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Retention/ghosting iMac 5K

G

Guggiman

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 23, 2015
14
7
Denmark
I experience very clear retention/ghosting on my 18 month old iMac 5K display. When I talk to Apple Care they refer to the article "Avoiding image persistence on Apple LCD displays" and say that retention/ghosting should be expected. This means that I should activate the screensaver every 10 minutes to avoid retention/ghosting. It is alarming that Apple allows this to be normal. It is a top of the range display, and I would never have bought it if I knew that I could expect this, and that Apple would say that it is normal.

I think that we should make this known to as many as possible, so THEY know what I didn't know - That Apple displays are expected to show retention and ghosting after only a few minutes.

The picture below shows the ghosting from a browser window that has been open for less than 5 minutes.

IMG_0214.jpg
 
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It is NOT normal and as I can read in this and other forums, it is only some iMac 5K that experience this. The problem is that Apple says it IS normal for the iMac 5K. If only a few experience it, it can not be normal and should be treated as a thing that is covered by the warranty.
 
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Wow, that’s really bad, I didn’t knew. Guess I’m gonna activate my screen saver now...
 
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Can't quite understand if this is a problem for the 2015 iMacs or the 2017 also have this problem...
 
Here is a long explanation because some has talked about reflection and even about the previous being manipulated:

It is really difficult to photograph the screen, as it is emitting light (just like it is difficult to take pictures directly at a light or the sun) How the photo ends up, depends on where the camera focuses - the lighter folders, or the dark desktop.
If the camera focuses on the desktop, the retention shows up as it is seen in real life - just like the contrast between the dark desktop and the black frame of the iMac is as it is seen in real life.

So here is a couple of photos - one with correct folders but a almost black desktop and one with to light folders but correct desktop AND almost correct depiction of the retention. In real life the retention is even more noticeable.

IMG_4218.jpg
IMG_4216.jpg
 
Why do you think they call a screen saver a screen saver?

This although not experienced by everyone, could be depending on how they use their machines.

Even happens on some flat screen TV's depending on how they are used.
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Zirel said:
Wow, that’s really bad, I didn’t knew. Guess I’m gonna activate my screen saver now...
Click to expand...

I activate my screen saver overtime I step away from the computer.

Hot Corner activated .... makes it real easy.

I have seen this problem in the past.
 
So if I work in a browser window for 10 minutes, and then closes it, I am to expect this retention ????

"... could be depending on how they use their machines." - And in my case that would/could be ???
 
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Guggiman said:
So if I work in a browser window for 10 minutes, and then closes it, I am to expect this retention ????

"... could be depending on how they use their machines." - And in my case that would/could be ???
Click to expand...

What is your Brightness/Intensity set to? If it is at the MAX, yeah you might.

There are ways to clear it up ..... try running the screen in solid white for 10 minutes or more and see what happens?

I have seen people trash perfectly good large screen televisions for this problem....brought them into the shop, fed them a solid white signal for a day and .... ALL GONE !!!
 
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It's NOT at MAX! It is set to around 80-85%.

It is retention - NOT burnin, so of course it can be cleared up - it disappears after 10-15 seconds. But it happens EVERY time a window has been open for about 5 minutes or more.

I thought that the iMac could be used for more than 5 minutes without showing retention.

Saying that the fact it disappears again makes things right, is like saying that if the iMac buzzes 10-15 seconds every 10 minutes, then it is OK because it stops after the 10-15 seconds.

If this is normal then everybody who is considering buying a iMac should be told that retention on the iMac after only 5 minutes is to be expected!
 
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Guggiman said:
If this is normal then everybody who is considering buying a iMac should be told that retention on the iMac after only 5 minutes is to be expected!
Click to expand...

I have not been on the forum in years, in fact the only reason I am here is I am researching a replacement for my mid-2011 iMac that has been crippled by a lightning strike. At first the only thing that was 'dead' was the ethernet port ... but now other gremlins are popping up.

I am considering now NOT buying a new iMac, not because of this retention issue .... but for other reasons. It's time for me to go Mac Pro and and separate displays I guess. I loved my 'ride' with the iMac family but I think it may be time to hop off the bus!

However should I go with another iMac ..... this retention issue will be the least of my concerns at this point.
 
garysauctions said:
However should I go with another iMac ..... this retention issue will be the least of my concerns at this point.
Click to expand...

If you think that it is OK that retention on the iMac after only 5 minutes is to be expected, then fine by me - BUT I think most will think that it isn't OK
 
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Guggiman said:
So if I work in a browser window for 10 minutes, and then closes it, I am to expect this retention ????

"... could be depending on how they use their machines." - And in my case that would/could be ???
Click to expand...

No, 10 minutes is too low
 
The iMac is the first computer or LCD display I have seen this issue with over several thousand screens. This is abnormal & I'm surprised Apple hasn't done something.
 
my 4K LG Ultrafine display bought from Apple had burn-in as well. LG replaced it so now I'm using screensaver and being careful with my new 5K iMac.
 
I have the exact same issue on my retina imac. I have had 3 different displays in total now inside this mac and every one has developed the same retention problem.

Anyone who says this is normal or that links to that retention article on Apple's website is wrong. They do not understand the issue and believe you are being stupid and careless with how you use the mac, but the truth is even with a screen saver and an auto changing 5 second background wallpaper the issue is there. Right now for me watching a 2 minute youtube trailer will burn the youtube webpage into the screen for 5-10 minutes.

The issue is never there in new/replaced screens but it always has come back.

I just got off the telephone with Apple and yet again they are giving me a repair which means a 4th screen.

I will not be buying another iMac again. Or an LG screen since that's the real problem. The computer cost 4,500 american dollars and the 5k screen was supposed to be the big selling point. I feel like I was tricked and it makes me feel bad that I bought it.
 
Last edited:
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Sid The Kid said:
Should I take a chance and buy 27" 5K 2017 iMac? Can I exchange it or get a refund if it happens?

If it happens, I hope it will be in the 15 days return policy!
Click to expand...

Personally I wouldn't based off my retention experience because apple will replace it but it takes a lot of time talking to them and convincing them.
 
thefriendshipmachine said:
Personally I wouldn't based off my retention experience because apple will replace it but it takes a lot of time talking to them and convincing them.
Click to expand...

Not easy to convince even during the 15 days return policy? I think we can just fake a problem or do like the Apple Specialist in Live Chat told me that they accept returns even if the reason is "I don't like my iMac". Or get a refund and buy another one. The Apple Specialist told me that I shouldn't worry because it's even better with Apple Care. Also like they take care of the SSD after 3 years if it breaks. Depend the situation... repair or replace iMac...
 
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