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27", 21.5" iMac Owners, test your screen for yellow tint issue here
- Thread starter tapplox
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Just got my replacement today. It's a week 49 i7.
And it still has the color uniformity problem. While it is not as bad as it was on my week 45, it's still not acceptable.
Ugh.
And it still has the color uniformity problem. While it is not as bad as it was on my week 45, it's still not acceptable.
Ugh.
Man, sorry to hear that. If you really want to make yourself sick, use a solid-colored desktop background. Dear Lord!
Anyway, what's your next step? I think I've resigned myself to imperfection; now I just have to train my eye not to focus on the color gradient. I don't have the patience to go through exchange after exchange, particularly if there's no guarantee this is even considered a "defect" by Apple or that we'll ever get a better one. I can live with the issue so long as I know it's par for the course.
Man, sorry to hear that. If you really want to make yourself sick, use a solid-colored desktop background. Dear Lord!
Anyway, what's your next step? I think I've resigned myself to imperfection; now I just have to train my eye not to focus on the color gradient. I don't have the patience to go through exchange after exchange, particularly if there's no guarantee this is even considered a "defect" by Apple or that we'll ever get a better one. I can live with the issue so long as I know it's par for the course.
I honestly don't know how they could NOT call this a defect, when they're advertising it as the "ultimate display" with "uniform color" and "color accuracy", something that is impossible with a gradated display. I think we, the consumers, need to stick it out and insist they deliver on their promises.
My replacement is out for delivery at the moment, I am hoping its better but not holding out hope atm.
I've cancelled my order because at the moment I have the feeling that they can't deliver what they have promised (it's kinda cynical to read things about color consistency from different angels when they aren't able to provide it by just sitting straight...) , although I'm sure that they will fix it.
Fortunately the guy at Apple was very understanding when I gave him my reason that I rather wait for a version where the bugs are ironed out.
I really love my current iMac but it has this problem (http://www.trick77.com/2008/01/13/uneven-imac-displays/ ) so for my new iMac I really don't want to go through that again.
This is very discouraging news. I just ordered an i7 and I do a lot of web and graphics work that is very color dependent. Having colors different on the top and bottom of the display is absolutely unacceptable...I hope that Apple acknowledges this in the coming weeks and offers up a recall on all these bad displays!
I, too, am afflicted with the yellowing (I've already posted many times about it) and I also rely on my display for "color-dependent work". Now, the problem I have here is the people screaming up and down that it's unacceptable for that reason. And let me tell you why:This is very discouraging news. I just ordered an i7 and I do a lot of web and graphics work that is very color dependent. Having colors different on the top and bottom of the display is absolutely unacceptable...I hope that Apple acknowledges this in the coming weeks and offers up a recall on all these bad displays!
If you absolutely need to use a screen with 100% perfect color uniformity, color accuracy, yadda yadda, go buy a super-expensive Eizo or NEC monitor (that costs more than the entire 27" iMac), and use the bundled calibrator on it every day to ensure consistent color accuracy. And only THEN if you experience color uniformity/accuracy problems could it be considered "unacceptable". Because absolutely NO consumer-level screen should be used for "color-dependent work", especially for people who can justifiably claim that they TRULY need such accuracy in their line of work. Like, do you need it for proofing multi-million dollar ad campaigns and is it hooked up to a $100,000 printer? (The answer is probably not).
Secondarily:
The total change in color temperature over the whole screen is probably FAR LESS than the change between any two screens of different makes and models. Not everyone has a perfectly calibrated Eizo or NEC monitor. In fact, there are so many consumers using horrendous TN panels that the slightest shift in their gaze will change the colors they are viewing. PVA panels aren't that much better either. Now take into account that not only are there tons of crappy TN-panel monitors out there, but there are also crappy TN-panel laptops with even lower color gamut. I think something like 80% of PC sales are now laptops, annually, so take that into account too. Now my point here is that the vast majority of screens have a color gamut SO LOW, that they cannot actually discern that big a difference between the bluest and yellowest color temperature on our higher-gamut IPS screens. Especially not a big enough difference to make a fuss over...
For example, I have a fairly nice 15.4" "UltraSharp" laptop screen at 1680x1050, but the color gamut is so low that everything looks very desaturated. I can assure you that I could create an image with a "bluish" grey and a "yellowish" grey here on my iMac, and on that laptop screen not tell any difference between the two greys. In fact, on our 2008 MBP the viewing angles are so horrendous that unless you are completely centered on the screen EVERY color shifts to yellow. Blue, grey, you name it, it yellows.
