lcd screen dark spot pricelist
TV repair costs between $60 and $350 with most spending $207 on average for LCD, LED, plasma, and 4K TVs; costs are higher if repairing older DLP, projection, and HD TVs. TV problems like display issues, powering-on problems, or sound issues can be fixed. Pickup and delivery fees may apply.
The cost to repair a TV screen can be significantly more than the cost of purchasing a new TV. For this reason, replacing or repairing a broken TV screen is not considered feasible.
Broken TV screen repair is not a service offered by most TV or electronics repair companies. For example, BestBuy"s 90-day warranty, does not list broken TV screen repair as one of the problems they service.
Unless you are trying to fix a TV from the ’80s or earlier, cracked TV screen repair is not feasible; the entire display panel must be replaced instead. The cost of a replacement TV display panel is more than the cost of buying a new TV, and that’s before labor and other service costs.
The cost of TV screen replacement is generally the same as or more than the cost of buying a new TV. Therefore, replacing a broken or malfunctioning TV screen is not considered a viable option. If the TV is under the manufacturer’s warranty, the manufacturer may replace the entire unit.
TV manufacturers do keep replacement TV screen panels on hand to support products under warranty in case the screen malfunctions, due to manufacturer defect.
If you still want to replace a damaged or malfunctioning TV screen, your best option is to find a used replacement panel or a broken TV of the same model on which the screen is still functional. You might find one on eBay, and you can hire a technician to change out the panel.
Whether your TV is LCD, LED, plasma screen, or 4K (Ultra HD), the cost to fix common problems ranges from $60 to $350, depending on the repair type and the brand of TV being repaired.
The function of an inverter board in a TV is to power the backlight of the screen. The inverter board requires a few hundred volts of power. If the inverter board goes bad, this would cause the TV to power on and have sound but no picture.
A flat-screen TV bulb replacement costs between $60 to $115, with most homeowners spending $84 for parts and labor. The price for replacement bulbs ranges from $18.50 to $80.
If an older model LCD TV or projection TV powers on and has sound but no picture, this may be due to lamp burnout, which is both common and expected. In this case, replacing the bulb will fix the problem. An experienced technician should be able to replace the bulb quickly and easily.
Flat screen replacement glass is not available. The only option for flat-screen TV glass repair is to try optical glass glue, which costs $1.70 for a 5-ml. tube. This may be an option for TV glass repair if the crack is only a few inches or less. TV panels are built as one unit at the factory, with the glass adhered to the display panel.
LCD flat-panel repair is not considered cost-effective. If the glass is cracked or the display is physically damaged, it is cheaper to replace the entire TV than to repair or replace the display panel.
The cost of flat-screen TV repair ranges from $42 to $359. You cannot fix a broken screen, but the price of a new flat-panel TV starts from around $249 for a 1080-mp (non-4K) LED TV from LG to as much as $14,999 for an 85-inch 8K LED TV from Samsung. A TV referred to as a “flat TV” or “flat-screen” TV might be any of the following:
LCD TV repair typically costs $60 to $85 for diagnostics testing, and $200 to $300 to perform repairs. LCD TVs use backlighting, which may fail. Newer LCD TVs use LED strips for backlighting. Older ones might use CCFL. If CCFL backlighting fails, a technician can replace it with LED backlighting.
An LED TV is just an LCD TV that uses LED backlighting, which all newer models do (older models use CCFL backlighting). The cost to replace one LED backlighting strip ranges from $100 to $122, including parts and labor.
The cost to replace the motherboard, inverter, or LED"s in a 4K TV ranges from $100 to $275 or more depending on the brand and model. The cost for screen repair for a 4K TV is irrelevant because it cannot be fixed or replaced at a cost that is lower than the cost of a new 4K TV.
Digital light processing (DLP) TVs are also known as projection TVs. DLP big screens have not been made since 2012, and DLP TV repair is usually not worth the cost except for a lamp burnout, in which the bulb can be replaced. The cost to replace bulbs ranges from $60 to $115.
Lamp burnout -In a projection TV or older LCD TV, no picture may be caused by lamp burnout. In this case, a technician can replace the bulb quickly and easily.
Not included in these prices from Best Buy are 1080P screens, which range from $249 to $279 for 43-inch TVs from brands like Samsung, Sony, and LG. On the upper end, Sony and Samsung both have 95-inch 8K LED TVs for $69,999.
In most cases, a flat-screen TV can be fixed. The exception is a physically damaged display panel or screen. Most other issues including failing speakers, backlights, or power supply. Burned out fuses and damaged input ports can also be repaired.
If the screen is not physically damaged but is not showing a picture or is displaying “snow’” or vertical or horizontal lines, a technician can repair the TV by replacing failed components. If the screen is physically damaged, it cannot be repaired.
You cannot replace a broken flat-screen display. New TVs costs anywhere from $249 for a 1080P (non 4K) LED TV from LG to as much as $14,999 for an 85” 8K LED TV from Samsung.
