Checking the led monitor before buying. Monitor Test by PassMark MonitorTest

How to check a monitor or TV for dead pixels, glare and other defects? For these purposes, there are a huge number of different ways, and we will consider some of them in this article. But, friends, in such a delicate matter as checking the screen, it is not the specific method of verification, not the tools used, but a clear understanding of what possible defects we are looking for that is of more importance. And we will also talk about this below. So, you are going to buy a monitor or TV. How to check it before buying in a store or before accepting a postal parcel if it is an online order?

Instruments

To check the quality and integrity of the monitor or TV screen, there are many different Windows programs and web services. Among the first:

• Utility as part of the AIDA64 program,
• Nokia Monitor Test,
• EIZO Monitortest,
• Monitors Matter CheckScreen,
• PassMark MonitorTest, etc.

There are narrow-profile utilities only for checking for dead pixels, for example:

• Dead Pixel Tester and
• Pestretsov Dead Pixel Test.

Of the web services that offer services for various tests for the quality and integrity of the screens:

• Monteon.Ru,
• Tft.Vanity.Dk etc.

Each of these programs, each service, of course, has its own advantages, but I, friends, will tell you that you don’t need any particularly ornate tools to check a monitor or TV. Some of the tests included in such tools are needed not for checking, but for adjusting the image. To check the screen for quality and integrity, you can use simple tools at hand.

If, for example, we are looking only for dead pixels, in the Windows 10 environment we do this:

Go to the "Personalization" section of the "Settings" application;

In the "Background" subsection, set "Solid color", click "Additional color";

Choose white, light gray or red on the color bar. Click "Finish";

We go down to the last subsection and hide the Windows taskbar;

Finally, we remove the display of shortcuts on the desktop in the context menu of the latter.

We do the same in other versions of Windows, taking into account the differences in personalization settings.

In this simple way, we can check the monitor for broken pixels, glare and color quality. If you need to check for light, then, accordingly, select black as the background image. We evaluate the behavior of problem pixels when rendering other colors, as well as the quality of color rendering in general, by changing the color of the desktop background one by one. We use blue, green, yellow, red, cyan and purple.

As for other nuances of the screen - smooth transition between colors, sharpness, correct geometry, lack of blurring of borders, lack of trails during frame dynamics, etc. – The monitor or TV can be checked with a YouTube video. We go to video hosting and enter a query into the search engine "monitor test". In the search results, we bypass all sorts of reviews and guides, we run only video tests directly.

Expand the video to full screen. Where you need to look closely, press the spacebar to pause and then continue playing the video.

Video tests on YouTube are often recorded screencasts of passing screen tests by the same specialized programs and web services. But here, friends, what is another advantage of video hosting is that it can be used to check the quality of the screen on “live” pictures. Those. the way we would use a monitor or TV in everyday life. Here, for example, Samsung has a special video for the presentation of all the beauties of the company's products, which perfectly demonstrates the quality of color reproduction and the reproduction of dynamic scenes by screens.

And how effectively the monitor displays video in high resolution, we can see with the help of artistic videos for the search queries "4K" or "8K".

Alien verification territory

The screen test methods above are applicable when we have a Windows device or the Internet. These conditions will not be in the mail. It is also not a fact that in an electronics store they will allow us to install some of their programs or surf the Internet on their test computer. You can only count on the reproduction of the universal content format. If the monitor or TV needs to be checked on someone else's territory, a flash drive will help. You can transfer test images and videos to it. Almost all modern TVs and some functional monitors provide built-in players for media content from USB media. Only if we buy a monitor with basic functionality, we will have to ask the supermarket to arrange a connection to some image source. In the case of mail, of course, there will be nothing left but to drag your device and cable there.

• Note: friends, please read the full specifications of the monitor you are buying beforehand. If the model provides support for MHL technology - outputting video and sound from mobile devices via the HDMI or MicroUSB port, you can check the quality of the screen when receiving a parcel in the mail using a smartphone. To do this, of course, you need an appropriate connection cable, as well as an application or media content for testing screens. The same goes for wireless technologies.

