27", 21.5" iMac Owners, test your screen for yellow tint issue here

[spcdust]

1) I'm not convinced there is an issue with the panel. I think a lot of it is actually natural light reflection and angle of view. Yes, I realize that IPS panels aren't supposed to be affected like that and that the LED should be uniform, but I'm just really feeling in my gut that this is just either par for the course with these types of displays or some sort of natural optical reaction/illusion.

Interestingly I showed my father-in-law, who is an Artist and also an avid consumer of technology, the "Yellow Tinge Test'. His immediate reaction was that it was an optical illusion, that the eye is tricked into seeing a warmer hue due to the contrast between the grey and white - went onto say that artists sometimes apply the same principle/technique in their paintings. He also speculated that viewing angle and angle the light waves reach the retina had a bearing on the eyes perception of colour.

Before certain posters jump on me for actually debating the possible causes of the problem I am only reporting back what my father-in-law, an artist and owner of multiple Apple computers etc, said to me - I don't present it as fact, just another view point.

 

[Zenor]

Well maybe you should tell him that he fails as an artist
This is no illusion, my 200$ monitor doesn't have this issue.

 

[53x12]

Interestingly I showed my father-in-law, who is an Artist and also an avid consumer of technology, the "Yellow Tinge Test'. His immediate reaction was that it was an optical illusion, that the eye is tricked into seeing a warmer hue due to the contrast between the grey and white - went onto say that artists sometimes apply the same principle/technique in their paintings. He also speculated that viewing angle and angle the light waves reach the retina had a bearing on the eyes perception of colour.

Before certain posters jump on me for actually debating the possible causes of the problem I am only reporting back what my father-in-law, an artist and owner of multiple Apple computers etc, said to me - I don't present it as fact, just another view point.

And yet you can see the yellow tinge on a white only screen. It isn't just on the grey/white blocked "test" screen. Pure white screen/background doesn't show up uniformly white, it has sections of yellow. So this theory of your fater in law does not pan out.

 

[iDocism]

Well maybe you should tell him that he fails as an artist
This is no illusion, my 200$ monitor doesn't have this issue.

You have a $200.00 27" monitor that supports 2560 x 1440 resolution?

 

[s3e3]

Forget the "Yellow Tinge Test". Open a finder window and expand it to the full screen. Use the detail view with 'White & Blue' separators. If you have the yellow ting it is very easy to see the uneven color uniformity.

Interestingly I showed my father-in-law, who is an Artist and also an avid consumer of technology, the "Yellow Tinge Test'. His immediate reaction was that it was an optical illusion, that the eye is tricked into seeing a warmer hue due to the contrast between the grey and white - went onto say that artists sometimes apply the same principle/technique in their paintings. He also speculated that viewing angle and angle the light waves reach the retina had a bearing on the eyes perception of colour.

 

[iDocism]

If you think you have a "yellow tint" issue - Change your desktop background to a solid color, try all of the colors, if you "think" "maybe" you see a yellow tint on one or two of the colors... as long as your screen isn't flickering you're as good as you're going to get. Congratulations!

 

[tapplox]

Indeed I remember this well. I bought the mid-2007 24" (first aluminum iMac) on it's release date. I returned it once for a horrible left to right gradient and a second time for an unrelated display defect (a smudge on the panel itself). The third panel they sent me had a uniform screen, near gradient free although it wasn't perfect. I can't say if Apple corrected it in silence but only that the third one I got was good.

Thank you for your explanation of the yellow tinge.

One thing I do remember about the 24" left-right gradient was that it was often far more pronounced immediately after powerup and smoothed out in an hour or so once the backlight had heated up.

Thanks for getting back to me on this. I'll say back then there was a manufacturing problem though probably a different one. But I suppose back then the gradient issue probably wasn't as nearly widespread. The 24" iMacs uses H-IPS (LG LM240WU2). I believe the 27" iMacs uses a similar technology, perhaps with better contrast. Not the cheap e-IPS some people are claiming.

I trust that Apple is working really hard on this (along with other issues) over the holidays and hopefully it'll be resolved soon.

By the way, it's been said many times already, this is not an issue to do with lighting and or reflections. The photos taken in the first post had all lights turned off, making the yellow more apparent. The only thing bright lights and sunlight tend to do is hide the yellowing, not create it.

