How to check the TV when buying

Purchasing a fresh TV doesn’t seem to be a challenging task. Especially considering the vast selection of television sets available. You simply need to make a decision on the device’s model and required features. However, it’s not all that straightforward. After all, prior to making a purchase, it’s essential to thoroughly test the device you’re planning to buy. And this must be done right in the store.

Checking the package

To begin with, it is important to conduct an initial inspection of both the device and its packaging. If there are any noticeable dents or tears on the box, it can be assumed that the TV was damaged during transportation. These damages can be either external or internal, potentially affecting the device’s matrix as well. If the box has already been opened, it is likely that the TV has either been used or is a display model.

Once the seller hands over the box containing the desired TV model, it is essential to verify the following:

• Check the overall condition of the box for any signs of dents, tears, or other physical damages;
• All accessories should be included with the TV receiver, such as a TV remote control, power cable, and documents. It is important to check the remote control for any scratches or damage. The attached documentation will provide a complete list of accessories, as some TV models may also come with additional items like 3D glasses, adapters, or brackets;
• Ensure that all protective films are still in place. Typically, these films are applied to the TV body and stand;
• The TV should not have any dust on it, as this may indicate prior use;
• Check for any scratches on any metal or chrome inserts;
• Inspect the bolts on the rear surface to make sure they have not been tampered with. If there are signs of tampering, it could mean the TV has been previously repaired;

It is imperative to perform a device functionality check as well. To do so, follow these steps:

• Plug the TV receiver into a power outlet;
• Make sure the included remote control is operational when the device is switched on;
• Connect the TV cable and verify that the TV properly scans and broadcasts discovered channels;
• Inspect all available connectors, including USB, HDMI, Scart, "tulip", and others;
• Ensure the built-in speakers emit clear sound without any extraneous noises or distortions, and that the volume is easily adjustable;
• Verify the functionality of the USB connector;
• If the TV includes Smart TV capabilities, connect it to the internet and confirm that all applications work as intended;

INTRODUCTION: In case there are no visible issues after the inspection, you may proceed to examine the display panel for potential damaged pixels.

Functionality check: checking for broken pixels

The TV screen displays an image using pixels, which are made up of three colors: blue, red, and green. Each screen resolution has a specific number of pixels. For example, at Full HD resolution (1920×1080), there are approximately 2 million pixels. For Ultra HD TVs, this number will be roughly double.

INFO! Some manufacturers add a fourth sub-pixel color to enhance color rendering.

Even though all products are thoroughly tested at the factory for various parameters, it is still advisable to personally check for any broken pixels.

In order for the picture to be displayed accurately, all pixels need to be functioning properly. If there is a malfunction and one or more pixels fail, those specific spots will have different colors compared to the rest of the image.

The screens of contemporary LCD televisions are composed of multiple layers, with two of them being responsible for the creation of pixels. One layer is made up of liquid crystals, while the other layer contains specialized transistors. These microscopic transistors are in charge of controlling the functioning of the crystals. In the event that one or more of them experience a malfunction, the pixels will not operate accordingly. As for the layer with liquid crystals, any disruption in their normal operation can result in a complete breakdown of the screen.

To check for the presence of broken pixels, you will need a few one-color images. It is recommended to create these images yourself beforehand and bring them with you on an external device. The resolution of the images should match the screen resolution of your TV. You will also need a magnifying glass, as it can be quite difficult to see the pixels, especially on TVs with larger screens.

Note! To check for broken pixels in black, you will need a white image. And vice versa, to check for broken pixels in white, you will need a black image. You will also need images in red, green, and blue colors.

Once you have the desired image displayed on your TV screen, take a closer look at the monitor using a magnifying glass. Broken pixels can be identified by their different glowing color, as they fail to respond to the incoming signal. Occasionally, pixels can malfunction and display incorrect colors. To identify these faulty elements, it is useful to have an image with various patterned pictures, as the misbehaving pixels will stand out from the overall pattern. It’s important to note that some defects may not become apparent immediately, and the device may need to be allowed to warm up and run for a while in order to detect them.

Detecting color spots and checking backlight uniformity

Before purchasing a TV, it is important to check for defects such as non-working pixels, color spots, and uneven backlighting. To assess the uniformity of the screen, it is recommended to display a monochrome image on the TV’s display. The display should not show variations in shades of different colors when broadcasting. However, it can be challenging to achieve perfect homogeneity in LCD displays due to technological limitations. As a result, manufacturers do not consider these defects sufficient grounds for returning the product. These backlighting and spot issues are commonly referred to as tint, banding, and backlights.

• Tint refers to the presence of various stripes that occur when the white color is not correctly displayed on the screen’s edges. In order to identify this issue, it is necessary to utilize a gray-colored image. If greenish or pink stripes become apparent, then this malfunction is present. Under normal circumstances, this tint is not noticeable while watching television programs, but it can be inconvenient when viewing photos or playing games;
• Backlighting refers to the uneven illumination of the device’s display. Different parts of the display exhibit varying levels of brightness. This defect may not be detectable when purchasing the device since it requires a dimly lit room for observation. However, if the differences in illumination are minimal, it should not significantly interfere with viewing;
• Banding. Similar to tint, this glitch is marked by the appearance of colored stripes that contrast in color from the primary hue of the image. They become noticeable when applying a monotone photo;

Not all of these defects are breakdowns. It is extremely rare to find LCD TVs without any of these issues. However, the intensity of these defects can vary, and it is important to inspect them carefully when purchasing a television.

Recommendations when buying an LCD TV

When purchasing a television, it is important to take your time and not rush into a decision. It is advisable to carefully inspect the device in the store rather than dealing with the frustration and wasted time that can come from buying a faulty LCD receiver. Since most display defects are not grounds for return or exchange, it is crucial to thoroughly check the TV before making the purchase.

IMPORTANT! It is important to note that a certain number of pixel defects are considered acceptable by the manufacturer.

In addition to the points mentioned above, it is crucial to ensure that the television is user-friendly, with a clear user menu and all the necessary features, as well as a good viewing angle.