MBP Screen issues

Hello people. I don't know I anybody has experienced this. My MBP (2.2 glossy) seems to have a below average black level and doesn't seem very sharp. Today I even went to a mac store (without my machine) to watch some videos and it did look different - much sharper and better black level/contrast ratio. It was set to the default color profile in case you might be wondering if those ones were tweaked. Has anybody else come across this issue?

Also, does anybody know how to check which Type of screen is installed (samsung or LG I think)?

 

Did you install the MBP EFI Firmware Update 1.3?

You can use ColorSync Utility to create a new Profile.

To find the model of your screen use Spotlight and Search for .icc. Open your Profile (one of the .icc files, possibly "Color LCD-xxxxxxx.icc') and Click 'Apple display make and model information'. Look at the Model.

For 15.4" 2.2/2.4GHz MBP:
If it says 9C68 that is Samsung.
If it says 9C67 that is LG.

I think (not sure) all 17" 2.4GHz MBP have LG Screens and the Model for that is 9C69.

 

Thanx for the info Eternal. i downloaded the update but it seems my laptop already has it. Which LCD models are the ones that have been giving a few issues? I have the Samsung (9C68). I hope noboby else is getting freaked out. This appears to be an isolated issue.

 

Try using ColorSync Utility (Applications --> Utilities) or calibrate a new profile (System Preferences --> Display --> Color).

I don't think anyone has correlated the issues to either manufacturer. Your post is the first I've read of black levels or contrast issues though. There is a rather lengthy discussion on MacRumors - MBP LED Issues.

You could also search that thread for "icc". Some users have uploaded their .icc profiles and you could try them out.

And of course you can return to The Apple Store, with your computer .

 

This might be a weird question, but how can you tell if you have this problem or not?

 

Well, you could compare your screen to other screens - maybe go to the Apple Store.

 

Yeah thats what I did. But seriously most people shouldn't start worrying if they've never noticed a problem.
For me I still can't place my finger on it exactly. I used the 9 minute Ratatoille trailer as a reference since its installed on all MBPs in stores. Its not so much an issue with black level than it is with clarity and sharpness. The trailer on my computer appears a bit soft (especially with the hair on the rat, the sink scene and people's hair). They really are striking in the store but on my MBP, just meh. When paused, the color on the rats hair (sink scene) has inaccurate color (gradients of visible green). I don't know. I'll take it in and review it with a Mac genius.

 

^ I know, I stole your idea .

Are you sure you were playing the same trailer? Maybe the MBP in-store was using a Higher Definition version of the same video. Try the HD versions: 480p/720p/1080p of the Ratatouille Trailer. Notice any improvements in contrast/clarity?

I'd be interested to see some images of your screen. Hopefully the problem will be noticeable, able to be captured, in the photos.

Here's an idea. Take a photo of your screen with a digital camera and also use the OSX Screenshot feature (Open-Apple + Shift + 3) while the trailer is paused at a position you can notice the aforementioned issue, full screen mode in QuickTime is probably best. Then upload the photos to ImageShack (don't check Resize Image) and use the Insert Image feature to post some pictures in this thread.

Just an idea.

Edit: Here's a good example of the point I was trying to illustrate: 480p vs 720p Comparison. The 9-minute trailer you referred to is available in both 480p and 720p. If you were comparing the 480p version on your screen to the 720p version on the in-store screen, that may explain the discrepancy. The idea I mentioned with the pictures is probably overkill. And if you're sill concerned, taking your computer to the Apple Store is the best idea.

 

like the original poster said, don't let this freak you out, if you can't tell you have any problem, guess what, you probably don't.

I don't recommend worrying about these type of threads unless you believe you have an issue before reading anything on here.