Where can I get media content to test a monitor or TV in order to put it on a USB flash drive? Pictures and videos need to be downloaded from the Internet. For example, I found a special selection of pictures with images for screen testing on Rutracker.

Well, now friends, let's get to the point. What screen defects should I look for? And how to look for them?

Color Correctness

Color correctness is a test of the primary colors and shades, how correctly the screen displays them. It is checked with the help of pictures of such a plan.

Such images can also be used when setting up a monitor or TV - testing ready-made presets, adjusting the brightness/contrast settings manually.

Smoothness of transitions (gradients)

Gradients - transitions of color shades - should be displayed smoothly, without sharp drops, without steps. Checked with pictures like this one.

You can also view gradient fills for each of the primary colors, such as this picture for the green spectrum.

Banding

Banding is vertical or horizontal stripes with a distinct shade of color.

Whether this defect is present is checked using pictures with a solid fill. Such pictures with primary colors (white, grey, black, yellow, blue, green, red, purple) must be part of the test content.

Tint

A tint is a chaotic patch of incorrect display of white, usually with pinkish or greenish tints. To search for this defect, we use an image with a solid white fill.

geometric proportions

Images with grids of different calibers will help determine how correctly the geometric proportions of the screen are displayed.

Loop with dynamic video sequence

Test animation with fast-moving objects will allow you to determine whether trails remain on the screen - traces of objects during dynamic playback of the video sequence.

Defective pixels

When searching for dead pixels, we use a single-color image of white, light gray or red. It is the broken, they are dead pixels that can be detected immediately, these are dark dots on the screen. So-called stuck pixels can glow as dots of white, red, green, purple, yellow, or other colors. Stuck pixels, respectively, will be visible when a contrasting monochrome image is displayed on the screen.

To detect any kind of pixel defects, it is necessary to examine the screen from a close distance. You can use a magnifying glass. If the TV or monitor is under warranty, it needs to be checked additionally to search for defective pixels, but after purchase, when it has been working for a couple of hours. Problem pixels may not appear immediately, only when the matrix is ​​heated.

flashes

Highlights are light areas on a dark background at the edges of the screen.

PLS-matrices usually do not "sick" with the problem of screen glare, they occur in MVA-matrices, but rarely. But IPS matrices and old TN, alas, this problem is inherent. When purchasing an IPS- or TN-monitor, especially a model of the budget segment, it is necessary to check the purchase for the presence of highlights. To do this, you need to submit a monochromatic black image to the screen and wind up the brightness to the maximum. The test itself is preferably carried out in a darkened room.

Here, friends, I brought the main problems of monitors and TVs that you need to check before buying. If you have something to add on the topic, write in the comments.

If you want to exchange an already purchased monitor with dead pixels, then keep in mind that there is an international standard ISO 13406-2 that regulates the allowable number defective pixels on the LCD monitor. Thus, the seller may refuse to exchange your monitor or refund your money if the number of defective pixels in .

Permissible number of defective pixels on the monitor

The allowed number of defective pixels depends on the display class (pixel fault class). ISO 13406-2 defines four classes: the first does not allow the presence of defective pixels. As a rule, all modern LCD monitors belong to second class. Below you can calculate the allowable number of defective pixels in accordance with the ISO 13406-2 standard for monitors second class:

Note. In the calculation, the fractional number of defective pixels is rounded up to an integer by discarding the fractional part.

The ISO 13406-2 standard distinguishes the following defects: permanently lit white pixels (type I), permanently unlit black pixels (type II), sub-pixel defects (type III), which appear as colored permanently lit / non-lit pixels of primary colors (red, green , blue, cyan, magenta, yellow).

In addition, for resolutions of 1 million and above, the accumulation of color defective pixels (type III) is allowed side by side in a 5 x 5 pixel square. Such a defect is called a cluster. Second class monitors does not allow the presence of 5 x 5 clusters with type I or II defective pixels. For more details see.

In practice, such a large number of defective pixels as specified in ISO 13406-2 is extremely rare. The wide tolerance can be explained by the fact that the standard was developed in 2000. Since then, liquid crystal panel technology has improved.