So how can we trust ANY non-professional screen? Apparently we can't. I've had a PVA with brightness uniformity problems, a 23" ACD (IPS panel) with "burn-in" issues, and a slew of laptops with TN panels. None of which I could get to render a consistent color accuracy, even if I calibrated all of them at this very moment. Again because of color GAMUT, backlight uniformity issues, viewing angle dependencies, or image persistence issues. Meaning? My iMac 27" is a dream, yellowing or not!
So, my point is if you are designing a web page or ________ (fill in the blank) to be viewed by the majority (PC users with crappy screens... Macs included), you have to realize that everything you do is going to look vastly different among all monitors... even if you're starting out on a several thousand dollar Eizo or NEC. Not even your clients will have professional, calibrated monitors. Again, in most cases. But for those who do... why would you be trying to do professional work on a consumer monitor!?
If you want to have any other reason in the world for not liking this screen, then go right ahead! I personally am disappointed for no reason other than I don't like to notice it... Does that mean I'm going to demand a return or replacement? No, not right away because it would be FOOLISH. There has been no proof that any screens exist without the yellowing!! To then send something in for replacement when there is no chance of getting the issue fixed is just absurd... I myself will be waiting patiently until I see or hear about new panels that don't actually have the issue. Let's just say I'm not a fan of gambling.
Correct me if I’m wrong... there are people without any problems.
Therefore; why should I wait until Apple will acknowledge the problem.
Chances are that a replacement is without the "yellow thinge.." or Apple will never acknowledge the problem. (making an update in silence)
And remember.. you only have 14 days to do so...
Why wait until your only options is: repair. Equals: taking a 27" machine to a Apple repairshop vs Apple collecting it by UPS.
I do agree with everything you said. The reason I say "color-dependent" is just because I like to have decent color accuracy across the display itself. I am definitely aware of the pitfalls regarding color accuracy across the general public, and that is something that we cannot avoid. It's something we can account for, but it's not something in our control.
What IS in our control is the $2300 machine sitting in front of my face. I do realize that this is not a professional quality display, but it certainly should have color consistency. That is not to much to ask for on ANY display. Well, at least an LED IPS panel.
I personally do not have a computer yet, so I cannot really say how bad the yellowing is. Judging from what I have seen in the pictures and screen-shots, it looks pretty horrifying and unacceptable IMO.
Let's just hope Apple comes up with a fix ASAP.
No. People report there is no problem. Doesn't mean they are without the problem. You can't confuse the two. Plus, I've only seen a few report "no problem" so what if most of them are wrong? We don't need to prove there is a yellowing problem as it's pretty evident. But they do need to prove they don't have the problem.
Example: Someone in one of the dozen yellowing threads said "I don't see any problem" and subsequently posted several images of their screen. I saw the yellowing as plain as day. So we can't really count on reports of "no problem" being accurate and should first consider them a false negative. False negatives seem very easy to happen in this case.
So no, chances are that a replacement is WITH the yellow tinge, at least right now. Also, of those who have received replacements for this problem, I don't think I've seen a single one report "No yellowing on the replacement". The best I've seen was "The yellowing is less severe". The worst was "The yellowing is more severe", save for the poor people who have gotten a DOA, flickering, etc replacement.
Yeah, and that's because Apple isn't really aware of the hardware wide (I would think) issue and is just issuing the same hardware as "replacements". That's what the real problem is.
I now have my W49 replacement and I would say that less yellow in the bottom right BUT there is still a colour difference between the bottom of the screen and the top of the screen.
Of 4 Finder windows open, one in each corner, I see that the sidebar in:
top left is a bluer grey
top right is a darker grey
bottom left is a yellower grey
bottom right is a darker but a yellower grey.
(this is with brightness turned all the way down)
For the moment I am unsure what to do, I think like jonwd7 I will hold off replacing it again. Though I may simply return it completely and give up till the next revision. (A cheaper monitor I'd have lower expectations but as its a comp & monitor and so expensive I want it to be as near perfect as I can get it)
I agree (with dmackerman) that I think this is a hardware wide problem and that getting replacement after replacement is pointless unless we know they've actually found a problem themselves.
Otherwise they will simply keep re-issuing the same hardware and we'll have potluck as too wether the yellowing is stronger or weaker. There is a lot of time & hassle to keep returning.
Of 4 Finder windows open, one in each corner, I see that the sidebar in:
top left is a bluer grey
top right is a darker grey
bottom left is a yellower grey
bottom right is a darker but a yellower grey.
(this is with brightness turned all the way down)
For the moment I am unsure what to do, I think like jonwd7 I will hold off replacing it again. Though I may simply return it completely and give up till the next revision. (A cheaper monitor I'd have lower expectations but as its a comp & monitor and so expensive I want it to be as near perfect as I can get it)
I agree (with dmackerman) that I think this is a hardware wide problem and that getting replacement after replacement is pointless unless we know they've actually found a problem themselves.
