Many monitors are sold with dead pixels

MONITOR MANUFACTURERS are failing to give clear advice on the issue of defective pixels in flat-panel displays, according to consumer groups. Defective pixels show up as either bright or dark spots on a monitor. When customers complain, however, manufacturers often respond that the monitor defects fall within limits agreed between manufacturers and the International Standards Organisation (ISO). But Trading Standards said consumers were often unaware that monitors could legally be delivered with defects and that the industry standard – known as ISO 13406-2 – was confusing and full of jargon. “These rules are baffling,” said Trading Standards consumer affairs representative Carol Brady.

The issue is further confused because some manufacturers are more lenient than others. Viewsonic said it has a zerotolerance policy towards even one full pixel failure. “If the defect causes awe would consider replacing it. Towards the edge of the screen is less critical,” said a Viewsonic representative. He added that less than one per cent of the three million TFT monitors sold last year were returned with dead pixels – but that still means almost 30,000. Iiyama said it followed the industry standard, while Fujitsu Siemens allowed one full pixel failure before replacement. Samsung would not comment on how it interprets the rules. A representative of the National Consumer Council said: “The industry as a whole needs to clarify this situation.” bright light in the middle of the screen,