What are pixel errors and how can they be corrected? - TUXEDO Computers

Pixel errors do not often occur in the notebook displays we use, but they cannot be avoided completely. This article explores the question of whether, and if so, how you can fix these errors yourself.

The question of the repairability of pixel errors cannot be answered unambiguously, because there are two types of pixel errors that are commonly subsumed as “dead pixels”. In technically correct terms, these are pixels that cannot change their color (anymore).

Since these errors cannot be ruled out with millions of pixels in modern displays, the industry has created ISO standard 13406-2, which defines quality classes in this regard and ensures transparency with regard to warranty claims by end customers, dealers and wholesalers against manufacturers.

Pixel errors

Three types of error are to be distinguished:

• Error type 1: constantly lit pixel
• Error type 2: constantly black pixel
• Error type 3: defective subpixel either permanently lit (red, green, blue) or permanently black

Error types 1 and 2 can be due to a defective segments in the matrix or to an error in the software.

What is a pixel?

A pixel is a small, usually rectangular object that contains three subpixels. They are assigned to the colors red, green and blue. When it comes to the question of repairability, a distinction must be made between hardware and software errors. The two types of errors are not always clearly assignable, since we only have our eye to classify them.

Two error types

If a pixel error is due to a hardware defect, it can hardly be repaired. These pixels are usually black or white. One of the millions of thin-film transistors in the LCD matrix is defective, usually because it is not (or no longer) supplied with energy and therefore lost its ability to change colors. You have no influence on this with software or other methods. Possible causes for such dead pixels are, among others, overclocking of the display, overheating of the graphics card or generally too high humidity.

The error pattern “stuck pixels” occurs, for example, during the calculation of the screen content due to faulty program code. They often occur on older and also little-used displays.

The stuck pixel, unlike defective pixels, looks like a dot of a certain color (red,green,blue) that is always in the same place and may flicker. It may also appear as a group of dots.

Fix pixel error

This type of pixel defect is repairable, and we’ll now look at how you go about it. First, determine if you really have defective or stuck pixels or if you just need to clean your display. To do this, visit a website like Dead Pixel Test and mark the approximate location of any pixel defects on a piece of paper. This will give you a better overview later on, which errors have already been corrected and for which ones another tool could possibly be used.

Stuck pixels are relatively easy to fix since it is a temporary condition. It is often sufficient to turn off the display in question for 24 hours and disconnect it from the power supply. After switching it back on or shortly thereafter, the stuck pixel may disappear by itself.

In addition, there are tools to return stuck pixels to their normal state. They all work on the same principle, reproducing a chaotic combination of red, green and blue colors. This is done cyclically at a rate of 60 flashes per second. Epileptics should not use this method by themselves.

The most popular tools and apps of this kind are JScreenFix Online Tool, Stuck Pixel Fixer, LCDnurse, UndeadPixel and PixelHealer JScreenFix can be used online and helps to reactivate stuck pixels. Stuck Pixel Fixer is a Linux tool that is available as an app, but for some distributions it can also be run online. LCDnurse is suitable for Ubuntu and probably other Debian-based distributions. The other two apps are only available for Windows, but are supposed to be able to revive dead pixels in certain constellations.