Most TVs sold today are known as “flat screen TVs,” which is just a way of describing their appearance as a thin rectangle less than 10 inches thick. Modern flat screen TVs differ from older models, called CRTs or cathode ray tube TVs. Those televisions had curved screens and were often quite thick.
Today, flat screen TVs range from LED and LCD televisions that have been around for a few decades to upgraded models known as OLED and 4K TVs, which boast better picture quality. Plasma screen TVs were once a popular type of flat screen TV. However, they have fallen out of popularity. Most TVs sold today are also smart TVs, which means they can connect to the internet. Older flat screen models that need repair are sometimes not smart. The table below describes these common television types and how much each usually costs to repair.
Repairs for LCD TVs cost between $60 and $475. LCD televisions are one of the most popular options on the market, available in a wide range of sizes and styles. They use an LCD (liquid crystal display) with backlights to produce images. The backlights, screen, and other components may get damaged over time and need repairing. The most common problems for LCD TVs are bad power supplies and dead capacitors that may need repair or replacement.
LED TV repairs range from $60 to $475, depending on the scale of the problem. LED televisions are a specific type of LCD TV that use LED backlights to illuminate the liquid crystal display. These TVs usually produce more colorful and vibrant images and are more energy-efficient, but the LED backlights may need to be repaired or replaced over time. Another common problem is a broken inverter that requires repair or replacement.
4K TV repairs range from $100 to $350. A 4K television provides some of the clearest and most detailed images because of the very high resolution of its screen, providing more engaging viewing experiences. There are different types of 4K TVs, including some that use LED and others that use OLED. Basically, a television is considered 4K if it has ultra high definition. These models can be expensive to purchase and repair, but in many cases, repairs may not be possible on these units. So, their overall repair costs may be lower simply because some repairs may not be offered. Issues that are repairable include inverter, backlight, and power supply problems.
Plasma TV repairs average $100 to $485. These televisions are made up of pixels filled with gas that light up when an electrical current is applied. They are less popular today, and most companies have stopped making them. But they can still be found in many homes and are subject to problems like screen burn and distorted colors. While some repairs on these TVs are possible, such as when the power supply fails, many issues cannot be repaired due to the rarity of replacement parts. Screen burns and problems that require screen replacement render the television not-fixable.
OLED TV repairs cost between $100 and $1,000 on average. They are the next step up from a standard LED TV, with OLED standing for organic light-emitting diodes. OLED televisions can achieve deeper blacks and higher contrast compared to standard LED screens. However, they can be very expensive to purchase and repair. Unfortunately, some OLED TVs are quite susceptible to “burn-in,” which is officially known as permanent image retention. When this occurs, an image remains on the TV even though it is shut off. The problem may require screen replacement.
You might not know exactly which part of your TV is broken or damaged at first. The symptoms of a broken television vary from vertical colored lines across the screen to audio issues, power problems, and even situations where the television starts normally but then turns itself off. For this reason, most repairs start with a diagnostic so that the problem can be found and a plan made for repair. For some repairs to be made, the part will need to be replaced, while in other cases, repair or replacement of that part may not be possible. The table below shows common problems and average repair costs for each.
Repairing vertical lines on the screen averages $150 to $400. This is usually an issue associated with your TV’s control board or motherboard, which may be damaged and need to be either repaired or replaced. Resetting the television to its factory defaults may fix the issue. Or, a loose cable may be causing the problem. If resetting the television and reseating the cables does not work, a repair person will need to open the TV to diagnose and repair the issue.
Repairing a cracked TV screen costs from $400 to $1,000 or even more. Cracked screens cannot be repaired, they can only be replaced, and they are very expensive, sometimes exceeding the cost of a new TV. For this reason, if you have a cracked screen, it will probably have to be replaced entirely, or the manufacturer will need to handle the repair at one of their facilities or via a mobile repair service.
TVs are made up of various parts and components, all working together to produce lights, colors, pictures, and sounds for your entertainment. Over time, accidents may happen that damage these parts, or they might just wear down over the years through repeated use. For example, an HDMI port may become bent after a plug is reinserted several times. Alternatively, one of the lights inside the TV responsible for illumination may fail, causing the entire screen to go dark. The circuit boards that act as the brain and power source for the TV may also fail or short-circuit because of repetitive use, energy spikes, or other power problems. Many parts of the TV are fully repairable. Paying to repair the TV may be more cost-effective than buying a new one. The table below shows common TV repairs and the costs for each.
Backlight repairs average $100 to $200. The backlight is what illuminates the display of your television, providing the brightness and color. It may be in the form of LED light strips or fluorescent lights, depending on which television type you have. When the lights are in a series, one bad light may cause the entire screen to fail. If these lights develop a problem, a repairman must open it up and make adjustments to get them functioning again.
TV inverter repairs cost between $100 and $210 each. The inverter powers up the backlights for your television, and they can stop working if their capacitors break down. Symptoms of a failing or failed inverter include no picture, a faint picture, or a flashing screen. The power button may still illuminate, and the sound may work fine even though the inverter is broken. Repairs are made by fitting new capacitors in place.