 

[Sir Cecil]

Sir Cecil: can you tell us your imac production week?

Week 50.

 

[Sir Cecil]

See, I can make out what I would suppose would be "slight" yellowing (week 47 iMac 27" i7 -- this is my second iMac, the first was week 45 I think but that one had a defective displayport and had to go back), it didn't seem any more or less pronounced than the observation I had on my first 27" iMac.

However, before going into a return frenzy (which seems silly if the issue hasn't even been corrected -- if an issue even exists), I'm waiting it out for a number of reasons.

1) I'm not convinced there is an issue with the panel. I think a lot of it is actually natural light reflection and angle of view. Yes, I realize that IPS panels aren't supposed to be affected like that and that the LED should be uniform, but I'm just really feeling in my gut that this is just either par for the course with these types of displays or some sort of natural optical reaction/illusion.

2) I need my computer. I already had to wait an extra two weeks to get a replacement iMac and then reload all my files onto it again, I'm not going to go on a wild-goose chase to try to find the perfect panel. Just like with TVs, video cameras and digital SLRs, if you examine anything closely enough, you'll find fault. I've already almost been sucked into paranoia and idiocy on the LCD HDTV front (oh, the famed Samsung S-panel which is apparently superior to the A, B or C panel -- even though there is no actual conclusive evidence other than that's what a bunch of forum inhabitants with too much time, too little real knowledge and too much paranoia say).

3) If there is ever a pronounced discoloration issue, I have Apple Care. I'll gladly call and get service then. But as it stands, if I have to do banding tests and grey backgrounds and look at the right angle just to convince myself something is there, I'm not going to convince myself something is there.

Now some photos I've seen show some obvious discoloration issues. Not being able to see it in person, who knows, but the photographic evidence in the post on the first page shows some "wow, yeah, OK that's for real" info. I don't have that. It isn't impacting the way I enjoy my computer, I'm making the decision not to care about it unless it does impact how I see things.

The best post on this subject for quite some time.

It's also worth noting that the photographs of full screens contained in the initial posting on Page 1 are taken from well above the screen (as evidenced by the receding perspective of the screens) and nothing at all like a normal viewing position. Hard to believe that a serious investigation of the problem would utilize such examples. Viewing the screen from such an angle would only happen as one gets up from one's seat to go and get a cup of coffee or visit the restroom.

 

[crackbookpro]

My 21.5" iMac with ATI GPU does not have any issues. And it is a Week 42 model for your reference.

 

[OldCorpse]

I just had an interesting experience. I visited my local Best Buy here in West Hollywood. I sought out the 27" iMac, and played with it for a solid 15 minutes. Search as I might, I could not find a hint of the "yellow" problem. I did several tests, and I looked very carefully. I'm an editor - if this monitor were presented to me, I'd accept it with no hesitation. Remember, I actually LOOKED for the problem - I was sensitized - and yet I could not find it... if it's there, it's so subtle that it makes ZERO difference to me... and I'm a super picky guy.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. I left the iMac area and went to look at what they had in hard drives, and I passed a whole bunch of PCs with screens hooked up to them, and AIOs - HP, Compaq's etc. Suddenly, without looking for it, I saw in several of them, the dreaded "yellow" problem, which was apparent especially in the corners, when the screen switched to display something white. I stopped and started looking at those as well as at some LG monitors they were selling in the monitor section - many of them had the "yellow" problem!

Just because I'm a super obsessive guy, I went back to the 27" iMac, and again looked very carefully - and there was ZERO evidence of the "yellow" problem.

Now, I'm no Apple apologist. In fact, I keep a list of problems I'm gonna check out before I accept the iMac I'm gonna order:

1)Screen - Stuck/Dead pixels
2)Screen - Flickering screen, with brief blackouts
3)Screen - Yellow smudge at the bottom/elsewhere
4)Screen - LED backlight bleeding through in corners when screen is dark/black
5)Screen - High pitch whine from screen at max brightness after 30 minutes; also after turning down brightness by 30%
6)Screen - Dust or fingerprints trapped behind the monitor glass
7)iSight - Dead pixels
8)iMac as external monitor function not working
9)Noisy HDD - clicking or whirring, rumbling and whining
10)Constantly running fans at high volume
11)Intermittent hiss from external speakers hooked up
12)Frequent beachballs, despite not many programs running
13)Slow boot up
14)Airport problems
15)Bad USB ports

What I do know, having seen with my own eyes, is that 27" iMacs do exist with no yellow problem. I honestly don't believe it's a question of the video card or software (since it was present on all kinds of monitors hooked up to all kinds of hardware). I think it's a problem with some panels. Clearly, Apple got a bunch of panels, and some of them are bad - but it is possible to get good panels too, as I've seen with my own eyes.

