Grey patch on lcd screen

[rikhav]

HI guys
I purchased a Panasonic 32 inch LCD 6 months back (Model NO. 32X24D)
Is this issue normal?
Even though the patch appears only when there are darker scenes, it kind of spoils the viewing experience for me
Convincing Panasonic is a very tough job. The service center and the official technician from Panasonic India do not agree that this is a fault with the TV as there is no patch visible when there are full light scenes
Have even mailed this pictures to Panasonic but they claim there is no such issue when the TV was tested for 2 days (Right now, its still with the service center and i had to fight with the whole day just to get back the TV)
Need some help from experienced AV guys out there

 

[theironhorse]

has the patch been there for a long time or came to notice recently. .may be a ghost image of something that was left stationary for a longer time on the screen.

generally this should go off if you leave he tv off for a long time else try running the burn-in slides and see if that helps..

 

[ranjeetrain]

Where (which past of the screen) the patch is visible at? Is it always the same spot or does it vary? If its always the same spot, it is certainly a fault. If the location keeps varying, it may be an illusion that you can ignore or a problem that will worsen with time and will render the display nearly useless in next couple months.

You said 6 months, so it must be under warranty. I will take the unit back and use it for next two months and observe the problem.

Unless you left a stationary image on the screen for an extended period before noticing this behavior, this is clearly a fault. Make a note of scenes where you noted this problem. Have enough evidence to support your claim and reproduce the problem at will. Then go there and tell them upfront you know this stuff and this is a fault and they have no option but to fix/replace it.

One note: Try to remember what was the scene immediately before you notice the patch. If the previous scene had a very bright area continuously for some time and it suddenly change to a dark scene, it is normal to notice such a patch. Though modern LCDs don't suffer with this problem, for earlier generation LCDs it was a common issue, it just means that the unit has a very poor contrast ratio.

 

[rikhav]

has the patch been there for a long time or came to notice recently. .may be a ghost image of something that was left stationary for a longer time on the screen.

generally this should go off if you leave he tv off for a long time else try running the burn-in slides and see if that helps..

Where (which past of the screen) the patch is visible at? Is it always the same spot or does it vary? If its always the same spot, it is certainly a fault. If the location keeps varying, it may be an illusion that you can ignore or a problem that will worsen with time and will render the display nearly useless in next couple months.

You said 6 months, so it must be under warranty. I will take the unit back and use it for next two months and observe the problem.

Unless you left a stationary image on the screen for an extended period before noticing this behavior, this is clearly a fault. Make a note of scenes where you noted this problem. Have enough evidence to support your claim and reproduce the problem at will. Then go there and tell them upfront you know this stuff and this is a fault and they have no option but to fix/replace it.

One note: Try to remember what was the scene immediately before you notice the patch. If the previous scene had a very bright area continuously for some time and it suddenly change to a dark scene, it is normal to notice such a patch. Though modern LCDs don't suffer with this problem, for earlier generation LCDs it was a common issue, it just means that the unit has a very poor contrast ratio.

Thanks for your reply

The TV is hardly been used as it is in grandfather's room. In last 6 months it must have been used maximum for 100 hours. Its used for watching cable tv for approx 1 hour and an occasional movie seen by me on a Sunday.
So basically having left a stationery image on the screen is out of question

The patch is visible only on darker images and specially when there are black patches when watching a movie channel or a dvd. But the patch does not come and go. Its there exactly at the same area. Its more visible with darker images

Another thing is its not visible all the times and becomes prominent after the TV is on for more then 30 minutes.

The service center argues that dont see any problem and i have talked to the service incharge of panasonic as well. He says photos cant be proper proof as there might be glare while taking the pcitures (I told him 10 times that the flash was off and there was no glare on screen since it was very dark)
Cant call them home as my grandfather is very unwell and cant disturb him

I only wanted to know from you people that is this issue common with LCD's and will it increase more. One of my friend who runs a very big service center for electronics says that this issue is due to backlight leakage

 

[Bluu]

One of my friend who runs a very big service center for electronics says that this issue is due to backlight leakage

This seems the most likely reason to me. I have a reasonably aged Bravia and have noticed slight backlight leakage. However, the patch your TV has is too big. I'm sure it hinders your viewing experience.

Unfortunately, you can only try to press Panasonic to either fix or replace the TV.

I don't think its image retention. LCDs rarely suffer from burn-in, unlike plasmas.

 

[buxx]

looks to me like its just a little backlight bleeding.. The experts could confirm though.

 

[rikhav]

This seems the most likely reason to me. I have a reasonably aged Bravia and have noticed slight backlight leakage. However, the patch your TV has is too big. I'm sure it hinders your viewing experience.

Unfortunately, you can only try to press Panasonic to either fix or replace the TV.

I don't think its image retention. LCDs rarely suffer from burn-in, unlike plasmas.

looks to me like its just a little backlight bleeding.. The experts could confirm though.

Hi Bluu and Buxx
Even without physically seeing the TV my friend confirmed that backlight leakage is the likely issue and its very common
I am fighting with Panasonic since last 1 month and they are not ready to replace the panel as according to them there is no problem with it. I am not in a position to argue as my grand father's health is of more importance to me

Is there any way to minimize the effects of the grey patch with some setup changes?

I am sorry guys but i have been using a CRT and this is my first LCD TV, so dont know much about it. Also i am more a stereo person rather then a AV guy

Thanks all for your help

 

[Bluu]

If your room is dark enough, you could reduce the backlight intensity. This will darken the overall picture but will also reduce the patch. Meanwhile, keep badgering Panasonic. Send emails to managers. Call them every two days. It's unfortunate but that's the only way to get them to respond.

