SR MBP LED LCD yellowish and gradients issue

[AngelGuy7]

(I'm actually writing this from the Apple 5th Ave store in NYC as I wait for a storm to pass).

So here's an update. I brought my Glossy SR MBP in because of the yellowing problem I described earlier. I showed it to a genius and used the gray test image I posted previously. He instantly saw the yellowing problem and spoke to the manager on duty. They agreed to give me a new one but they didn't have any 2.2Ghz Glossy's in stock. They expect to receive some by Friday or sometime next week. Hopefully they are low because Apple is fixing QC issues with the screens (I can only hope). They are holding my MBP until the new ones come in because its easier than transporting it again via subway and because doing a refund (then repurchase later) will cause issues for me since I made my purchase while visiting a sales tax free state (Delaware). Overall they were really helpful and didn't give me any hassles.

I can just hope that come Friday I'll get a MBP without issues. On a side note, I tested another Glossy SR MBP here. It was an LG and did not have any yellowing.

 

[Mr Fusion]

So here's an update. I brought my Glossy SR MBP in because of the yellowing problem I described earlier. I showed it to a genius and used the gray test image I posted previously. He instantly saw the yellowing problem and spoke to the manager on duty. They agreed to give me a new one but they didn't have any 2.2Ghz Glossy's in stock. They expect to receive some by Friday or sometime next week. Hopefully they are low because Apple is fixing QC issues with the screens (I can only hope). They are holding my MBP until the new ones come in because its easier than transporting it again via subway and because doing a refund (then repurchase later) will cause issues for me since I made my purchase while visiting a sales tax free state (Delaware). Overall they were really helpful and didn't give me any hassles.

I can just hope that come Friday I'll get a MBP without issues. On a side note, I tested another Glossy SR MBP here. It was an LG and did not have any yellowing.

I am in the same boat as you, I sent my 2.2 Glossy back to Apple via FedEx and am waiting for it to get to them in CA before they mail me a new one. I have my fingers crossed.

 

[seanofford]

I am in the same boat as you, I sent my 2.2 Glossy back to Apple via FedEx and am waiting for it to get to them in CA before they mail me a new one. I have my fingers crossed.

I have just arranged for my 3rd MBP to be replaced (darker, yellow screen on bottom left corner). Apple have agreed to do it but have said that if I want to send the next one back it will be a refund only, no replacement option, and I'll have to reorder if I want to get another one. Whilst I don't like the implication that I'm just returning them because I'm fussy, I'm happy with that because won't actually WANT another one if the 4th is defective!
Sean

 

[gnoom99]

Greetings everyone!

I am a Mac switcher, well almost… I had to send my newly acquired (one week old) Santa Rosa MBP back to Apple this morning for a full refund. There were a few issues with it including the discussed here yellowish tint (the screen is made by Samsung). I still would like to re-order MBP, because I really liked the OSX and the form factor of MBP; but will, probably, wait until the screen issue is resolved.

I read that the LG screens don’t have this yellowish tint. Can someone with LG screen post a picture of their screen, please?

On the other matter – when the laptop arrived I noticed that the factory tape was cut and resealed – what’s the reason for that? Do they need to open the box to include country specific plug adaptors (I live in the UK) or did I get a returned unit?

 

[kamigabe]

Disappointing gamut / colour saturation

I'm not sure if somebody has already posted about this, but the tint and gradient are not the only issues. The colour gamut is crap! 45% of sRGB??? Ridiculous! I don't know if it's because of the new LED backlight or something else, but this it's pretty disappointing, the colours look washed out and lifeless - even after calibration. I'm returning it today, and get a MB + a good external screen for that price, or shall I wait a month to see what happens? Has anyone else experienced unsaturated colours?

BTW it's a 15" glossy Samsung

 

[seanofford]

Greetings everyone!


I read that the LG screens don’t have this yellowish tint. Can someone with LG screen post a picture of their screen, please?

O

The one I sent back was LG (glossy). See above.

 

[teerexx52]

I'm not sure if somebody has already posted about this, but the tint and gradient are not the only issues. The colour gamut is crap! 45% of sRGB??? Ridiculous! I don't know if it's because of the new LED backlight or something else, but this it's pretty disappointing, the colours look washed out and lifeless - even after calibration. I'm returning it today, and get a MB + a good external screen for that price, or shall I wait a month to see what happens? Has anyone else experienced unsaturated colours?