How to check your monitor for dead pixels

Examination LCD monitor on the presence of defective pixels is to carefully examine the screen for abnormal pixels. Inspection is carried out sequentially for the primary colors: black, white, red, green, blue, cyan, magenta and yellow.

When buying a monitor, checking for dead pixels is not a superfluous procedure at all. What is a “dead pixel” and why should it be checked? For buyers who are far from the intricacies of production and performance, all this sounds unusual and incomprehensible.

The LCD monitor consists of small dots (pixels) that reproduce light and color. A dead pixel is a defective pixel that is not working properly. It either does not work all the time (black dot), or constantly lights up with the same color (white, blue, red or green) regardless of the color of the image. Checking for allows you to see the marriage BEFORE buying and require the seller to replace a low-quality product. Ignoring the check allows some unscrupulous sellers to sell obviously defective goods to inexperienced buyers.

Checking the monitor for dead pixels is actually an absolutely easy and simple procedure. This is true. It is enough to have a USB flash drive with you when buying, on which a program for checking for broken pixels is written and a few seconds of time to run this program. After installing the program in a few minutes, you can see what exactly you will pay your hard-earned money for. As a rule, any seller who values ​​his reputation will not interfere with the verification procedure.

A few words about what the program should be. To check for broken pixels, there are mountains of software. It works extremely simply. After installing and running the program, the entire area of ​​the monitor glows in one color. is a simple click on the left / right mouse button. This press changes the color of the monitor. When changing colors, it is possible to see defective (broken) pixels.

It makes no sense to list all existing programs for checking dead pixels. Any search engine for the query "check for dead pixels program" will give several hundred pages that have download links. Choose any, download, test and then upload to a USB flash drive. In the store, she will provide you with invaluable help, save money, time, and a lot of nerves.

Why is it important to check BEFORE buying? After all, the law is on the side of the buyer, and according to the law, the goods can be returned or exchanged. Yes it is. However, the seller is not always willing to exchange, referring to the ISO 13406-2 standard, which allows a certain number of dead pixels and this is not considered a marriage.

The most interesting thing is that it's true. This standard prescribes the characteristics that LCD color, backlight uniformity, etc. must have. One of the parameters is the allowed number of defective pixels. "Fifteen" - no more than two defective pixels, 17-19 inches - no more than four, 21 inches or more - no more than six.

LCD panel manufacturers are naturally familiar with these figures. And, proceeding from this, there is a division of LCD matrices into quality classes: the first class does not contain dead pixels at all, the fourth allows 256 defective units. Please note: branded manufacturers do not produce monitors lower than the second class. Accordingly, "no-name" products can be of any quality. Checking for dead pixels in this case is simply necessary.

While your money is still in your pocket, the seller will make every effort to make you feel good: he will tell you, show you, test with you, replace (if necessary) or select another model. But as soon as you paid the money and took the goods, the degree of tenderness drops rapidly. You may not recognize the sweetest seller. Intentional distortion of information, free interpretation of regulations and acts, references to non-existent documents can be used. To restore justice, you will need to butt heads with stubborn "managers", and even after that it (justice) is not always restored.

Checking for dead pixels is not a whim. This is a justified necessity that will help make both the purchase and further use of the monitor as pleasant as possible.

Good day.

The monitor is a very important part of any computer and not only the convenience of work, but also vision depends on the quality of the picture on it. One of the most common problems with monitors is the presence dead pixels.

Dead pixel - this is a point on the screen that does not change its color when the picture changes. That is, it both burns with white (black, red, etc.) color, without transmitting color, and burns. If there are many such points and they are in prominent places, it becomes impossible to work!

There is one nuance: even when buying a new monitor, you can "slip" a monitor with broken pixels. The most annoying thing is that a few dead pixels are allowed by the ISO standard and it is problematic to return such a monitor to the store ...

In this article, I want to talk about several programs that allow you to test the monitor for dead pixels (well, to fence you off from buying a low-quality monitor).

I sMyLcdOK (best dead pixel finder)

Rice. 1. Screenshots from IsMyLcdOK during testing.

