SR MBP LED LCD yellowish and gradients issue

[tsd57]

It is very very hard to capture the yellow tint. The above picture doesn't capture it properly. I can't see anything much in it at all, and I know where to look because I have the same issue.

The original picture posted shows the issue. The viewing angle portrays a huge yellow tint across the screen where as the MacBook doesn't.

Actually, I think that picture captures the problem exactly! Hopefully you aren't looking at that on the faulty macbook pro, because it will be wrong...

Does anyone else agree that this picture is right on?

 

[amitface]

Actually, I think that picture captures the problem exactly! Hopefully you aren't looking at that on the faulty macbook pro, because it will be wrong...

Does anyone else agree that this picture is right on?

Yup. That's exactly what I see, and it's very annoying.

 

[MrFrankly]

Yup. That's exactly what I see, and it's very annoying.

I have exactly the same thing and it's indeed very annoying. The viewing angle on the glossy MBP screen is extremely shallow.

But I believe the problem is different from the 1/3rd-yellow issue. My screen is perfect when sitting completely perpendicular to the screen. However with a small movement in any directions colors start to shift rapidly over the entire screen (not just 1/3rd). Especially with certain types of grey the colors shift to complete yellow.

Like the grey used in the boxes at Wikipedia. If I look straight onto the screen the color is grey, when I move my head a little to the right making a 10 degree angle with the screen it starts to become very yellow. When I move my head more and into a 45 degree angle the color is completely deep yellow.

I took some quick pictures which should capture the problem quite good. It's the Wikipedia MBP page with angles of about 10, 20 and 45 degrees. Already at 10 degrees you can see some color shifting.

 

[iBunny]

I think im going to exchange my 15'' MPB for a 17'' HD with the CCFL

My Current 15'' LED has a Yellow all over, not just the lower 1/3. And I have 1 dead grey pixel.

Im sure the screen issue will be much much better with the 17'' HD

 

[techmonkey]

I took some quick pictures which should capture the problem quite good. It's the Wikipedia MBP page with angles of about 10, 20 and 45 degrees. Already at 10 degrees you can see some color shifting.

Thats exactly how mine is. I think this is just how the new LCD backlite screens are, since every picture I've seen is like this. The yellow on the lower half of the screen is a different issue.

I just looked at my Dell 2001FP 20" LCD screen, and the colors change to grey when looking at different angles.

Has anyone talked to Apple about this particular issue? (the image above)

 

[tsd57]

The shift from side to side is not what bothers me, personally - I just hate it that my iMac screen does a better job at even-ness in terms of Whites from top to bottom - I dont want to give it up for the new MBPs. I'm sitting here with a new one and I'm just not happy with the screen, it makes me angry to think that they let this slip past before testing! Why won't they recognize the problem??!

 

[dcv]

Oh FFS, will people stop posting pics of their displays at an angle!

If you have the "yellow" issue it'll be noticeable on the bottom couple of inches of the screen when viewed straight on. Not at any angle. All LCD panels exhibit some difference in colour/brightness/whatever you call it when viewing from different angles. If your screen looks a bit darker/different colour when viewed from the side or tilted down a bit, this is perfectly normal behaviour; stop confusing the real issue here.

 

[seanofford]

Oh FFS, will people stop posting pics of their displays at an angle!

If you have the "yellow" issue it'll be noticeable on the bottom couple of inches of the screen when viewed straight on. Not at any angle. All LCD panels exhibit some difference in colour/brightness/whatever you call it when viewing from different angles. If your screen looks a bit darker/different colour when viewed from the side or tilted down a bit, this is perfectly normal behaviour; stop confusing the real issue here.

I agree with you DCV (I should know I've just returned one with a dirty great yellow blob in lower left side of screen) but I do think there is ANOTHER issue about the narrowness of the viewing angle, particularly on the glossies.

 

[kolax]

Oh FFS, will people stop posting pics of their displays at an angle!

