Pixel Defect Glossary: Standard Terms & Definitions

A pixel where all three primary subpixels (Red, Green, Blue) or the entire transistor circuit have permanently lost electrical power. Appears as an unchanging black dot against white, light gray, and colored backgrounds.

A subpixel where the liquid crystal is electrostatically or mechanically frozen in the open (energized) position. Constantly illuminates pure Red, Green, Blue, Magenta, Cyan, or Yellow even when pure black is requested. Often recoverable with rapid RGB cycle stimulation.

A pixel where all three RGB subpixels remain permanently turned on at maximum brightness simultaneously, showing up as a bright white dot on a pure black background.

Defect Cluster (Group Defect)

Two or more defective pixels situated within a 5x5 pixel square area. Clustered defects are considered much more severe than isolated dots and almost always qualify for instant manufacturer RMA replacement.

Backlight Bleed (BLB)

A physical defect in LCD displays where the LED backlight escapes past the liquid crystal substrate and bezel edges, creating bright white or yellow pooling along the screen borders that remains fixed from all viewing angles.

IPS Glow

An inherent optical phenomenon in In-Plane Switching (IPS) panels where light refracts through wide-angle polarizing layers, causing a soft silvery corner sheen that shifts and disappears when viewed straight-on.

Dirty Screen Effect (DSE)

Non-uniform brightness distribution across a panel resulting in faint cloudy patches or vertical dark smudges that become noticeable during fast panning camera motion across solid sports fields (e.g. soccer, hockey) or sky shots.