happens. It seems to be less noticeable today, so I think I'll decide once I have that info.

 

[pds3]



Quote:
Originally Posted by kuddles  /t/1417184/what-is-this-dark-blemish-on-my-television#post_22162063


Thanks for the advice. I think my best bet is to call the retailer and find out what the procedure is for defective returns and make my decision once that happens. It seems to be less noticeable today, so I think I'll decide once I have that info.

Have you tried gently wiping the area with a soft cloth??? Don't use any chemical cleaners on the screen. Also, if it is not visible during any kind of regular viewing, I'm not sure if it is much of a problem. I guess it all comes down to how much it bothers you.

 

[kuddles]



Quote:
Originally Posted by pds3  /t/1417184/what-is-this-dark-blemish-on-my-television#post_22162169


Have you tried gently wiping the area with a soft cloth??? Don't use any chemical cleaners on the screen. Also, if it is not visible during any kind of regular viewing, I'm not sure if it is much of a problem. I guess it all comes down to how much it bothers you.

I tried wiping the area, it was my first step before trying the "tapping" stuck pixel trick. It is certainly visible during regular viewing when there are bright colours or white on the screen, but since it is in the lower left corner I don't usually notice it unless the entire screen is one colour or bright white or if the film forces me to look down there..

 

[pds3]



Quote:
Originally Posted by kuddles  /t/1417184/what-is-this-dark-blemish-on-my-television#post_22162206


I tried wiping the area, it was my first step before trying the "tapping" stuck pixel trick. It is certainly visible during regular viewing when there are bright colours or white on the screen, but since it is in the lower left corner I don't usually notice it unless the entire screen is one colour or bright white or if the film forces me to look down there..

It seems that once you know a flaw is there you always end up looking at it. If they will replace the tv, that might be your best bet. A big hassle to say the least.

 

[kuddles]

All's well that ends well.


It turned out to not be much of a hassle after all. I called them up and they offered to include a postage-paid label to affix on the box to return it, and even have the parcel service pick it up from my home.


However, since it is a model they are currently replacing they don't have one to exchange it, and will have to offer me a refund. This kind of made me sad since the fact that it was technically last year's model meant it was a great deal, plus I already fell in love with the picture otherwise, and already spent an afternoon getting the settings just right. I was not looking forward to starting from the beginning of doing research on HDTVs for a second time.


So...I tried setting up an in-service appointment through the LG warranty just to see what they would say. Repairman came by today and said the damage is shallow enough that he can order a replacement for the outside panel and slide it in, so it looks like I'm keeping the set after all.