Otherwise they will simply keep re-issuing the same hardware and we'll have potluck as too wether the yellowing is stronger or weaker. There is a lot of time & hassle to keep returning.
Arse, that was till I found what appears to be a dead pixel about a 1/3 of the way up the bottom center.
*much much cursing*
now I have another choice, phone to keep the original machine and return the new one.
*much much cursing*
now I have another choice, phone to keep the original machine and return the new one.
The yellowing is noticeably worse once I turn the brightness down to non-spotlight levels.
My plan is to contact Applecare, and discuss options where I can keep the machine until the issue has been addressed. Which, knowing Apple, isn't going to happen anytime soon. I just can't afford to wait another 2 weeks for a replacement to be delivered. I'm also reluctant to take it to the Apple store since I don't trust their eyes or willingness to validate the problem.
This is purely anecdotal, but I'm thinking this is a fairly widespread problem, but one that annoys a smaller subset of people.
My plan is to contact Applecare, and discuss options where I can keep the machine until the issue has been addressed. Which, knowing Apple, isn't going to happen anytime soon. I just can't afford to wait another 2 weeks for a replacement to be delivered. I'm also reluctant to take it to the Apple store since I don't trust their eyes or willingness to validate the problem.
This is purely anecdotal, but I'm thinking this is a fairly widespread problem, but one that annoys a smaller subset of people.
iMac Week 46 - Yellow tinge
I just took the test, damn once you notice it, you can't UNnotice it, Also I have serious bleed on all edges of the screen with a black background, especially the lower left corner of the screen.
Gonna make a couple of calls tomorrow, very unhappy
I just took the test, damn once you notice it, you can't UNnotice it, Also I have serious bleed on all edges of the screen with a black background, especially the lower left corner of the screen.
Gonna make a couple of calls tomorrow, very unhappy
Please post the results of your call. I am also tired of traveling to and from the apple store lugging the imac actoss the parking lot. Maybe they can come up with something thst would allow for an exchange later when the problem is solved?
jonwd7 – re: your long post above – that’s the sanest thing I’ve read about this “tinge” issue so far!
tarasis – the pattern of my discoloration is exactly as you describe. That’s what leads me to believe this is an inherent design and/or hardware flaw – it seems that, generally speaking, the pattern of the discoloration is similar across many different displays.
Semimorphus – you hit the nail on the head, brother! Once you see it, you can’t “unsee” it! Now I find myself fixating on the problem when it’s likely I’d have never noticed it if not for these blasted forums! Just for *****$ and giggles, I put up a solid-colored background on my 24” iMac last night. The color non-uniformity isn’t as bad as my new 27” iMac, but the brightness uniformity is HORRIBLE. Of course, I never noticed or even thought to look for that before. Bottom line…sometimes ignorance IS bliss!
I'm actually content to wait on a replacement/repair at this point. If and when Apple does acknowledge the problem produce a fix, I probably will have long forgotten about the issue.
tarasis – the pattern of my discoloration is exactly as you describe. That’s what leads me to believe this is an inherent design and/or hardware flaw – it seems that, generally speaking, the pattern of the discoloration is similar across many different displays.
Semimorphus – you hit the nail on the head, brother! Once you see it, you can’t “unsee” it! Now I find myself fixating on the problem when it’s likely I’d have never noticed it if not for these blasted forums! Just for *****$ and giggles, I put up a solid-colored background on my 24” iMac last night. The color non-uniformity isn’t as bad as my new 27” iMac, but the brightness uniformity is HORRIBLE. Of course, I never noticed or even thought to look for that before. Bottom line…sometimes ignorance IS bliss!
I'm actually content to wait on a replacement/repair at this point. If and when Apple does acknowledge the problem produce a fix, I probably will have long forgotten about the issue.
Another data point for what it's worth...I went to Best Buy and checked out the 21.5" and 27" iMacs they had on display. The 21.5" definitely had the yellow tinge and the 27" definitely did not have the tinge. The smaller iMac was a week 39 model and the 27" was a week 41. I remember a post earlier in this thread (or perhaps the one on the Apple Support forums) in which the poster stated that the only machines that he'd seen that didn't have the tinge were from week 41.
Yes you are correct. I can confirm this personally (with the tests I have done at local Apple Stores), there's also been a few posts that said pretty much the same thing. If you are looking for a machine without the yellow tinge issue, Week 41 would be your best bet. Unfortunately and as far as I am aware, no Quad Cores are built in that week (41).
Time to weigh in, so much has happened in the last 24 hours. After my rant here, about how horrid my experience at the Apple Store was, someone from Apple Corporate emailed and then called me about the same.