 

[SaSaSushi]

Clearly, Apple got a bunch of panels, and some of them are bad - but it is possible to get good panels too, as I've seen with my own eyes.

I don't know about the first half of that but thank you for the last half. That's all those of us with 'good' panels have been saying since the first report of yellow tinges appeared in here.

 

[tapplox]

I just had an interesting experience. I visited my local Best Buy here in West Hollywood. I sought out the 27" iMac, and played with it for a solid 15 minutes. Search as I might, I could not find a hint of the "yellow" problem. I did several tests, and I looked very carefully. I'm an editor - if this monitor were presented to me, I'd accept it with no hesitation. Remember, I actually LOOKED for the problem - I was sensitized - and yet I could not find it... if it's there, it's so subtle that it makes ZERO difference to me... and I'm a super picky guy.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. I left the iMac area and went to look at what they had in hard drives, and I passed a whole bunch of PCs with screens hooked up to them, and AIOs - HP, Compaq's etc. Suddenly, without looking for it, I saw in several of them, the dreaded "yellow" problem, which was apparent especially in the corners, when the screen switched to display something white. I stopped and started looking at those as well as at some LG monitors they were selling in the monitor section - many of them had the "yellow" problem!

Just because I'm a super obsessive guy, I went back to the 27" iMac, and again looked very carefully - and there was ZERO evidence of the "yellow" problem.

Now, I'm no Apple apologist. In fact, I keep a list of problems I'm gonna check out before I accept the iMac I'm gonna order:

1)Screen - Stuck/Dead pixels
2)Screen - Flickering screen, with brief blackouts
3)Screen - Yellow smudge at the bottom/elsewhere
4)Screen - LED backlight bleeding through in corners when screen is dark/black
5)Screen - High pitch whine from screen at max brightness after 30 minutes; also after turning down brightness by 30%
6)Screen - Dust or fingerprints trapped behind the monitor glass
7)iSight - Dead pixels
8)iMac as external monitor function not working
9)Noisy HDD - clicking or whirring, rumbling and whining
10)Constantly running fans at high volume
11)Intermittent hiss from external speakers hooked up
12)Frequent beachballs, despite not many programs running
13)Slow boot up
14)Airport problems
15)Bad USB ports

What I do know, having seen with my own eyes, is that 27" iMacs do exist with no yellow problem. I honestly don't believe it's a question of the video card or software (since it was present on all kinds of monitors hooked up to all kinds of hardware). I think it's a problem with some panels. Clearly, Apple got a bunch of panels, and some of them are bad - but it is possible to get good panels too, as I've seen with my own eyes.

Did you check the serial number? Is that a week 40/41 unit? That LG displays having the issue is also very interesting... Once again I must stress that this is most likely LG's fault and has little to do with Apple. Apple is already doing the best they are. Can you imagine if it were another company that you got your display from? I know that's a little pointless as most of us only buy Apple products but just a thought.

My 21.5" iMac with ATI GPU does not have any issues. And it is a Week 42 model for your reference.

Thanks. You are the first person to report on a week 42 iMac.

 

[stever500]

I bought my base model 27" a few days after it came out and I have had NONE of the problems everyone on here is talking about.

Crossing my fingers, but I think I'm "good to go"!

I LOVE my Mac and helped my sister buy a new 21.5" iMac and a 13.3" MacBook Pro this past week when visiting her in Miami. She's loving the Mac experience so far. Her PC was dreadfully slow, like mine was.

Cheers,
Steve R

 

[eric.nino]

New Firmware!!!

