Bought NEC 20WGX2 Pro - backlight bleeding?!...

P

Padawan

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Nov 18, 2007
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Hi.

So I bought a NEC 20WGX2 Pro LCD, and it has no dead, hot or stuck pixels (at least I couldn't spot any). Some of you might remember my previous post in which I asked what is the chance to get a panel with freckles: http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1242778&highlight=nec+20wgx2

The monitor is really great, but... I'm not quite sure if it is not flawed. Since I don't possess a digital camera at the moment - I'll do my best to depict the problem in words.

The problem is: when I use a maximized window (like I'm using Opera right now), with it's three usual buttons (close etc.) in the upper right corner, and then turn the screen black - the image of "x" and two other buttons remains! Spectator can easily spot bright outlines of the three buttons. As well as an area around them which fades as you move to the center of the screen. "x" remains in the upper right corner for a few minutes and then, gradually, disappears.

The entire area seems to shine through underneath. Is this the dreaded "backlight bleeding"? Is it normal with this LCD? I remember having the same issue with my previous Samsung 970P, although it was not as apparent as it is with NEC beauty. Is it somehow connected with panel's luminosity? 20WGX2 Pro is said to be an extremely bright panel... and I've been using factory settings, if it is of any significance.

Thank you in advance to all 20WMGX2, 20WGX2 Pro/non-Pro users and other LCD specialists who are willing to help.

EDIT: I have just learnt the problem I experience is called "persistent images". But what it is caused by? And does this happen to all 20WGX2 Pro? Is there a way to get rid of "persistent images"?
 
This sounds like an image persistence or "image retention" issue, which I can't help you with, though I'd guess it is related to your brightness setting.

Backlight bleeding is when a potion of the panel, usually along the top and bottom, remains brighter than the rest of the panel at all times. On every TN panel, for example, if you put up a solid black screen, you will notice the top and bottom of the panel are brighter than the rest of the panel.
 
Thanks for the tip - I will try to do something with the brightness setting.

Yes, that's what I thought. The dreaded image persistence. On a Polish LCD forum I've found a picture of 20WMGX2 experiencing the issue, here's a link http://mva.pl/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2703 That's what I experience on 20WGX2 Pro, but in the upper right corner of the screen only, and in my case image persistence seems milder.

As so I have further questions: does this happen to all 20WMGX2 and 20WGX2 Pro/non-Pro, or am I just a bit unlucky? Is image persistence a risk you agree to take on when buying an LCD (as is the lottery with hot/dead/stuck pixels)? Last but not least, am I in the right to get a replacement from NEC?
 
I never experienced this on my 20WMGX2, I bought it in the first week Fry's had em'
Though mine has died recently, power supply issue I think. I haven't traded it in or RMA'd it yet, but it looks like I'm gonna be screwed with this image persistance I've read quite a bit about
 
If the problem keeps up call NEC and they will send you another monitor with no cost shipping. Some NEC's seem to "break-in" after a week or so. Seems the fluid pressure or somesuch can be higher in some units and until they break in you can see some artifacts (in upper corners usually). I have 3 NEC's and 2 of them were perfect but one had image persistence that was pretty bad and never improved. NEC took it back without a hassle. Even my good NEC's got even better after a couple weeks use and they did better on calibration measures. If your still seeing stuff after a week or so send it back.
 
You're gonna be screwed? You mean you will undoubtedly get one with image persistency?
 
If the problem keeps up call NEC and they will send you another monitor with no cost shipping. Some NEC's seem to "break-in" after a week or so. Seems the fluid pressure or somesuch can be higher in some units and until they break in you can see some artifacts (in upper corners usually). I have 3 NEC's and 2 of them were perfect but one had image persistence that was pretty bad and never improved. NEC took it back without a hassle. Even my good NEC's got even better after a couple weeks use and they did better on calibration measures. If your still seeing stuff after a week or so send it back.
Click to expand...

Well, thanks for advice, but there's a thing I am worried about: is Polish NEC as client-friendly as US NEC. Hmm, but you believe it would be wise to wait a little bit and then contact them - so sometimes image persistence wanes in time?
 
Padawan said:
You're gonna be screwed? You mean you will undoubtedly get one with image persistency?
Click to expand...


No. Most don't have the problem and NEC's returns on this monitor are actually very low. But some when new will do better after a week or so of use. If yours isn't better send it back you'll get sent a new one. Just go through the NEC number in box and not through seller.
 
Just go through the NEC number in box and not through seller.
Click to expand...

NEC number in box?

Procedure of sending back monitor in Poland is different than this in US, I presume. Assuredly, your is more convenient. I'll have to phone NEC and explain the problem (they won't read emails) - and still I am not quite sure if they will acknowledge image persistence as a sufficient reason to replace my 20WGX2 Pro.
 
In all of my NEC boxes the first thing I saw was a yellow notice saying if the monitor has any problems call NEC and not the seller (I considered this a plus since places here like Newegg have strict return criteria that is not generous but understandable due to the nature of monitors ).

NEC is a Japanese company so I don't know how they vary from place to place. I once had to return an NEC several times and found them pretty helpful about replacing monitors with an issue. I only buy NEC monitors now because I like their quality and service. Monitors to me are the hardest thing to shop for. Its a huge chore learning about them and finding the right one for needs and budget. Then its a challenge to get one that doesnt have bleeding, stuck pixels etc. WIth millions of pixels its a miracle they work as well as they can and I dont blame a place like Newegg for having strict return policies knowing just how many displays can have issues. NEC lcd's are still lcd's and some will have issues. Talking to 3 people who work at NEC in Utah they said (after I aksed them) they dont get many returns on the 20WMGX2 and I believe them. To me, NEC just offers the chance to get the best lcd and if something is wrong they don't leave you hanging or - like Dell did to me - have you make dozens of phone calls that go nowhere and take weeks to fix issues.

If you have a new LCD that has image persistence NEC will consider it defective. At least thats what they did for me. If you left an image on the display for 12 hrs that would be different but thats not your case so you shouldn't have to worry.

Below is a picture of the image persistence I had after a weeks use. If your looks that bad then send it back for sure:


 
Hell yes it DOES look that bad. Mine is very similar. On the other hand, in my case it looks as bad actually when the background is black, when the background is blue - as is in the picture - it's impossible to spot image persistence. I have my monitor for a couple of days already and I guess it was enough for image persistence to wane; but it did not, so I think I will phone NEC shortly.

Great thanks abcdelight, you've been most helpful. Should you want to add something, do so, since you are an invaluable source of information :). Can I contact you if I need any more help?

I encourage you guys to add replies as well; they might be of use.
 
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