TV screen repairs cost between $300 and $1,000, but in many cases, repairing the screen is not possible. Since the screen is usually the most expensive part of the television and one of the most sensitive to impacts and other damage, an expert may advise you to simply buy a new television instead of having it repaired. It is worth getting a diagnosis if the screen issue is not too severe because issues like flashing pixels or distorted colors may be fixable. While cracks might not be repairable, sometimes scratches and smudges are fixable.
In some cases, your TV components may not be able to be repaired, or it might be more cost-effective to replace them with new ones. The repair price includes the cost of new parts, plus the labor required to fit them into place and remove the broken components. While some components can be replaced, they may be extremely expensive or cost-prohibitive to do so. This is mainly in the case of panels and screens because they often contain too many parts to replace on their own. The table below shows average costs for a variety of common replacements:
Replacing a TV capacitor is inexpensive, starting at $60 to $300. If more than one capacitor needs replacing, it is usually less expensive to replace the entire board. Capacitors cannot be repaired, so replacement is the only option. Replacing the capacitor may fix problems with slow start-up times, screen flickering, disappearing pictures, and sound problems.
TV bulb replacement costs average $100 to $200. Bulbs are usually found only in older models of LCD TVs or projection TVs. They are used to illuminate the display so that the picture can be seen. Bulbs are relatively easy to replace, but the material costs are a little higher with bulbs when compared to other components, leading to varied replacement prices from model to model. Replacing a bulb can fix a flickering television or a dark screen problem.
TV backlight replacements cost between $100 and $200 on average, depending on the television size and scale and the type and number of lights required. If you have LED lights, parts may be more expensive, leading to higher total costs. Usually when backlight problems occur, the bulbs or diodes are dead and need to be replaced. Replacing the TV backlight helps fix the problem where the TV is half or fully dark when turned on, and the image is only partially visible.
TV screen replacement costs at least $400 to $4,200 and may even cost more. The screen is the most expensive part of a TV. So usually, the cost of replacing it is higher than just buying a new unit because of the labor involved. In some cases, this is because the screen cannot be replaced without also replacing most of the other components, particularly for TVs like LED, LCD, or plasma. Most professional repair companies do not offer screen or panel replacement as a service. The only way to get a new screen is to have it fixed under warranty by the manufacturer.
TV panel replacement costs a minimum of $400 to $5,000 and often a lot more on some of the high-end 4K and Smart screen displays. Because the cost of a replacement panel is so high, it is usually more cost-effective to simply purchase a new television. Like the screen, this is due to the number of components involved. Therefore, most repair places will not offer panel replacement as a service.
To fix your TCL TV blank screen, you should expect to pay about $60 to $400. One characteristic repair of the TCL brand is a black screen with no picture. This can be a fuse that has blown, or it may require a major change, such as a new main board. Some TCL owners also report having problems with the sound, which may require repairing the speakers. Sound problems may also indicate an issue with a cable.
Damaged cables can cause a TV to flicker or grow dim. Repair prices for damaged cables are $75 to $200. Samsung TV owners cite this flickering or dimming of the screen as a common issue with this brand. Sometimes the settings for the eco sensor or the energy-saving feature create this problem. Turning either of those off may fix the issue. In some cases, Samsung TVs may experience overheating and a resulting hardware failure or motherboard problem that requires repair or replacement of the motherboard.
Hisense TVs have a history of display difficulties and could cost you about $100 to $200. Typically, it means you need a new inverter, or it could signal the beginning of the end for your Hisense television. A black screen may also indicate a problem with the motherboard, which usually requires complete replacement. A technician can test the TV to determine whether the motherboard is bad.
The Vizio TV is known for its screen of death (a blank or black screen) and usually costs about $200 to $400. The problem is most often a blown motherboard, and replacement is the only option. A factory reset may be a solution. If that doesn"t work, the motherboard is the best possible answer. Vizio TVs also commonly have problems with lines on the screen. This issue is occasionally fixable with a hard reset or factory reset. However, it often requires a motherboard replacement, too.
Often, you must decide whether it is worth repairing your TV. In some situations, the cost of repairs is higher than the price of a new TV. For example, when screens are cracked or damaged, the cost of replacing a panel is usually much higher than simply buying a new TV. For major repairs, it is often cheaper to buy a new TV. However, for minor repairs, it is less expensive to call a repair person and get the TV fixed.
It is recommended to replace electronics whenever the cost of repairs equals or exceeds half the cost of a new purchase. It is also recommended that you replace your television if the new version is less than $200, or if your screen is smaller than 32”. For example, it costs around $150 for a new motherboard in an LG Model 24LF452B 24” TV, which takes around one hour to repair. As a result, you would pay between $190 and $210 to repair your old set, while it is possible to purchase a new one for less.
Keep your TV clean. Over time, dust, pet hair, and bits of dirt can build up on the screen and get inside the television via vents and ports. This dust accumulation can affect a TV’s operation and make it more likely to break down.
Yes, flat-screen TVs can frequently be fixed, including issues with the screen, sound, lighting, cables, and interior components. However, there are some situations where flat-screen TVs cannot be fixed, such as when the screen is severely cracked.How do you fix a broken TV screen?
