How do I know if my new display isn't a lemon?

Hi all! I just purchased two Dell 2209WA LCD monitors and I'd like to know what I can do to ensure that the monitors I've bought aren't lemons. What kind of things should I be looking for to ensure I didn't get a bad display?

Are there any tests, benchmarks, or software that I can run to detect a bad display? I don't have any (and cannot afford) specialized color gamut equipment so anything that is recommended should be on the cheap (free) side.

Thanks!

Hmm, I've always just been satisfied with the "Does it turn on?" test. Maybe I'm just not putting enough effort into it.

http://www.prad.de/download/eizo-test.exe

Try Eizo's free utility, works on all monitors. Turn the lights off and check especially on full white screens for any dead pixels, then on a full black screen check for any excessive backlight bleeding which will present itself as glowing corners.

Edit: go here aswell: www.lagom.nl/lcd-test

Lotheron said:

Hmm, I've always just been satisfied with the "Does it turn on?" test. Maybe I'm just not putting enough effort into it.

Click to expand...

LOL!

Lotheron said:

Hmm, I've always just been satisfied with the "Does it turn on?" test. Maybe I'm just not putting enough effort into it.

Click to expand...

Ya, as long as the monitor keeps working, then it isn't a lemon.

All testers will do is look for dead pixels and backlight bleeding, but will not test for longevity. Pixel exercisers may be able to detect bad panels but that's about it probably.

Worry not OP, if you're monitor(s) started going on the fritz, you would know it right away, without the help of a non-existent software tester. This is where extended protection plans come into play.

lick it...taste like a lemon?

First download DPT.exe (Dead Pixel Tester).
http://www.download3k.com/Install-Dead-Pixel-Tester.html

Now, run the following tests
1) Open DPT.exe and select the black background. Look for backlight bleeding and uniformity.
2) Browse each colors and look for stucked/dead pixels and make sure that each color is uniformed.
3) Make sure that the monitor is level.
4) Put the monitor under a lamp and look for scratches/imperfections.

The next step would be to optimize the image quality monitor by calibrating it. A colorimeter is required for best results.

Lotheron said:

Hmm, I've always just been satisfied with the "Does it turn on?" test. Maybe I'm just not putting enough effort into it.

Click to expand...

You're clearly not neurotic enough for this sub-forum.