If you have the "yellow" issue it'll be noticeable on the bottom couple of inches of the screen when viewed straight on. Not at any angle. All LCD panels exhibit some difference in colour/brightness/whatever you call it when viewing from different angles. If your screen looks a bit darker/different colour when viewed from the side or tilted down a bit, this is perfectly normal behaviour; stop confusing the real issue here.

Yes but to get an idea of what we are dealing with, it is much easier to see the yellow tint from the side. It is the same yellow tint that is visible dead on, just not as strong. Yes LCD screens dispatch a different array of colours from side angles, but to give people an idea of what we are seeing it is the same colour on the side view that it is on the straight on view (just not as intense).

 

[dcv]

Yes but to get an idea of what we are dealing with, it is much easier to see the yellow tint from the side. It is the same yellow tint that is visible dead on, just not as strong. Yes LCD screens dispatch a different array of colours from side angles, but to give people an idea of what we are seeing it is the same colour on the side view that it is on the straight on view (just not as intense).

My point is just that if you have "the yellow issue" you'll notice it straight on. There's no need for people to go deliberately looking for problems and a lot of people are probably looking at the photos of the side view and thinking there is something wrong with their display, when there isn't.

 

[woozy]

just how yellow is this yellow???

 

[AngelGuy7]

My point is just that if you have "the yellow issue" you'll notice it straight on. There's no need for people to go deliberately looking for problems and a lot of people are probably looking at the photos of the side view and thinking there is something wrong with their display, when there isn't.

Exactly. I think it's important to make a distinction between seeing a yellow tint when you look at the screen from the side and seeing a slight yellow tint toward the bottom of the screen. The former is completely normal with these new types of screens, while the latter is not.

If you really want to test your screens to see if you have the yellowing issue go to Page 14 of this thread, download the gray test image that I posted, open it in Preview, make it full screen (slideshow) and look at each white rectangle dead center. The bottom one should appear darker (more yellow) than the top.

 

[amitface]

just how yellow is this yellow???

If it's the bottom 1/3 yellow you're asking about, it's quite subtle. Once you do notice it however, you will never stop noticing it.

 

[woozy]

If you really want to test your screens to see if you have the yellowing issue go to Page 14 of this thread, download the gray test image that I posted, open it in Preview, make it full screen (slideshow) and look at each white rectangle dead center. The bottom one should appear darker (more yellow) than the top.

I tried the gray image on my desktop with a 22' samsung screen, the 2 white boxes doesn't look the same either, bottom's slightly darker/yellowish. Its not really noticable on the black image.
On my mbp, there's a noticeable difference with images. I think its just coz of the crappy viewing angle on these TN LCD's.

Has anyone actually got a replacement that looks perfect with those test images?

 

[woozy]

If it's the bottom 1/3 yellow you're asking about, it's quite subtle. Once you do notice it however, you will never stop noticing it.

yeah, too late for that lol, this thread is evil....

but i was just wondering how yellow the bottom is for the others. mines got it, but like you said, its subtle...

wonder if its worth getting it replaced...

 

[amitface]

..
Has anyone actually got a replacement that looks perfect with those test images?

There have been reports of people returning their screens because of this issue, and getting screens that do not have the yellow tint.

 

[AngelGuy7]

I tried the gray image on my desktop with a 22' samsung screen, the 2 white boxes doesn't look the same either, bottom's slightly darker/yellowish. Its not really noticable on the black image.
On my mbp, there's a noticeable difference with images. I think its just coz of the crappy viewing angle on these TN LCD's.

Has anyone actually got a replacement that looks perfect with those test images?

My desktop Samsung LCD displays both boxes perfectly as does a few SR MBP's that I tested in the store (a few others had the yellowing issue). The Apple Store I'm dealing with (5th Ave, NYC) got new 2.2 Glossy MBPs, so I'm passing by today after work to get my replacement. I'll let you guys know if it has the yellowing or not.

 

[diego2k7]

I have a 15" 2.2GHz MBP built last week with a samsung glossy screen (which is just beautiful to look at) and the machine is absolutely perfect. A definite step up from all the problems I had with my first revision MBP. No sign of yellow tint whatsoever and the machine's build is definitely better. Perhaps Apple has been adressing this issue on the latest batches? My best to those getting their screen replacements, as I feel that all in all these are great machines and when without problems as such are definitely worth the money.