Not all TV screens can be fixed or replaced. Certain types have components behind the screen that can be damaged by its removal. However, if you choose to proceed, remove all external cables, unplug your set, and lay it face down on a flat, soft surface. Remove any screws holding the frame in place and then gently remove the frame and set it aside. Put your new screen in place and reconnect the internal cables in the same manner you disconnected them. It is usually best to get a professional to handle TV repairs, and the cost of replacement screens is often very high. So, it may be more cost-effective to get a new TV.How many years will a flat-screen TV last?
This is not recommended. If you leave a TV on for too long, it may overheat, which could damage interior components like the motherboard. It may also do damage to the screen and risk ‘burning’ an image into the display, as well as damaging the backlights.Do Smart TVs use more electricity?
Having black spots on a TV screen can be very confusing and annoying for most TV owners. If you just spotted a black spot on your TV screen, you are probably worried that you’ll need to replace the entire set. But this should not be the case, especially since you spent a handsome figure getting the best TV available.
Perhaps the most common cause of black spots is dirt and debris that have accumulated on the surface of the TV screen over time. If ignored, it will lead to black spots.
Most TV owners would consider sending their TVs back to their manufacturer when they spot a black spot, like sending your best Vizio TV back to Vizio. Unfortunately, this can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if you’ve invested in one of the highest-rated OLED TVs and/or large models like the top 70-inch TV.
While most new TVs sold are smart TVs, you can still buy what is referred to now as “dumb TVs.” If you want a TV without apps and an internet connection, this is the TV for you. If that interests you, check out these top-rated dumb TVs. But keep in mind, unlike most new TVs, dumb TVs will usually be smaller, like a 24-inch size TV, for example. Regardless if the TV is smart or dumb, it can develop black spots, however. Fortunately, fixing a black spot is relatively easy. As a result, we have compiled a guide on how to fix a black spot on a TV screen.
Black spots can be a pain, especially if you just bought a wide color gamut TV and are looking to have enjoyable weekends. Regardless of where the black spot is located on your TV screen, it will stand out like a sore thumb. It’ll be the first thing you spot when your TV screen lights up. Black spots on your TV screen are caused by debris, dead pixels, or stuck pixels. This can be especially annoying if you invested in the best anti-glare TV and depend on good visuals for a good TV experience.Dirt or Debris: Perhaps the most common cause of black spots. Dirt and debris accumulate on the surface of the TV screen over time, and if ignored, will lead to black spots. If you have the best outdoor TV, be sure to keep up with maintenance and regularly clean it.
Manufacturer defect: Black spots will appear due to a violation of the assembly. They don’t appear immediately and often lead to damage to the display matrix. A warranty usually covers black spots caused by manufacturer defects.
Dead pixel: It’s pretty different from a stuck pixel but often gets confused for one. While a stuck pixel will light up when the TV is turned on but does not change color, a dead pixel doesn’t light up at all. This is because all of their sub-pixels are turned off permanently, and since they don’t light up, they look like black spots on the TV screen. You can read our article on how to fix dead pixels on a TV to learn more about dead pixels.
Fixing black spots on your TV screen is quite simple.First, turn off your television and unplug it from the power source for a few hours. Sometimes, turning off the power on your TV will force the stuck pixel to become unstuck when you finally plug your TV back to the mains.
Next, verify that the black spot issues aren’t caused by any devices plugged into your TV, like a console or cable box. Remove all cables connecting your TV to components, and then plug them back in. Sometimes, loose connections cause distorted images that look like dead pixels.
If a black spot is still visible, contact your manufacturer or repair shop for repair service. Depending on the time and nature of the black spot, The TV manufacturer might cover the repair under warranty. You can also try the clouding LED TV fix, which solves the black spot problem common among new TVs but often disappears as time passes.
Regardless of where the black spot is located on your TV screen, it will stand out like a sore thumb. It’ll be the first thing you spot when your TV screen lights up.
While a stuck pixel will light up when the TV is turned on but does not change color, a dead pixel doesn’t light up at all. This is because all of their sub-pixels are turned off permanently, and since they don’t light up, they look like black spots on the TV screen.
Perhaps the most common cause of black spots is dirt and debris that have accumulated on the surface of the TV screen over time. If ignored, it will lead to black spots.
The most attractive part of your phone is the screen, yet it’s also the most delicate component. This is why it requires special care and attention. Physical damage to your screen mostly takes the form of obvious cracks in the glass, but you may also come across what appears like an ink spot (blot) or bleeding pixels. When the black spot is spreading on your phone screen, you need to have the screen replaced. If you try to repair the phone yourself, you may cause more damage to it, thus complicating the issue.
Hence, seek the help of professionals. Fortunately, Carlcare service center is here to assist you in replacing the damaged screen with an original unit.
Our trained technicians have a great wealth of experience in fixing various issues with a phone’s screen, offering you a flawless screen replacement service best suited to your specific model. Let’s learn more!
When that happens, black and/or blue and purple spots may appear on your screen. If an individual pixel gets damaged, it’ll stay turned off and also appear black.
