Dead Pixels on modern LCD Monitors

[Xain]

How common are dead (or stuck) pixels on LCD screens? This is what's putting me off getting an LCD display. Some times I see comments like "yeah, it came with 2 stuck" like that's normal while other times I hear people who frequently use LCD screens who've never seen a dead pixel, which leaves me a bit confused as to how common they really are. What are the chances that a monitor I buy doesn't arrive with any and none suddenly appear? Also, is it true that Samsung tend to have a lot less than most manufacturers? Is there any other good (or bad) manufacturers?

How bad are dead/stuck pixels? Do you find them distracting? Are they a problem in games, graphic design, things like that?

Finally, when do dead or stuck pixels appear? Do they all happen during manufacture (so the number when you buy it is the number you'll ever get), or do they appear over time, so you'll never know how many?

 

[Mem]

My Samsung came with no dead pixels,this was just over one year ago, I still have no dead pixels at this time,if you are worried about dead pixels,companies like CTX have certain LCD models with no dead pixel policy, also quality control on dead pixels has improved over the last few years .

Good manufacturers,well there are lots of them, but its possible you could still get a dead pixel,however Samsung,IIYAMA,NEC,Viewsonic are some very good LCD companies.

CTX offers zero dead pixel guarantee on S762G+ and S962G+

Link.

 

[klah]

Personally I have not seen an LCD with a dead pixel in a while. In my office we have dozens of Dell 171fp and 172fp's and no dead or stuck pixels.

I would not accept a single dead or stuck pixel in a display I was using at home. Just buy the display from a retailer that will let you exchange it until you are satisfied.

 

[crsgardner]

I've seen my share of dead pixels. Usually it's only 1, and "dead" is relative (in all cases, they've actually been permanently lit blue).

Dell is usually very good about getting quality panels out the door (all 2001FPs, 19" and 17" I've seen from them have had 0 dead pixels). My first and only Samsung had a rather irritating blue pixel towards the center of the screen. Also, of the Toshiba laptops I've owned, one had a dead pixel near the corner (although, that's not much of a knock; the rest of the laptop was phenominal).

If you get one or two, unfortunately, it's par for the course. On the other hand, think about what happens to a standard CRT over time: warping, magnetic interference, etc. LCDs hold up a lot better, and you'll be looking at a bright, crisp picture for a while.

 

[crsgardner]

Oh, by the way, to answer your other questions: 8 or more dead pixels is usually the limit for returning to most companies. Personally, if I had any more than 2 on a large screen I'd have a fit. As for when they appear: usually after manufacturing, after a few weeks of use. In some cases, the dead pixel will actually DISAPPEAR. I had a Toshiba with a rather glaring one and after a few days of use it started working. It's mostly luck.

 

[Xain]

Do retailers ever have an improved warrenty?

I'm planning to get a Samsung 710T or a BenQ in the near future (assuming nothing better appears in the next few weeks) and I'd be very disappointed if it came with any dead pixels. However, there are no local shops where I can buy from and insist on a test view first. Derry UK is kinda the back end of nowhere.