Laptop screens illuminated by LED backlighting can sometimes exhibit an abnormal glowing or light leakage along the edges. This phenomenon, known as backlight bleeding, can be an annoyance for users when viewing dark images and video. What causes this effect and what can you do about it?
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The Origins of the Bleed
LCD displays like those in laptops work by passing light from behind the screen through liquid crystals that block or transmit the light to create images. The light source itself comes from LEDs or cold-cathode fluorescent lamps.
Ideally, this backlighting spreads evenly across the display. But imperfections in manufacturing can lead to uneven light distribution, causing visible bright spots and auras during dark scenes. This bleeding of light around the edges is exacerbated by limited space and pressure on the screen within a laptop casing.
Spotting the Signs of Bleed
How can you positively identify backlight bleeding? The most obvious way is to display a fully black image on the laptop screen and examine the edges and corners closely in a darkened room. Any glow or bright patches visible along the bezels point to light bleeding issues.
Compare the effect when viewing the screen from different angles. While IPS glow is more pronounced at wider viewing angles, backlight bleed remains largely constant. The bleed also persists irrespective of what’s displayed on screen.
Quick Fixes and Workarounds
If your laptop is still under warranty, replacement may be the best solution for pervasive bleeding issues. But for minor cases, a few handy fixes can provide temporary relief:
- Strategically placed black electrical tape to block excess light from leaky areas
- Adjusting the screen’s tilt angle to help redistribute backlight
- Gently massaging spots of light bleed using a microfiber cloth
- Lowering brightness levels to reduce the impact of uneven lighting
Preventing Light Leakage
Avoiding backlight bleed completely may not be possible, but steps like these can minimize risks:
- Choosing laptops with quality displays less prone to light leakage
- Handling the laptop gently to prevent pressure on the panel
- Using protective padded bags during transportation
- Not stacking heavy objects on top of the closed laptop
When to Consider a Screen Replacement?
If DIY fixes don’t improve severe bleed or the issue arises after your warranty ends, a professional screen replacement may be needed. Signs it’s time to replace the display include:
- Visible light bands covering over 50% of the screen edge
- Distracting bleed that hampers normal use
- Bleed persists after adjusting the backlight distribution
Final Words
While some amount of backlight bleed is inherent to the tech, being aware of causes and solutions can help minimize annoyance. With care and maintenance, your laptop display can continue shining.