When more pixels become damaged, the black spots will spread over your phone’s screen like an oil stain. While there are some tips given online on fixing this issue, applying them may do further damage to your device. The best line of action to follow is to seek professional help.
To solve the issue of black spot spreading on your phone’s screen, you need to get the screen replaced. When looking for a screen replacement, here are some factors to take into consideration:
If you’re using a TECNO, Infinix, or itel phone , the best option for repairing the device is the Carlcare Service — the sole authorized service center of these brands. One of the perks Carlcare offers you is that if your smartphone’s warranty is still valid or you have an additional Screen protection plan, you might be able to cut down on the cost of the screen replacement service.
If the black (ink) spot is spreading on the screen of your Infinix, TECNO, or itel phone, simply walk into a Carlcare service center nearby and have it replaced. Join the thousands of customers that love our repair service due to the following benefits we provide for them:
All newly repaired phone screens purchased from Carlcare have a solid warranty of up to 90 days. The meaning of this is that if the screen has any defect within that warranty period, we’ll fix it for you for free.
This is another reason why you should use Carlcare repair service for your phone screen replacement. On our website or via the Carlcare app, you can check the cost of a screen replacement service for popular Infinix, TECNO, and Itel models, including iPhone and other phone brands as well. Simply visit the Carlcare official website, scroll up, and place the icon on Check.
Alternatively, launch the Carlcare app, then press Price to know the price details. By doing so, you can have an idea of how much to budget for screen replacement. However, note that the prices you’ll see are not fixed.
The iPad Pro 10.5 can commonly have a problem where the screen has dark spots along the edges of the screen after replacing the screen. Sometimes it is even possible for this to happen without repairing or opening the device. The first and easiest solution that you can try first is to restart the iPad Pro 10.5.
The dark spots on the iPad Pro 10.5 is typically a problem with the backlight. The screen assembly is composed of three parts. The digitizer is part of the glass that registers when you touch the screen with your finger. The LCD is the middle part of the screen that makes the picture with the different colors. Lastly, the backlight illuminates everything with small LEDs along the edges of the screen to evenly light up the screen. Normally there are two rows of LEDs that connect every other LED. That is why it is possible to get dark spots on every other light instead of having half of the screen be dark.
If the iPad has never been opened before then it is possible for this problem to be due to tech damage if the screen is known to be working. If the logic board of the device is not disconnected from the battery then it is possible to damage some of the components on the mainboard and that would require a microsoldering repair to fix the problem.
If the iPad Pro 10.5 has never been repaired before then it is possible that the screen is defective. A new screen might fix the dark spots on the screen but there is also a chance that a hard impact or drop might have caused a component on the logic board to loosen causing this problem. (a logic board is the same as a motherboard, it’s what controls everything on the phone.).
1. Turn off the device. If you are able to turn the ipad off normally by holding the power button and sliding to unlock then you can try that method. If you would like to perform a full hard reset then press the power button and the home button at the same time for about 10 seconds. The screen should shut off and come back on automatically to the Apple logo
If the backlight is not repaired by restarting the device then most likely you have a faulty screen or a problem on the logic board. We use special microsoldering tools to inspect and test the display and the motherboard in order to find the damaged component. If a logic board component, like a diode, is burned or broken then we can remove, clean and replace the part. If the dark spots are due to a motherboard problem then only a microsoldering tech with logic board repair experience can fix this problem successfully without damaging any other components.
Are there lines or spots in your iPhone screen? We understand you might think this is quite strange and not how it should be. You are correct and in this blog we will explain you what the stripes and/or spots mean. With that in mind we will take a look at the following issues: Green lines on the screen of your iPhone X, XS or 11 pro
When iPhones that have OLED screens – iPhone X, XS, 11 Pro – are dropped on the floor, the part that makes sure the screen works can get damaged. You can tell this happend when a green vertical line appears on your screen after you dropped the phone. This means your phone is not able to send the data that it’s supposed to show to the screen anymore. And is therefore showing a green line instead.
Sometimes it happens that white or grey vertical stripes appear on your phone screen. These lines usually go together with your touch screen not working correctly. This defect is caused by a short circuit in the screen. The white lines only appear on iPhones (5s, SE, 6, 6s, 7, 8) that have an LCD screen. LCD is the technique that is used to show the content on your phone’s screen.
When your screen has cracked, it is extremely vulnerable. A result of this vulnerability can be that the OLED, the part that makes the screen whole, also gets damaged. Causing black and/or blue and purple spots to show on the screen. If an individual pixel has been damaged, it will stay turned off and appear black. Once more pixels get damaged the black spots with spread over the screen like an oil stain.
What might be even more important then knowing the cause of the problem, is the solution to the problem. However, unfortunately all the above mentioned problems have the same solution: replacing the screen. You can have your screen replaced by all profesional smartphone repair stores in The Netherlands. Of course you can always go to ThePhoneLab when you are in Amsterdam, Utrecht of Haarlem. Through our website you can easily make an appointment, if you want to do so right away please click here. If you would just like to know the price for your screen repair right now, then click here.