BTW it's a 15" glossy Samsung

I have a white 2.16 MacBook. I also took back my new MacBook Pro over the yellow screen. I'm not missing it as much anymore as my MacBook is a real beauty. No problems, nice screen and flies.

 

[PDE]

I'm not sure if somebody has already posted about this, but the tint and gradient are not the only issues. The colour gamut is crap! 45% of sRGB??? Ridiculous! I don't know if it's because of the new LED backlight or something else, but this it's pretty disappointing, the colours look washed out and lifeless - even after calibration. I'm returning it today, and get a MB + a good external screen for that price, or shall I wait a month to see what happens? Has anyone else experienced unsaturated colours?

BTW it's a 15" glossy Samsung

Your macbook also is 45% - as are almost ALL laptop displays. I think HP offers one with better color gamut, but most others don't, including Apple. I found that after calibration, colors are pretty good. When I put my MBP next to my external display the differences are apparent, but it's not terrible.

anyway, this last year has taught me that laptop displays are just very limited and that's where technology is right now. Some things are acceptable, others not.

 

[MRU]

I use SuperCal and my MBP after calibration is fantastic. Matches my ACD display's perfectly, and the colour is brilliant. No change in color from top to bottom of the screen, I'm well impressed with the screen tbh.

 

[kamigabe]

Your macbook also is 45% - as are almost ALL laptop displays. I think HP offers one with better color gamut, but most others don't, including Apple. I found that after calibration, colors are pretty good. When I put my MBP next to my external display the differences are apparent, but it's not terrible.

anyway, this last year has taught me that laptop displays are just very limited and that's where technology is right now. Some things are acceptable, others not.

I have compared it to a 3 years old PowerBook, and the difference is huge, despite the PB's tired backlight it's colours look sooo vivid. I think the switch to LED technology was a bit early step for the MB _Pro_ line (setress on Pro). I agree though, laptops are not suitable for colour critical work, that's why I'm going to get a MBP + an EIZO CE

 

[kamigabe]

I have a white 2.16 MacBook. I also took back my new MacBook Pro over the yellow screen. I'm not missing it as much anymore as my MacBook is a real beauty. No problems, nice screen and flies.

I'm going to miss the beautiful case... I'm really sorry about it, but you are right, the MB is very close specswise!

 

[teerexx52]

I'm going to miss the beautiful case... I'm really sorry about it, but you are right, the MB is very close specswise!

Yes, I've had several MacBook pros. Unfortunately its usually because I take them back for defects, I bought a 2.16 White MacBook pro with 2gb ram and 160hd. Wanted it because I was many times without a computer while they fixed or replaced mine. So when I took back the latest SR MacBook Pro earlier in the week I started using this MacBook all the time. For what i do there is simply no difference. I hook it up to a Samsung 20" external monitor if I need more screen space and otherwise just carry it around the house with me. It works great and the screen is really nice. Yes, I miss the Pro case a bit but I just can't live with a yellowish screen or darker screen on the bottom 1/3. So now I'm thinking I like this MacBook alot and maybe stash my cash and wait.

 

[Alloye]

I'm not sure if somebody has already posted about this, but the tint and gradient are not the only issues. The colour gamut is crap! 45% of sRGB??? Ridiculous! I don't know if it's because of the new LED backlight or something else, but this it's pretty disappointing, the colours look washed out and lifeless - even after calibration. I'm returning it today, and get a MB + a good external screen for that price, or shall I wait a month to see what happens? Has anyone else experienced unsaturated colours?

BTW it's a 15" glossy Samsung

45% of NTSC is not bad (and probably typical) for a laptop display. I believe a high-quality, 8-bit desktop panel can achieve around 72%. There is technology on the horizon to bump the gamut of desktop-grade LCDs to around 92%, but it will likely come at a premium price.

As for colors on the SR MPB, I have a 15.4" LG matte calibrated to a 6500K white point and a gamma of 2.2. It produces excellent color. I've actually had people around my office look at it and say, "Wow!" My 23" Cinema Display calibrated to the same specs is slightly more vivid and has somewhat better contrast, but I expect better performance from an expensive S-IPS panel.

 

[justaphone]

Ridiculous

Not sure if you read my earlier posts... I had the yellowing and a dead pixel. Finally decided that I couldnt live with the defects. Sent it back on 22nd. Now the replacement is not slated to ship until the 5th! My original order was placed on June 11th! There is a possibility that I could get my replacement / MBP a WHOLE month after the original order. What really makes me nauseated is that there is also a chance that it could be defective...