Also, see if someone on the forum can help. I mean, if someone knows someone in Panasonic who can pull a few strings. PM the mods.

Last option would be to get it fixed by some local TV repair shop. I have no knowledge of these things but I think if the spot where the light is leaking can be identified and blocked, the patch may disappear.

EDIT: Best wishes to your Gramps!

 

[Dushie]

looking at the pictures i can clearly see an issue of black light bleeding, this is something which is present even on my Dell IPS panel, as its under warranty you should call the customer care and ask them to fix it under warranty.As they are not agreeing, write to higher ups and escalate this matter. As i feel they should do something about it specially when they make so much noise on their quality and Made in Japan publicity.

 

[rikhav]

If your room is dark enough, you could reduce the backlight intensity. This will darken the overall picture but will also reduce the patch. Meanwhile, keep badgering Panasonic. Send emails to managers. Call them every two days. It's unfortunate but that's the only way to get them to respond.

Also, see if someone on the forum can help. I mean, if someone knows someone in Panasonic who can pull a few strings. PM the mods.

Last option would be to get it fixed by some local TV repair shop. I have no knowledge of these things but I think if the spot where the light is leaking can be identified and blocked, the patch may disappear.

EDIT: Best wishes to your Gramps!

looking at the pictures i can clearly see an issue of black light bleeding, this is something which is present even on my Dell IPS panel, as its under warranty you should call the customer care and ask them to fix it under warranty.As they are not agreeing, write to higher ups and escalate this matter. As i feel they should do something about it specially when they make so much noise on their quality and Made in Japan publicity.

Even if my issue wont get solved, I would be happy if i make potential customers aware of this issue and how Panasonic deals with it

I am not sure if this thing can be solved. Only way is to replace the panel. Someone who has a similar problem and got it rectified can tell us how it can be done

I tried to keep the back light low but its not helping much

I just called the service incharge and told him that according to me there is still a problem and I don't agree with what service center people say. They have agreed to send the regional technical head to my place which I have agreed.I am not even sure if he will be of the same designation as told to me but lets hope for the best.

@ Bluu - Thanks for your well wishes. Hoping that my grandpa gets well soon

 

[Dushie]

Yes, it is something which they would not be able to fix through a software fix, but would require panel replacement. Also back light bleeding can increase as the panel ages. So its better to get it fixed right now. Lowering the settings will not help. When the technician visits please ensure that you set the tv in the normal picture mode and play dark scenes, the back light bleeding would clearly show.

 

[ranjeetrain]

Its clear that its a defect. And with a unit which has been used so little, they owe you a replacement.

Thanks for your reply

..... due to backlight leakage

 

[rikhav]

The Regional technical head of Panasonic is going to visit me
Lets see how it goes

 

[buxx]

Backlight bleeding is a common issue. From what I know, its not a panel defect but a characteristic of the panel quality; meaning that a better display will not have much bleeding or maybe none at all..
Not much cause for concern, as someone said- decreasing the backlight intensity will fix up this problem to a manageable extent...
Nevertheless, no harm in pursuing the problem with the Panasonic ppl.. though in my experience, they will just not accept anything..

" Once sold, shit is on you ! "

 

[Bluu]

Buxx makes a very valid point. No offense to rikhav but the TV is a basic model. I'm certain the panel quality will be much higher on more expensive models.

 

[quadmaniac]

Even the most basic of models should not have such problems. It's a Panasonic, not a Vu LCD or something.

 

[rikhav]

Backlight bleeding is a common issue. From what I know, its not a panel defect but a characteristic of the panel quality; meaning that a better display will not have much bleeding or maybe none at all..
Not much cause for concern, as someone said- decreasing the backlight intensity will fix up this problem to a manageable extent...
Nevertheless, no harm in pursuing the problem with the Panasonic ppl.. though in my experience, they will just not accept anything..

" Once sold, shit is on you ! "

Three times there was a visit from the service centre and they did not accept any fault. Instead they tell me its a IPS panel and other Tv's have different panels and the IPS panel works in a different way
When i told them that I accept everything and just write to me on your letterhead that IPS panels in Panasonic LCD's work in such way that there will be patches seen, they backed out
Again i started calling them and then they took the TV for 2 days to test at their office. As expected the same answer came that there is no fault

I think what Buxx said is very true that the panel quality is only so bad that its leaking. Never ever in my life I will go for outdated or models with heavy discount
In my case I saved a little but with that came a headache till I keep the TV

 

[rikhav]

Buxx makes a very valid point. No offense to rikhav but the TV is a basic model. I'm certain the panel quality will be much higher on more expensive models.

Totally agree with you Bluu
I was not aware of such problems in a LCD and was happy that i am getting a 32 inch for lesser price.
If i was aware of such quality issues I would have preferred a lesser size TV or paying more.

Still, I would like to know from members having basic models from Lg, Samsung , sony that do they face the same problem as i have

If not, Panasonic quality really sucks

 

[rikhav]

Anybody having a 40 or a 42 inch Panasonic LCD facing the same problem with the panel?

As expected no call from Technical head Mr. Vipul. I am not pursuing the matter further as I see no point in doing it. They are not going to accept that the issue is with quality of the panel itself

Another thing which I came to my mind is that even if I fight and get a panel replacement, what if the new panel is worse then the older one? What if there are some dead pixels in the new panel?
I think this is very much possible seeing the track record of Panasonic

 

[roseboy24]

2 days back when I was watching peherdar somebody logged same complaint to channel for LCD panel issues ,and even after so many deinel and not accepted fault from Panasonic earlier , now he has got commitment for panel replacement , you can also approach to media channel for showing them correct path if they are careless and not responding task and there duty .