I had a look and the prices I stated above seem accurate. On eBay the only other used ~42" 1080p LCD TV within 25 miles of me has an asking price of about £120. Mind you I did neglect to check gumtree.
I was surprised not to see any other old beasts for sale with enormous (by today"s standards) bezels like mine has. I"m guessing most have died by now? One thing I can praise my TV for is its speaker quality - far better than any other smaller bezel-ed monitors/TVs I"ve encountered, and no wonder as it"s almost like it"s got an in-built soundbar below the screen judging by size. Going by the hideous sound quality of my PC monitor, I"d probably be compelled to buy a soundbar along with a replacement TV if my current one packed in.
Samsung’s best 4K UHD LCD TV delivers terrific image quality, particularly when it comes to HDR, and it serves up a quartet of 120Hz-enabled HDMI ports plus a nifty remote that can be charged via RF harvesting. We were annoyed by Samsung’s convoluted Smart Hub TV interface, which requires too many clicks for our taste. That said, the QN90B is the best-looking 4K LCD TV you can buy right now.
CRT TVs were around for more 50 years and were still being improved when they fell out of favor. LCD TVs aren’t nearly that mature, and you’ll still find the occasional entry-level models with color and contrast issues. Color and contrast have nonetheless improved drastically in the last few years, and the improvements have trickled down almost to the lowest rung on the ladder. OLED remains at the pinnacle, but remains expensive to manufacture. I’ll talk more about LED versus OLED in a bit.
Screen size: 65-inch TVs are the hot commodity these days, but only you know which size TV fits best in your living space. Personally, I prefer 43-inchers. Go figure.
HDR: The acronym stands for high dynamic range, and it has become the norm in better TVs. HDR simply means a larger difference in luminance between the darkest area of an image and the brightest area. It doesn’t sound like much, but a lack of contrast (a comparative washed-out appearance) in LED TVs has long been an issue, especially at the entry level.
Contrast:Contrast is the distance in terms of luminance between the darkest and brightest points in an image. Part of HDR is also increasing contrast. A high-contrast TV is an HDR TV, although we’ve never heard of one called that. It just doesn’t sound sexy, I suppose. Anyway, he higher the contrast, the more subtle detail the TV can deliver.
LED-backlit LCD versus OLED: There’s a luxuriousness to the image that OLED TVs produce that appeals to many, including myself. Because each sub-pixel is its own light source, when a pixel is switched off, you get near perfect black. LED-backlit LCD TVs bleed light around and through the LCDs, which are not perfect shutters.
Even the best LED/LCD TVs can’t match the blacks of OLED. (Mini-LED gets closer—see below). On the other hand, they can generate much higher peak brightness, which compensates with most material and really makes HDR pop.
The main drawbacks of OLED as a technology are a relatively limited lifespan, and burn-in; i.e. ghosts of previous images remaining on screen. LG claims 100,000 hours to half brightness for its TVs: That’s where 500 nits becomes 250 nits, and that number of hours is calculated based on the TV displaying standard dynamic range material. HDR content will shorten an OLED’s lifespan.
Viewing angle: While most TVs look great when viewed head-on, not all look that great when viewed from an angle. So, if you’re planning to host Super Bowl parties or other events where people will watch from oblique angles, make sure you check into this aspect. Anti-glare coatings, as well as the type of LCDs used: IPS (In-Plane Switching), TN (Twisted Nematic), VA (Vertically Aligned), etc., can affect the image when viewed from other than purely perpendicular.
Backlighting: Two basic types of backlighting are used in LED-backlit LCD TVs: array and edge lit. As previously discussed, every element in an OLED (or micro-LED) panel is its own backlight.
Array backlighting is simply a grid of LEDs placed directly behind the screen. It’s an advanced type of what was once referred to as direct backlighting. Edge lighting, as you’ve probably guessed, places the light source around the edge of the display. The photons emitted by the source are redirected by various means (tunnels, light pipes, reflective materials, et al) to the filter and LCD layers of the display. Edge lighting has generally been relegated to entry-level TVs.
Array backlighting produces better blacks than edge lighting, though how much better depends on a number of factors, such as the quality of the LCDs (some leak less light than others), the algorithms used to darken the zones (the individual lights or light groups), and the material being displayed. Array backlighting can also produce significantly more brightness than edge lighting, which comes in handy for HDR.
Mini-LED is the latest development in LED/array backlighting. TCL was first to market with it, but Samsung’s latest TVs also feature the technology. Basically, the LEDs are much smaller, there are far more of them, and they’re placed much closer to the filter and LCD layers, reducing bleed and deepening blacks while simultaneously increasing brightness. It’s not quite OLED, but it’s a lot closer than normal array or edge LED backlighting.
While edge lighting is on it’s way out, it does have one advantage. It generally doesn’t suffer the odd artifacts—such as blocking (obvious dark or light squares), moiré, and shimmer—that array backlighting can produce.
Screen uniformity: With very bright scenes, cheaper TVs will suffer cloudy areas due to either poor anti-glare coating or uneven backlighting. Poorly designed TVs might show dark areas, generally in the corners, where the backlighting doesn’t reach. These problems have been mitigated the last few years, but they’re still something you should look for—and avoid.
