Is my pixel dead or stuck? Dead pixel 101...

[Demon Hunter]

My LCD looks like it's problem free, but this little pixel is, well, bothersome.

I've got a faint RED pixel in the upper left hand corner of my new 17", by the Apple menu. From what I've read, this is STUCK in the ON position and not DEAD. Am I right in thinking there is a difference? Is a stuck pixel better than a "dead" one? I've noticed it only shows up sometimes... for example, if I use ScreenQuery and the screen is black, it's gone.

I've tried rubbing it very gently with the anti-static bag it came with. How firmly should I rub? Will the pixel go back to normal with time?

Thanks!

 

[slooksterPSV]

Well... I'd rather have a stuck pixel than a dead pixel. Dead pixels just appear black, no color, no nothing. When you are setting your LCD to show only black color, screen blank, etc. Its turning off the light that is hitting that pixel. So, AFAIK you can't fix any kind of dead/stuck pixels, but there have been occasions of people fixing stuck pixels.

 

[Sutekidane]

Yes, you're right,
stuck=specific color
dead=black

Stuck pixels sometimes can be rubbed back on though, stuck pixels are more common over dead pixels as well.

 

[Demon Hunter]

So what's the best way to rub it safely?

 

[ldburroughs]

So what's the best way to rub it safely?

I just noticed one on my screen and began searching for a way to fix this. I had a little grey pixel near the center of my screen. I used my index finger and the radtech keyboard cloth to rub a few times. I didn't really think it would work, but it did. Good luck.