 

[amitface]

My desktop Samsung LCD displays both boxes perfectly as does a few SR MBP's that I tested in the store (a few others had the yellowing issue). The Apple Store I'm dealing with (5th Ave, NYC) got new 2.2 Glossy MBPs, so I'm passing by today after work to get my replacement. I'll let you guys know if it has the yellowing or not.

Let us know the build week and screen manufacturer when you get it. The two I received were from the same week (25) so I'm hoping perhaps things are better in the later builds.

 

[Streitzguy]

I have a 15" 2.2GHz MBP built last week with a samsung glossy screen (which is just beautiful to look at) and the machine is absolutely perfect. A definite step up from all the problems I had with my first revision MBP. No sign of yellow tint whatsoever and the machine's build is definitely better. Perhaps Apple has been adressing this issue on the latest batches? My best to those getting their screen replacements, as I feel that all in all these are great machines and when without problems as such are definitely worth the money.

In what way is it a better build? I sent my MBP to Apple for them to replace the screen since i got the custom 7200 rpm hard drive. Hmm, maybe I should've just sent my machine back to get a new one. Oh well.

 

[Trepex]

Let us know the build week and screen manufacturer when you get it. The two I received were from the same week (25) so I'm hoping perhaps things are better in the later builds.

My week25 is perfect Samsung, matte, as I posted before. Good luck!

 

[shigzeo]

somehow, i don't get it. you lost me near the projector - where are we going now?

Well, it sounds like Apple has a gap in its platform, then. Steve seemed to want to imply Apple is going to take gaming seriously at the WWDC, so how about some 'gaming' desktops and laptops, then? Some of us want a mini-tower expandable desktop (because games tend to need faster graphics displays over time than CPU and throwing out the entire computer for lack of a small part update sucks). Likewise, if MBP is for Pros, then shouldn't the regular MB be game capable? Intel GMA 950 means MB is not for games. So if MBP isn't either, then they are missing a model in their lineup.



I don't understand the CPU argument. How can a computer possibly be too fast for gaming? Games evolve and so do their requirements. I'd LOVE to have a computer that's overkill for games in the CPU and graphics departments. That would mean I wouldn't have to replace that computer for several years. Buying a machine that's 'adequate' for today means it will need to be replaced tomorrow.

As for monitors with uneven colors or lighting, I once bought a Mag monitor for my old Amiga 3000 that had a graphics card in it plus pass-through for native modes and I wanted flexibility, seeing at the time it was one of the few capable of both 15kHz and 30+ kHz output and the display was terrible. Colors were uneven across the display and the corners were noticeably darker than the center. I sent it back and bought from another brand, now out of business. It was perfectly even across, but sadly it didn't last but a couple of years. These were all CRTs.

I've got a 19" NEC Multisync95 right now with this PC that I've had for over 5 years, only cost me $250 at the time at Circuit City and it's worked perfectly all this time with no flaws, HD resolutions (up to 1920x1440) and no complaints. While I like the flat displays in terms of size, I'm concerned about refresh rates and quality of the picture compared to CRT.

OTOH, I've got a Panasonic PTXA100U LCD projector for home theater downstairs that is 720P projecting onto a 93" screen and its picture is utterly amazing (save the blacks aren't perfectly black). It does seem to do well with games and there is no dialogue lip-sync delays what-so-ever, so maybe LCDs are improving in those regards.


Regarding someone's earlier point about Macs being made in China....

I really do think it's a shame Apple is following the corporate trends to send American jobs overseas to Communist China. IMO we should not deal with that country period, no matter what monetary gains there is to be had. They won't trade fairly (IMO trade should be 'fair' not 'free' because nations are not equal in economic terms) and I am especially leary of how tainted food is coming into the U.S. from China now. I wouldn't be surprised if this is on purpose either. I don't trust Communist governments and I certainly don't trust any part of my own government that embraces them while telling me piddly Cuba is evil by comparison.

