Updated at: 06-02-2023 - By: Leo Hall

Have you been thinking about upgrading to a new LCD monitor, but are concerned about any potential drawbacks? Obviously, you need to read up on backlight bleed. This is an issue when the LEDs (light-emitting diodes) of the screen overflow onto the sides of the display. It’s because the monitor was poorly designed, there were issues during production, or poor quality control prevented the light from being blocked out.

You might run into this problem whether you’re looking at TN, VA, or IPS monitors. It’s most noticeable when viewing content with a lot of dark areas on a computer screen in a dark room.

What Is Backlight Bleeding?

A common cause of these issues is the backlight system used by LCD monitors. The whole panel is lit up, and the LCD’s job is to block out any light not needed to display a specific image.

Backlight bleeding occurs when light is being blocked, leading to unnaturally bright spots that detract from the image quality.

How To Fix Backlight Bleed On A Monitor or TV [Simple Guide]

Even among monitors of the same model, there is variation in the degree to which the backlight bleeds into the screen. It can be quite mild at times and quite severe at others. Because it is only noticeable under very specific conditions, it may not bother you at all. You might be sensitive to it or you might be able to ignore it, but either way, it won’t affect anything except how enjoyable your viewing or gaming experience is.

Not to worry too much, but early detection will help you return the screen while it’s still covered by the warranty. There is no need to buy a new monitor if you have been using the one you have been using for some time now without any major issues.

Cause of Backlight Bleed on Monitors and TVs

As a result of a misalignment in the screen’s layers, backlight bleeding occurs on a computer monitor or television. This causes internal pressure to build up, which in turn shifts the position of the light-emitting components inside the screen. Due to this crookedness, backlight bleeding occurs.

This problem is more prevalent in cheaper displays because the screen and those layers aren’t as sturdy as in more expensive displays.

Types of Backlight Bleeding

Bleeding of light from the backlight can occur in two main ways. And if your screen is acting up, one of the following could be the reason:

  • Clouding occurs when there are bright spots across the entire display. It will be very obvious that the display’s backlighting is focused in one area while leaving the rest of the back in the dark.
  • There is less and less obvious flashing now, and it only appears in the screen’s corners. At this later stage, the display is brighter at its edges and corners than it is in the middle.

How to Do a Backlight Bleeding Test

If you’re a non-technical user, you should definitely take a backlight bleeding test to make sure that what you’re experiencing is indeed backlight bleeding.

At lightbleedtest.com, you can run a quick backlight bleeding test without spending a dime. If the entire screen stays dark, you’re good to go, but if any part of the screen shows backlight bleed, you have a problem. Let’s get to the fixes then.

What To Do When You Experience Backlight Bleeding

If you notice this while the monitor is still covered by its manufacturer’s warranty, you’re in luck. This way, the manufacturer can either fix it or replace it with a brand new one. If you want to know if this sort of problem is covered, you should read the policy very carefully. You shouldn’t try to fix it yourself until you know for sure that the warranty no longer applies. If you do that, the warranty is immediately null and void.

On the other hand, you can try to fix the issue by following these guidelines. The only tools you’ll need are a screwdriver and a microfiber cloth; anti-static wrist straps are optional but recommended.

1. Loosen the Screws of the Frame

When a panel is screwed on too tightly, it causes the display to warp, which is one of the most common causes of backlight bleeding. Loosen the screws with a screwdriver. If you try to pull the screen out too quickly or with too much force, it will fall out and break.

2. Twist the Display Frame Slightly

The screen may not always be centered within the glass. As a result, some of the extra light will enter through the sides of the screen. To see if the bleeding has stopped, you can try turning the frame upside down and loosening the screws. Yes? Okay, let’s move on to the next one.

3. Clean The Spots Where There Is Bleeding

Displays that aren’t perfectly flat can cause bleeding. Dust and grease are possible culprits. To stop the bleeding, gently rub the affected areas with a microfiber cloth. Use a circular motion while cleaning, and avoid applying too much pressure. If it doesn’t seem to be working after a few days, give it more time to settle and try again.

What Is Backlight Bleed And How Can You Fix It? [Simple Guide]

4. Monitor The Progress

After attempting each step, evaluate whether or not the bleeding has been reduced sufficiently on the monitor. To be sure, play a clip or pull up a still image that’s extremely dark. If you want to know how to check your monitor for backlight bleeding, there are guides and videos available online you can look at.

5. Reduce Brightness

Unfortunately, there are times when none of these methods will yield any results. You can reduce the light output and learn to live with the backlight bleed. If the bleeding is bothersome, this is the best way to mitigate it when all else fails, though it’s not the best option if you’re using an HDR-capable display.

How To Avoid Backlight Bleeding

While all monitors with an active backlight are susceptible to backlight bleeding, not all models or displays have this issue. Most occurrences are also extremely minor and unremarkable. On the other hand, if you really care about avoiding it, an OLED screen is your best bet. Unfortunately, they cost more.

Do your research on LCD models with no or minimal bleeding if you’d rather not spend that much.

Other Defects Common With LCD Displays

It’s not just backlight bleeding that’s been reported as a problem with LCD screens; these other issues have been brought up as well.

• Clouding

This flaw shows up as spots on the screen rather than at the screen’s edges, as with backlight bleeding. It is worse than backlight bleeding and is brought on by uneven backlighting. Even more so when using the screen in a dimly lit room.

• IPS Glow

You can probably guess that this occurs more frequently on IPS screens. When viewed from certain angles, the screen appears to glow faintly. Some of the corners even seem to be glowing. This is always visible thanks to the IPS panel technology used. Then, try looking at it from a different vantage point.

FAQs

How much backlight bleed is acceptable?

It all comes down to your tolerance level. It’s normal for there to be some bleed when the screen is bright, but it might be less noticeable if you turn down the brightness.

How do I check for backlight bleed?

Play a full-screen video or an entirely black image to check for backlight bleed. Then, scan the periphery of the display for bright smears.

Why does my TV look blue?

Damaged cables or an improperly functioning LED backlight could be to blame for your TV’s bluish hue. In normal operation, the picture on some TVs is slightly blue.

Can backlight bleed go away on its own?

Sometimes. Initially, backlight bleed is noticeable on all LCD screens, but it fades as the panel’s surrounding pressure decreases with use. Backlight bleed is not likely to go away if you’ve had your device for a while.

Incident, evenement mate Confronteren led bleeding jaloezie professioneel plus

Conclusion

How serious are these issues, and should they prevent you from buying an LCD screen anyway? The short response is “yes.” Other options are either antiquated CRT monitors or pricey OLED displays, neither of which is within everyone’s price range. Furthermore, backlight bleeding is typically not a major issue and is not noticeable to all viewers.

The best course of action is to perform a thorough check of your monitor after purchase, testing it under ideal conditions to see if backlight bleeding occurs. Accordingly, if it turns out to be a problem with the manufacturing, you can get it fixed or replaced before the warranty ends.