A pixel, short for picture element, is a single point in a graphic image. LCD devices display pictures by dividing the display screen into thousands (or millions) of pixels, arranged in rows and columns. The pixels are placed close together so that they appear connected. A full pixel is a combination of one red, one green, and one blue subpixel.
A full-pixel defect is a bright white dot or a noticeable black dot on the display.
A subpixel defect is also called as a dot effect.
During the LCD manufacturing process, it is not uncommon for one or more subpixels to get into an unchanging state, causing a bright or dead pixel. A display with 1 to 5 fixed subpixels is considered normal and within industry standards.
A subpixel remains permanently on, resulting in a white or colored dot on a black background. Bright pixels can be white, red, blue, or green and visible on a black background.
A subpixel remains permanently off, resulting in a black dot on a white background. Dead pixels are visible on any background color, except on a black background. Dark subpixel defect is also called as dead subpixel defect.
Dell offers a Premium Panel Exchange that ensures zero bright pixel defects on select Dell Consumer, Professional, UltraSharp, and Gaming monitors, including Alienware monitors.
Defective pixels do not necessarily reduce the performance of the monitor. However, they can be distracting, especially if the pixels are in positions where viewing quality is reduced.
Unyielding commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has driven Dell to offer a Premium Panel Exchange as part of the standard limited hardware warranty. Even if one bright pixel is found, a free monitor exchange is supported during the limited hardware warranty period.
Premium Panel Exchange is available for select Dell Consumer, Professional, UltraSharp, and Gaming (including Alienware) monitors sold with computers or as stand-alone units, with a standard 1-year or 3-year limited hardware warranty. Customers who purchase an optional extended warranty benefit from this coverage during the limited hardware warranty period.
The pixel policy that applies to your device varies across each model. See the tables below to learn about the number of bright and dark subpixel defects that are allowed. If the number of defective pixels exceeds the applicable numbers in the tables below during the warranty period, contact Dell Technical Support for assistance.
Dell monitor | Bright subpixel defects | Dark subpixel defects | Total combined bright and dark subpixel defects |
Flat-panel monitors with Premium Panel Exchange:
|
0 allowed | Up to 5 allowed | Up to 5 allowed |
|
Up to 5 allowed | Up to 8 allowed | Up to 8 allowed |
|
0 allowed | Up to 12 allowed | Up to 12 allowed |
Dell C-series monitors (55 inches and larger)
|
Up to 5 allowed | Up to 12 allowed Up to 15 allowed |
Up to 12 allowed Up to 15 allowed |
All other Dell flat panel monitors S, SE, E and IN series monitors (including S2716DG and S2417DG). | Up to 5 allowed | Up to 5 allowed | Up to 5 allowed |
Dell laptop | Bright subpixel defects | Dark subpixel defects | Total subpixel defects |
Dell laptop LCD screen with HD (1366 x 768) or below resolution | Up to 2 allowed | Up to 5 allowed | Up to 5 allowed |
Dell laptop LCD screen with HD+ (1600 x 900) and above resolution | 0 allowed | Up to 5 allowed | Up to 5 allowed |
Let us help you with some frequently asked questions about subpixel defects on the LCD panel of a Dell monitor or laptop.
A bright subpixel is a subpixel with a defect in its ability to display the correct color output. It may look like a tiny black or white spot on the screen. When the subpixel remains permanently lit, it is known as a bright subpixel.
No. A defective subpixel remains permanently lit until the monitor is turned off.
Dell Premium Panel Exchange applies to Dell Consumer, Professional, UltraSharp, and Gaming (including Alienware) monitors with bright subpixel defects only. The Premium Panel Exchange does not cover monitors with dark subpixels or dead subpixels.
Dell Premium Panel Exchange applies to all Dell Consumer, Professional, UltraSharp, and Gaming (including Alienware) monitors purchased directly from Dell, or from retail stores.
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Dell's limited hardware warranty covers the monitor against a defective unit or workmanship. If a part fails during the Limited Warranty period, contact Dell Technical Support to troubleshoot the unit. If the issue is identified as a bright subpixel after troubleshooting, Dell ships a replacement unit the next business day.
During the term of the limited hardware warranty, Dell monitors include all the benefits of Dell's 24x7 toll-free technical support and Advanced Exchange Service.
While most manufacturers only provide a 30-day zero bright subpixel guarantee, Dell Premium Panel Exchange is valid for the entire term of the limited hardware warranty of 1 year or 3 years, and an extended warranty term of 4 or 5 years.
The limited hardware warranty for Dell monitors purchased independent of a computer, lasts for the period that is indicated on the packing slip, invoice, or receipt. Dell monitors purchased with a computer are covered under the limited hardware warranty of the computer.
Display issues on a Dell laptop or flat panel monitor might be caused by either the LCD panel, video card (GPU), or display settings. Some of the symptoms that indicate a display or video issue are:
Learn how to troubleshoot and resolve the display related issues.
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