I would happily pay more for U.S. made goods (or goods made in another country on par with the U.S. economically in Western Europe, for example) to NOT support a giant Communist country like China. I believe quality controls would be better as a result as well. You used to be able to at least buy quality electronics from Japan, but sadly now Japan outsources their own manufacturing to other countries like South Korea and even Communist Vietnam. Whereas things like TVs used to last 8-15 years (I've got an old 19" Magnavox TV in my den that is over 20 years old and STILL running just fine), I was told to expect my last 27" CRT TV by Sony to last 4-6 years. It's been around 5 years and it's still running, although it's not heavily used since it's a secondary tv in a dining room (with a 57" HDTV that ran fine for 5 years before I gave it to my mother) being replaced with the 93" projector system I now have in my main family room.

But it's gotten to the point where NOTHING is made in the U.S. anymore. No TVs, no DVD players, very few textiles, etc. Made In The USA is a joke. Even U.S. cars are often made/assembled in Mexico now whereas Japanese cars are increasingly MADE in the U.S. so I buy Japanese cars now (better to support the worker than top executives, IMO).

A friend of mine wanted to buy a new suit and wanted it Made In the USA. He had a HARD time finding ANYONE that sells stuff made here still. He finally found a custom tailor and paid through the nose to get one because the textile base in the U.S. is largely gone due to no tariff protection any longer against countries like China flooding the market here to put us out of business.

So if Apple REALLY wants to differentiate itself in the U.S. from 'common goods', it could make a good part of their lineup here and ADVERTISE that fact within the U.S. I firmly believe a lot of Americans would buy more U.S. goods if they were made aware of what is STILL made here. I know I'm willing to pay more for quality U.S. goods than low quality goods from a Communist country. Maybe that's not the best economic idea for corporations, but I'm no capitalist. Sometimes doing what's best for the country long-term should be more important than next quarter gains. Globalism sounds good until you realize it impacts YOU because some corporate bean counter determined slave labor was the way to make the shareholders more quick money. Sadly, the people that are supposed to be representing the people of this country are selling out to corporate interests because that's who pays for their campaigns. That kind of internal corruption is what eventually killed Rome so long ago. I guess history has a way of repeating itself.

 

[techmonkey]

I have a 15" 2.2GHz MBP built last week with a samsung glossy screen (which is just beautiful to look at) and the machine is absolutely perfect.

Do you see the yellow transition when viewing the screen at different angles?

My week25 is perfect Samsung, matte, as I posted before. Good luck!

Does yours have the yellow transition when viewing the screen at different angles? ALSO, how can you tell what the manufacturer is of your screen?

 

[Mr R]

I would have to completely agree with you diego2k7. No issues at all with mine. Delighted with it!

I have a 15" 2.2GHz MBP built last week with a samsung glossy screen (which is just beautiful to look at) and the machine is absolutely perfect. A definite step up from all the problems I had with my first revision MBP. No sign of yellow tint whatsoever and the machine's build is definitely better. Perhaps Apple has been adressing this issue on the latest batches? My best to those getting their screen replacements, as I feel that all in all these are great machines and when without problems as such are definitely worth the money.

 

[Aelyrin]

Even more disturbing than this YELLOW TINT issue is of course the BLACK HELICOPTER issue.

I dunno about you guys, but when I turn my macbook pro on its front with the display open so it kind of forms an upside down V on my desk then look through it from the side I see black helicopters hovering ominously over my hosue.

I believe this image below shows very well what I am talking about and I am quite sure that the community here will acknowledge that this is a major problem with Apple's Macbook Pro line and I hope that there will be some sort of firmware upgrade to solve this problem.

If anyone needs help locating what I am talking about, you just need to look more carefully and I am sure you will see the helicopter.

Edit:
I have just figured out a way to temporarily stop this issue from occuring with my MBP. I have created my first Aluminum Foil Deflector Beanie which is being modelled by best and only friend Leonardo Da Vinci depicted below.