Here is my question- I am actually considering calling them and telling them to keep the exchange unit and ship me a macbook instead. Will they do it? My order status is still at "not yet shipped" of course...

Thanks...

 

[NYRngrs24]

well, i got my SR MBP 7200 Matte this morning! I got the samsung panal, but i dont seem to see a yellow tint. Says it was made week 10 of 2007

 

[AngelGuy7]

well, i got my SR MBP 7200 Matte this morning! I got the samsung panal, but i dont seem to see a yellow tint. Says it was made week 10 of 2007

Can you test it with the gray test image I posted a page or two earlier. Look a the white squares at the top and bottom of the display dead center and let me know if you see any difference.

I'm almost tempted to ditch the glossy display and go with a matte when I get my new unit because it seems like the matte are less prone to display the yellowing.

 

[NYRngrs24]

Can you test it with the gray test image I posted a page or two earlier. Look a the white squares at the top and bottom of the display dead center and let me know if you see any difference.

I'm almost tempted to ditch the glossy display and go with a matte when I get my new unit because it seems like the matte are less prone to display the yellowing.

Im too scared. lol Sadly, starting to surf the web, i am noticing some yellow. Ill test your image in a second. ill load a new color profile too. hopefully it will fix. but i must say the yellow tint isnt as bad as everyone makes it out to be.

------

just did the black and gray picture test. and to my eye, its actually very slight. i think a new profile could help. ill have to use the ones form this forum since i do not have a calibrator.

 

[PDE]

Im too scared. lol

DON"T! You're happy and can't see any problems, why try to ruin it?

 

[NYRngrs24]

I am very content.

 

[DZL]

mac pro

fudge it, i just canceled my MBP order and went with the mac pro...

all of these defects are just completely unacceptable...

this is very disappointing - coming from a 1st-time switcher. I was hoping for better QC and a better product from apple.

 

[amitface]

argh, On Monday, I got the computer and was very happy. Now I've started noticing the yellow tint on the bottom, and it's driving me nuts. It's very slight, but not slight enough for me to ignore. It's a matte Samsung.

I ordered the computer online. It's a stock 15". Would I be able to exchange it in a store? Any restocking fees for exchanging? What would be the best way?

 

[tehdee]

i have an mbp, that i swear has the yellow tint, yet everyone insist that im just being nuts. with some of the calibration files that users have uploaded ive had good results, but i dont know if im being 'too' picky, or if my stressing over 'the tint' is justified. the stock profile just seems a little washed out and yellow-y....

im curious though, those with the new sr mbps, when your computer wakes from sleep, does the screen profile seem to 'switch' inbetween waking up from sleep, and when you resume using the comp?

 

[iDive]

im curious though, those with the new sr mbps, when your computer wakes from sleep, does the screen profile seem to 'switch' inbetween waking up from sleep, and when you resume using the comp?

Yes, it does... It changes 2 seconds after it wakes up. But I think it only changes when you change the profile during the current session. I notice that if you restart with the profile you want and don't change profiles I can't tell the change anymore.

 

[Dreamer2go]

I'd recommend keep it when you are satisfy with it because chances that you won't get another screen like this, could be worse, e.g. pixel issues you know.

I had gone through many CD and Napa C2D exchanges in the past for the same reason, only had I gone through more than 10 machines to find out one Napa C2D that had very minimal grain (very hard to see) and evenly lit panel.


More like color banding. Check the image below. Is that what appeared on your screen?

hey I checked the picture....
and it seems weird. 80% of the picture is fine, but at the top left part, where the red is, there is a huge chunk of monocolor red, and this applies to the blue too on the top right corner...

and then about 1/3 of the screen, there is a blackish line...
I can post a screenshot here:

is there something wrong? I have the SR MBP Samsung 15.4 screen

 

[AngelGuy7]

hey I checked the picture....
and it seems weird. 80% of the picture is fine, but at the top left part, where the red is, there is a huge chunk of monocolor red, and this applies to the blue too on the top right corner...

and then about 1/3 of the screen, there is a blackish line...
I can post a screenshot here:

(Images removed. Refer to original post above.)

is there something wrong? I have the SR MBP Samsung 15.4 screen

Yea, I saw the exact same problem on my MBP. I've determined after testing a few things that it's must be a software issue. I've posted a workaround earlier in this thread but since I figured it would get lost amongst the various ongoing conversations, I broke it out into it's own seperate thread. Hopefully it gets resolved with a software update or something.

Respond in that thread or here if my solution works for you.