I could not believe it at first, but the amazing Apple executive at the other end profusely apologized for the bad experience with the one employee at the Retail Store, and offered to make it right. She told me that a week 41 iMac was waiting for me at the Apple Store. She told me that this was a higher grade model than the base iMac I had purchased (3.33 GHz, ATI Radeon 4670, 1 TB HDD), and to make things right, they'd give it to me at no additional cost.
I couldn't believe my ears. I took her up on the offer, and went to the store, to a very very friendly store I must say They went out of their way to placate me, and I walked out with my week 41 machine.
AND, ladies and gentlemen, this machine is perfect. No dead pixels, no cracks, no buzz, no flicker, and best of all, NO YELLOW TINGE. I could not be more happy.
I could not believe it at first, but the amazing Apple executive at the other end profusely apologized for the bad experience with the one employee at the Retail Store, and offered to make it right. She told me that a week 41 iMac was waiting for me at the Apple Store. She told me that this was a higher grade model than the base iMac I had purchased (3.33 GHz, ATI Radeon 4670, 1 TB HDD), and to make things right, they'd give it to me at no additional cost.
I couldn't believe my ears. I took her up on the offer, and went to the store, to a very very friendly store I must say
They went out of their way to placate me, and I walked out with my week 41 machine.AND, ladies and gentlemen, this machine is perfect. No dead pixels, no cracks, no buzz, no flicker, and best of all, NO YELLOW TINGE. I could not be more happy.
Good for you, man! Having now seen it with my own eyes, I wonder what it is about those Week 41 machines such that they don't have the yellow tint?!?! Too bad they didn't have any Week 41 i7 machines or I'd already have returned this one to get one of those!Time to weigh in, so much has happened in the last 24 hours. After my rant here, about how horrid my experience at the Apple Store was, someone from Apple Corporate emailed and then called me about the same.
I could not believe it at first, but the amazing Apple executive at the other end profusely apologized for the bad experience with the one employee at the Retail Store, and offered to make it right. She told me that a week 41 iMac was waiting for me at the Apple Store. She told me that this was a higher grade model than the base iMac I had purchased (3.33 GHz, ATI Radeon 4670, 1 TB HDD), and to make things right, they'd give it to me at no additional cost.
I couldn't believe my ears. I took her up on the offer, and went to the store, to a very very friendly store I must say
AND, ladies and gentlemen, this machine is perfect. No dead pixels, no cracks, no buzz, no flicker, and best of all, NO YELLOW TINGE. I could not be more happy.
Time to weigh in, so much has happened in the last 24 hours. After my rant here, about how horrid my experience at the Apple Store was, someone from Apple Corporate emailed and then called me about the same.
I could not believe it at first, but the amazing Apple executive at the other end profusely apologized for the bad experience with the one employee at the Retail Store, and offered to make it right. She told me that a week 41 iMac was waiting for me at the Apple Store. She told me that this was a higher grade model than the base iMac I had purchased (3.33 GHz, ATI Radeon 4670, 1 TB HDD), and to make things right, they'd give it to me at no additional cost.
I couldn't believe my ears. I took her up on the offer, and went to the store, to a very very friendly store I must say
AND, ladies and gentlemen, this machine is perfect. No dead pixels, no cracks, no buzz, no flicker, and best of all, NO YELLOW TINGE. I could not be more happy.
If the week 41 machines are good, then that gives me hope that addressing this issue is at least possible.
I won't be on the phone with Applecare until the weekend.
Time to weigh in, so much has happened in the last 24 hours. After my rant here, about how horrid my experience at the Apple Store was, someone from Apple Corporate emailed and then called me about the same.
I could not believe it at first, but the amazing Apple executive at the other end profusely apologized for the bad experience with the one employee at the Retail Store, and offered to make it right. She told me that a week 41 iMac was waiting for me at the Apple Store. She told me that this was a higher grade model than the base iMac I had purchased (3.33 GHz, ATI Radeon 4670, 1 TB HDD), and to make things right, they'd give it to me at no additional cost.
I couldn't believe my ears. I took her up on the offer, and went to the store, to a very very friendly store I must say
AND, ladies and gentlemen, this machine is perfect. No dead pixels, no cracks, no buzz, no flicker, and best of all, NO YELLOW TINGE. I could not be more happy.
YAAAAY! Right on, Tim! We're all stoked for you. That's the Apple I know.
I've set up a support call for tomorrow evening with Apple, but since I'm already on replacement number one, I'm not doing anything unless Apple lets me hang on to my current computer until the new one arrives. I can't be without a machine for another two weeks and I want this machine to fall back on in case the replacement is worse. We'll see what they offer, but as stated earlier, it's futile to simply give up this machine when another could easily be worse and/or have different problems. Too bad I'm boxed in by the 14-day return policy or I'd wait it out a little longer.