R51 screen issues

[nshore]

I have an R51 that just recently on startup, during the IBM logo splash pages, displays a thin blue line on the left side from top to bottom. It goes away after full boot.

This just started happening this week. Any ideas on the problem?

15" R51 1836BAU 1.5 MHz centrino 512MB XP Pro

[sjthinkpader]

It is probably still there even in other screens. TFT is made as a matrix. For 1024x768 screens, there is essentially 3000+ vertical lines alternating in Red, Green and Blue. When it is bright, the line is actually off; allowing the light to come thru the color filter. So it is likely that line is dead, a contact failure in t he column drivers or something similar. If you look carefully, you probably can find it in other screens.

The TFT is usable as is. If it is under warranty, have Lenovo replace it.

[nshore]

Thanks for the quick reply. The TP is way beyond warranty--close to 4 years now. Guess it is something I will live with, until it becomes too severe.

[goofyGAguy]

Your machine has the ATI Radeon 7500 graphics chip. This could be the early stages of the chip coming loose.

[sjthinkpader]

I beg to differ, GPU failure will not be a thin vertical line. The output from 7500 is LVDS (similar to DVI) to the LCD controller in the display. It will be some kind of pattern but not a thin vertical line.

[nshore]

Thanks for all the input. I have noticed that it will appear/disappear if I wiggle the screen near the hinges where the ribbon cable is attached to the screen.

[sjthinkpader]

Normally, the column drivers are located at the top of the panel bonded to a flex circuit. The flex circuit is then bonded to the glass.