Hi to all,

I posted a day or two ago that I had my 2nd iMac 27" Core Duo replaced due to a yellow screen tinge and the 2nd replacement had the same issue, I was fixing to call apple this morning to get a 3rd replacement before I hit my 14 days return/dissatisfaction policy but I've been at work since this morning, and still at work, well, before I started to write this thread, I was reading some news regarding apple's new firmware that was released yesterday or some time today, and according to some news website it says to fix the flickering, yellow screen issues that have been all over Mac Forums.

Has anyone here installed this new firmware and seen the yellow screen tinge disappear or the screen stop flickering for those who unfortunately have that issue?

I would like to now, because as soon as I get home I will update my Imac and see for myself if it works, but for the mean time I want to hear opinions regarding this new firmware.

Good luck to all!

 

[eric.nino]

Originally Posted by OldCorpse
I just had an interesting experience. I visited my local Best Buy here in West Hollywood. I sought out the 27" iMac, and played with it for a solid 15 minutes. Search as I might, I could not find a hint of the "yellow" problem. I did several tests, and I looked very carefully. I'm an editor - if this monitor were presented to me, I'd accept it with no hesitation. Remember, I actually LOOKED for the problem - I was sensitized - and yet I could not find it... if it's there, it's so subtle that it makes ZERO difference to me... and I'm a super picky guy.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. I left the iMac area and went to look at what they had in hard drives, and I passed a whole bunch of PCs with screens hooked up to them, and AIOs - HP, Compaq's etc. Suddenly, without looking for it, I saw in several of them, the dreaded "yellow" problem, which was apparent especially in the corners, when the screen switched to display something white. I stopped and started looking at those as well as at some LG monitors they were selling in the monitor section - many of them had the "yellow" problem!

Just because I'm a super obsessive guy, I went back to the 27" iMac, and again looked very carefully - and there was ZERO evidence of the "yellow" problem.

Now, I'm no Apple apologist. In fact, I keep a list of problems I'm gonna check out before I accept the iMac I'm gonna order:

1)Screen - Stuck/Dead pixels
2)Screen - Flickering screen, with brief blackouts
3)Screen - Yellow smudge at the bottom/elsewhere
4)Screen - LED backlight bleeding through in corners when screen is dark/black
5)Screen - High pitch whine from screen at max brightness after 30 minutes; also after turning down brightness by 30%
6)Screen - Dust or fingerprints trapped behind the monitor glass
7)iSight - Dead pixels
8)iMac as external monitor function not working
9)Noisy HDD - clicking or whirring, rumbling and whining
10)Constantly running fans at high volume
11)Intermittent hiss from external speakers hooked up
12)Frequent beachballs, despite not many programs running
13)Slow boot up
14)Airport problems
15)Bad USB ports

What I do know, having seen with my own eyes, is that 27" iMacs do exist with no yellow problem. I honestly don't believe it's a question of the video card or software (since it was present on all kinds of monitors hooked up to all kinds of hardware). I think it's a problem with some panels. Clearly, Apple got a bunch of panels, and some of them are bad - but it is possible to get good panels too, as I've seen with my own eyes.

Interesting comment, just like you, I am a very picky guy, this afternoon I went to the electronic store aboard Camp Pendleton, I seen the Apple 24" display next to the iMac 27" performed the screen test, could not find a darn spot of yellow on the screen on both displays, but the one I have at home does have the yellow on the bottom half, so I guess might be how lucky a person is to get an Imac with issues, and I am lucky.

 

[SkyFox244]

Week 50.

thnx

 

[SkyFox244]

Hi to all,

I posted a day or two ago that I had my 2nd iMac 27" Core Duo replaced due to a yellow screen tinge and the 2nd replacement had the same issue, I was fixing to call apple this morning to get a 3rd replacement before I hit my 14 days return/dissatisfaction policy but I've been at work since this morning, and still at work, well, before I started to write this thread, I was reading some news regarding apple's new firmware that was released yesterday or some time today, and according to some news website it says to fix the flickering, yellow screen issues that have been all over Mac Forums.

Has anyone here installed this new firmware and seen the yellow screen tinge disappear or the screen stop flickering for those who unfortunately have that issue?

I would like to now, because as soon as I get home I will update my Imac and see for myself if it works, but for the mean time I want to hear opinions regarding this new firmware.