In my humble opinion, this is one of the best utilities for finding dead pixels. After launching the utility, it will fill the screen with different colors (as you press the numbers on the keyboard). All you have to do is look at the screen carefully. As a rule, if there are dead pixels on the monitor, you will immediately notice them after 2-3 “fills”. In general, I recommend to use!

Advantages:

1. To start the test: just run the program and press the numbers on the keyboard in turn: 1, 2, 3 ... 9 (and that's it!);
2. Works in all versions of Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10);
3. The program weighs only 30 KB and does not need to be installed, which means it can fit on any flash drive and run on any Windows computer;
4. Despite the fact that 3-4 fills are enough to check, there are many more in the program.

Dead Pixel Tester (translated: dead pixel tester)

Another very interesting utility that quickly and easily finds dead pixels. The program also does not need to be installed, just download and run. Supports all popular versions of Windows (including 10-ku).

To start the test, it's enough to start the color modes, change pictures, select fill options (in general, everything is done in a small control window, you can close it if it gets in the way). I like auto mode more (just press the "A" key) - and the program will change colors on the screen on its own with a short interval. Thus, in just a minute, you will decide: is it worth buying a monitor ...

Monitor test (online monitor check)

In addition to programs that have already become a kind of standard when checking a monitor, there are also online services for searching and detecting dead pixels. They work on a similar principle, with the only difference being that you (for verification) will need the Internet to access this site.

Which by the way, it’s not always possible to do it - since not all stores where they sell equipment have the Internet (connect a USB flash drive and run the program from it, but in my opinion, it’s faster and more reliable).

As for the test itself, everything is standard here: we change colors and look at the screen. There are a lot of verification options, so with a careful approach, not a single pixel will escape!

By the way, the same site also offers a program for downloading and running directly in Windows.

If after the purchase you find a broken pixel on the monitor (and even worse, if it is in the most visible place), then returning it to the store is very difficult. The bottom line is that if you have less than a certain number of dead pixels (usually 3-5, depending on the manufacturer), then you may be refused to change the monitor (of such cases).

Happy shopping 🙂

When buying a monitor for a PC or laptop, the quality and condition of the display is by no means the last thing to pay attention to. This statement is equally true in the case of preparing the device for sale. One of the most unpleasant defects, which very often can simply not be detected during a cursory examination, is the presence of dead pixels.

To search for damaged areas on the display, you can use special programs such as Dead Pixel Tester or PassMark MonitorTest. But in some situations, for example, when buying a laptop or monitor, installing additional software is not the most convenient solution. However, with access to the network, web services come to the rescue to test the quality of the screen.

Of course, none of the software tools can independently detect any damage on the display. It is understandable - the problem, if any, lies in the "iron" part of the device without the appropriate sensors. The principle of operation of solutions for checking the screen is rather auxiliary: tests consist in “baying” the monitor with various backgrounds, patterns and fractals, which allow you to independently determine whether there are standout pixels on the display.

“Well,” you might think, “it’s not difficult just to find homogeneous pictures on the Internet and check them with their help.” Yes, but there is also nothing complicated in special online tests and they are more indicative in assessing defects than regular images. It is with such resources that you will get acquainted in this article.

Method 1: Monteon

This tool is a complete monitor calibration solution. The service allows you to carefully check the various parameters of the displays of PCs and mobile devices. There are tests for flicker, sharpness, geometry, contrast and brightness, gradients, and screen color reproduction. It is the last item on this list that we need.

The developers of the service recommend checking in a dim or darkened room, since it is in these conditions that it will be easier for you to detect a defect. For the same reasons, you should disable any video card monitoring software, if any.

Method 2: CatLair

A simple and user-friendly website for searching for dead pixels, as well as minimal diagnostics of monitors on desktop and mobile devices. Among the available options, in addition to the one we need, there is the ability to check the display clock frequency, color balancing and “floating” of the picture.

For each test, the service offers a detailed description and a hint on what to look for. As for convenience, the resource can be used without problems even on smartphones with very small displays.