All things being equal, you have twice as many redraws to play with on a 120Hz set as on a 60Hz set, and motion will nearly always look smoother with a higher refresh rate. Case in point: the best LED-backlit LCD sets all have 120Hz hardware refresh rates. Look for the hardware refresh rate.Or ask; it can be hard to find.
As far as the remotes on their own, LG’s Magic Remote is the gold standard, with an honorable mention to the Roku remote. I love the look and feel of Samsung’s One Remote and its clever rocker channel and volume buttons, but too many common functions are off-loaded to the onscreen interface. It requires a lot more clicks than the others.
While I’ve described the features you should look for in a TV, as I said before, image quality is the biggest part of the equation, and that you largely judge with your eyes. That said, there are some handy, cheap, color- and brightness-measuring apps for smartphones these days. Even if they’re not 100-percent accurate, you can compare the results to spot differences.
Blues are nearly always pretty accurate, but look for greens with too much yellow, and reds that are orangish rather than pure red. The black with a dark gray rectangle will reveal light leakage. (The gray is to keep the TV from shutting off the backlight completely.)
The white image below (it’s there, right-click) allows you to look for uneven coatings and dark spots where the backlight coverage is spotty. You’ll most often see that in the corners.
You can search the web for 4K UHD HDR demos, and finding suitable ones, load them on your USB stick. Sony’s Contrast Demos are particularly useful to test blacks and backlighting. Beyond that, highly detailed scenes such as cityscapes, fine patterns, and forest scenes are handy for spotting shimmer and moiré. Quick pans over large patterns and car chases can be good for spotting jerky motion.
YouTube is also a good source for HDR, 4K UHD, and even 8K UHD content to test TVs with. It’s often highly compressed, but generally indicative. There are even “zone counters” for counting the number of zones in the array backlighting. Watch the small white block move along the edge of a black screen and each time it dims (or brightens—your choice) it has traveled over a new zone.
Hi! I’ve been using my Casio keyboard for years now and in one incident, I just noticed a dark spot on its LCD screen. As seen on the photo, there is a cover underneath the panel and the dark spot is right on the LCD. When I turn off the keyboard, it’s still there. I am in question on how and why this happened. Any answers will be much appreciated. Thanks!
If there"s anything more annoying than acne and breakouts, it"s the stubborn dark spots they leave behind on my face and body. And if you"re also someone who deals with hyperpigmentation—whether it"s from skin inflammation, cystic acne, the sun, or hormones—then you probably know just how common—and frustrating—skin discoloration can be to cover up and/or treat. So to help you out (and let"s be honest, to help myself out), I turned to the experts for the best advice on how to get rid of dark spots on your skin, based on every type and cause. Keep reading for everything you really, truly need to know.
Dark spots seem to be pretty self-explanatory—they"re spots and patches that are darker than the rest of your skin—but the causes and treatments can be different. For example, that pimple that left behind a dark acne scar (aka post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) is a common cause for dark spots, but injuries, hormones, and sun exposure can also leave your skin with discoloration that may or may not go away on its own.
Fortunately for you (and me), we"ve got a few treatments to get rid of dark spots and dark patches. Buuut that being said, this is the part where I remind you that the first step to getting rid of dark spots is to see a dermatologist who can identify what type of discoloration you’re working with, figure out the cause, and then determine the best treatment options for your skin.
"The cause of the dark spots is actually an important consideration in how to treat them," Dr. Pierre explains. "Although there is definitely an overlap in treatment plans, different combinations will be used depending on the factors at play." Basically, a dark spot caused by acne won"t necessarily be treated the same way as a dark patch caused by hormones.
While you wait for that consultation with your doc, find out all about the best at-home products and in-office treatments for fading dark spots, below.
Many dark spots will eventually go away on their own, but how long that takes can be anywhere from a few weeks to a few years. Yup, years. So if you"re trying to get rid of dark spots on your skin at home—and fast—look for products that contain these ingredients to fade hyperpigmentation asap.
Ditch your face scrub (sorry, but scrubs are generally too aggressive for skin that"s prone to dark spots and hyperpigmentation anyways), and get yourself a chemical exfoliant/acid, instead.One chemical exfoliant that Dr. Pierre recommends for dark spots is glycolic acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps dissolve and shed the "glue" between dead, discolored skin cells, leaving you with a clearer, brighter, all-around glowier face.
Plus, by chemically exfoliating away surface-level dead cells, your skin will be better able to absorb any spot treatments or brightening serums you apply afterward, which helps make them more effective. Win-win.
Another type of chemical exfoliant is called beta hydroxy acids (BHA), which you might know as salicylic acid. As a general rule, dark spots from acne benefit from using chemical exfoliators with salicylic acid because it not only helps with redness and irritation, but it also helps clear excess oil from your pores. Basically, a treatment and a cure. And not only does salicylic acid gently exfoliate, but it also helps to encourage the formation of new skin cells to further help with dark spots.