Good luck to all!

1
Don’t wait until your home (if this is your last day in the 14 day period).
After office hours you're getting an support agent that can’t replace your
Apple. I tried that and the agent asked me to call back next day...

2
I'm seeing a decrees in the pole results for the 27" yellow bar.
It went from nearly 60% to a 56/57%. Maybe there is hope.

edit: typo

 

[eric.nino]

1
Don’t wait until your home (if this is your last day in the 14 day period).
After office hours you're getting an support agent that can’t replace your
Apple. I tried that and the agent asked me to call back next day...

2
I'm seeing a decrees in the pole results for the 27" yellow bar.
It went form nearly 60% to a 56/57%. Maybe there is hope.

Hi Skyfox,
1. My 14 days end on december 29th, I just got home, installed the firmware but do not see any difference, maybe I am just tired, so I'll go to bed and turn it off and wait until tomorrow.

2. There is no hope for me, I will wait until tomorrow.
Thanks.

 

[filmgirl]

I just had an interesting experience. I visited my local Best Buy here in West Hollywood. I sought out the 27" iMac, and played with it for a solid 15 minutes. Search as I might, I could not find a hint of the "yellow" problem. I did several tests, and I looked very carefully. I'm an editor - if this monitor were presented to me, I'd accept it with no hesitation. Remember, I actually LOOKED for the problem - I was sensitized - and yet I could not find it... if it's there, it's so subtle that it makes ZERO difference to me... and I'm a super picky guy.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. I left the iMac area and went to look at what they had in hard drives, and I passed a whole bunch of PCs with screens hooked up to them, and AIOs - HP, Compaq's etc. Suddenly, without looking for it, I saw in several of them, the dreaded "yellow" problem, which was apparent especially in the corners, when the screen switched to display something white. I stopped and started looking at those as well as at some LG monitors they were selling in the monitor section - many of them had the "yellow" problem!

Just because I'm a super obsessive guy, I went back to the 27" iMac, and again looked very carefully - and there was ZERO evidence of the "yellow" problem.

Now, I'm no Apple apologist. In fact, I keep a list of problems I'm gonna check out before I accept the iMac I'm gonna order:

1)Screen - Stuck/Dead pixels
2)Screen - Flickering screen, with brief blackouts
3)Screen - Yellow smudge at the bottom/elsewhere
4)Screen - LED backlight bleeding through in corners when screen is dark/black
5)Screen - High pitch whine from screen at max brightness after 30 minutes; also after turning down brightness by 30%
6)Screen - Dust or fingerprints trapped behind the monitor glass
7)iSight - Dead pixels
8)iMac as external monitor function not working
9)Noisy HDD - clicking or whirring, rumbling and whining
10)Constantly running fans at high volume
11)Intermittent hiss from external speakers hooked up
12)Frequent beachballs, despite not many programs running
13)Slow boot up
14)Airport problems
15)Bad USB ports

What I do know, having seen with my own eyes, is that 27" iMacs do exist with no yellow problem. I honestly don't believe it's a question of the video card or software (since it was present on all kinds of monitors hooked up to all kinds of hardware). I think it's a problem with some panels. Clearly, Apple got a bunch of panels, and some of them are bad - but it is possible to get good panels too, as I've seen with my own eyes.

See, this is why I think some of the issues might be related to lighting or a natural optical illusion. Best Buy (and also the Apple Store, for that matter), have extremely high-powered fluorescent lights. Even in the remodeled Best Buys with the Apple Store in a store concept, you've got heavy, high-level lighting. Those lights are also very carefully positioned to try to make everything as bright and shiny as possible. That eliminates a lot of shadow opportunities, as well as errant reflective lighting.

Interestingly, that same lighting scenario would make it much easier to spot color issues on non-IPS panels -- I seriously doubt Best Buy carries any IPS panels in its stores (most of the time I've only seen them in stores that either have Apple Cinema Displays or specialize in high-end graphics equipment) because TN panels are just so much more popular and so much cheaper. I'll tell you right now, looking at my HP TN display next to my 27" iMac, I can see all kinds of color issues -- and I took the time to calibrate that thing with a Spyder xPress and even did the whole "ideal ambient light placement" thing so that it would be as accurate as possible. Best Buy employees do not calibrate those displays (the merchandising teams sets them up) and customers can fiddle with the settings at will.