Retinoids (either prescription or OTC, like the ones below) can work wonders for smoothing fine lines, exfoliating, and yup, improving dark spots by stimulating collagen production and speeding up cell turnover—i.e., churning out fresher, newer, brighter skin—but be sure to start low and go slow.
Retinol is notorious for irritating skin at first—something Dr. Pierre says you definitely don"t want. "You should minimize any irritation to the area because inflammation can damage the pigment cells, causing them to leak out more pigment," Dr. Pierre explains. Basically, going too fast and applying too much at first can just make dark spots worse.
It"s one of the most popular ingredients in the skincare world rn, and lucky for you, it also happens to be great at treating dark spots. Use it alone or in combination with other skin brighteners to fade existing hyperpigmentation and give your skin tone an even, glowy look. Niacinamide is also anti-inflammatory, so it"s a great option for anyone with sensitive, redness-prone skin, adds Dr. Marchbein. Try it in a serum, like one of these four top-rated options below.
Hydroquinone gets a bad rap, but Dr. Pierre refers to as the king for dark spots.It"s a v powerful bleaching ingredient for lightening hyperpigmentation, and can be especially helpful for melasma. That being said, hydroquinone can also be highly irritating and is slowly being discontinued from over-the-counter products—which is kind of a good thing, since you shouldsee your dermatologist before trying hydroquinone so you can maximize your results while minimizing side effects.
If you aren"t already using a vitamin C serum in your regular routine, wyed!? Never mind the fact that this antioxidant helps protect your skin against free-radical damage from UV radiation and pollution and stimulates collagen production, vitamin C also blocks pigment production and prevents existing pigment from getting darker.
Another ingredient Dr. Pierre says would be the most effective at improving the appearance of dark spots is tranexamic acid, whichhelps brighten skin and inhibit excess melanin production. It might not be as well-known (or as intense) as some of the other treatments on this list, but it"s commonly paired with them to combat hyperpigmentation and melasma. Try it one of these four treatments, below.
Another antioxidant to look for (and one of Dr. Pierre"s top picks) is kojic acid, which is a favorite for brightening the skin because of its ability to inhibit the production of excess pigment. Committing to a dark-spot-correcting serum with any and all of the brightening ingredients we mentioned before (vitamin c, retinol, tranexamic acid, kojic acid)—can significantly speed up the process and help fade dark spots even faster.
If there"s only one thing you follow from this entire list, make it this one: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more every. single. day. Not only does regularly using sunblock help to prevent skin cancer,it also shields your skin from harmful UV rays—the culprit behind most dark spots.
In response to the sun"s UV rays, cells send out protective pigment (or melanin) to keep your skin from getting burned. You know this process as "getting tan," but it"s really your skin trying to protect itself. So although you might like your summer bronze, know that deep within the layers of your skin, you now have damage that will later surface as tiny dark spots on your face. Also important to note: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from breakouts is made worse by the sun, so wearing SPF is a must for keeping the cycle from occurring. "Find a formula you like that"s got SPF 30 or more and stick to it," says Jennifer David, DO.
At-home skincare routines take time to visibly fade dark spots (like, a solid three to six months, minimum). If you want your dark spots gone fast—like for a wedding or special event—and are ready to drop some $$ (sry, these treatments are on the pricey side) you can head to the dermatologist for the following:
Chemical face peels can successfully treat all kinds of hyperpigmentation, including dark spots. Your derm will asses your skin and then cook up a blend of acids and skin brighteners (like the ones I mentioned above) to exfoliate the top layers of your skin and, in the case of stronger peels, target irregular pigment in the deeper layers. Prices vary from practice to practice, but expect to shell out $300+ per peel—and know that you may need multiple treatments to achieve the best results. Two pro peels I personally love for fading dark spots are from PCA Skin and VI Peel...ask your doc about them!
There are various lasers that help brighten and even out skin tone, but the kind you need to know about are called non-ablative fractional. "This type of laser—when combined with a good skincare routine is really the move for treating dark marks," says Jason Emer, MD. It uses heat to help reduce pigment in the upper and deeper layers of the skin (and also stimulate collagen production, which is why it"s also commonly used for skin smoothing and tightening). There are a bunch of these lasers out there, including Fraxel and Clear & Brilliant, but Dr. Emer recommends the Sciton Moxi (expect to spend around $800 for a treatment). It"s safe for all skin types, can be done year-round, and involves little to no downtime.
Dr. Pierre also suggests microneedling with special topical preparations as another option for treating dark spots—as long as you leave it to the pros. The treatment involves tiny punctures with needles to encourage the body"s wound-healing response and stimulate collagen and elastin production, which can be really effective when done correctly and safely. But remember how I said injuries or irritation could lead to extra dark spots? Yeah, exactly. Which is why this isn"t something you want to experiment with yourself.
"All of these professional treatment are powerful and should be used cautiously, particularly on patients with darker skin types to avoid irritation and further discoloration," says Dr. David. So only ever book a treatment with a board-certified derm or plastic surgeon, and be sure to ask to see before-and-after pics of patients with your skin tone.