So what I'm saying, is that in a situation where there is studio lighting (essentially), there may not be any perceivable issue. To me, that logically means that when you do see discrepancies, part of the reason is because of different lighting setups.

I realize that doesn't change the idea of having a yellow screen for people. Like, I get that -- I sympathize. However, I would also suggest at least experimenting with the light in your own workspace to see if you can affect how you see any color issues at all.

 

[knewsom]

See, this is why I think some of the issues might be related to lighting or a natural optical illusion. Best Buy (and also the Apple Store, for that matter), have extremely high-powered fluorescent lights. Even in the remodeled Best Buys with the Apple Store in a store concept, you've got heavy, high-level lighting. Those lights are also very carefully positioned to try to make everything as bright and shiny as possible. That eliminates a lot of shadow opportunities, as well as errant reflective lighting.

Interestingly, that same lighting scenario would make it much easier to spot color issues on non-IPS panels -- I seriously doubt Best Buy carries any IPS panels in its stores (most of the time I've only seen them in stores that either have Apple Cinema Displays or specialize in high-end graphics equipment) because TN panels are just so much more popular and so much cheaper. I'll tell you right now, looking at my HP TN display next to my 27" iMac, I can see all kinds of color issues -- and I took the time to calibrate that thing with a Spyder xPress and even did the whole "ideal ambient light placement" thing so that it would be as accurate as possible. Best Buy employees do not calibrate those displays (the merchandising teams sets them up) and customers can fiddle with the settings at will.

So what I'm saying, is that in a situation where there is studio lighting (essentially), there may not be any perceivable issue. To me, that logically means that when you do see discrepancies, part of the reason is because of different lighting setups.

I realize that doesn't change the idea of having a yellow screen for people. Like, I get that -- I sympathize. However, I would also suggest at least experimenting with the light in your own workspace to see if you can affect how you see any color issues at all.

I have checked mine in a wide variety of lighting scenarios. It has a yellow tinge, and it is NOT an optical illusion. Perhaps there have been a few false negatives due to one, but mine is not, and I suspect that most people who say they have it really do, because it's pretty clear. Bright light, dim light, no light, side light, top light, ambient light, all of the above, I have a gradient. ...and it's more on the right side than on the left. I can try to wish it away, but you and I both know that's not going to do the trick.

 

[Ecoh]

I have experimented with lighting on my display. From very bright ceiling lights to spotlights directly on the screen and in a totally dark room. I even had someone turn it on it's side and hold it upside down for me, the yellow gradient maintained it's orientation with the screen. All just to see if I could get rid of it by adjusting conditions. The yellow gradient is there always. It is not on my Sony display. I calibrate my displays in a dark room because that is how I work.
I believe that someone with a display that has never seen this can't imagine what this is like. I also think there are people that imagine their display has a yellow tinge and there are people that have it and can't see it.
If I only used the iMac for games and movies and surfing the internet, I would not care as it really is not very noticable on full color photo/video screens. I only use Aperture and CS4, work in a dark room with no reflections, and this yellow gradient is very noticeable. I am lucky in that my yellow tinge is only on the bottom third of my screen.

 

[iDocism]

Patch applied 2 days ago, flickering again today, returning ASAP. The 27" iMacs are a beautiful thing but they're just not ready yet. Good luck and Happy Holidays everybody.

 

[freejazz]

Week 49, iMac 27"
Some yellow tinge, but I had to point it out to my wife.
Not a deal-breaker, but still mulling a return...
It's our first Mac, and we're really enjoying it -- in spite of this thread.

(if this symptom can only potentially worsen, is there really a deadline on returns?)

 

[dagored]

Week 49, iMac 27"
Some yellow tinge, but I had to point it out to my wife.
Not a deal-breaker, but still mulling a return...
It's our first Mac, and we're really enjoying it -- in spite of this thread.

(if this symptom can only potentially worsen, is there really a deadline on returns?)

14 days. If you have applecare and a problem is found or you want it fixed down the road, you are covered.

Mine is a 21.5 and it is in the lower right corner and also in the one I just set up for my wife. Two different iMacs, same problem.