LCD TV shows white glow in corners

[Grunberg]

I just purchased a 40" Sony Bravia Z-series (KDL-40Z4100) TV, and I'm experiencing what I cannot distinguish as a defect or normal operation.

After about 20-30 minutes of operation, I can see a subtle white glow on the corners when I'm viewing a dark screen. I already tried updating the firmware, contacting Sony and also going through the useless "reset" process. The white glow in the corners is consistent with all three inputs I'm using, so it's definitely an issue with the TV. The picture setting is Vivid, the default.

I already tried doing a Google search, but even those results don't offer a great answer. So - is this backlight dilemma a defect, or is this the way the TV is? The same TV at the store in which I bought it doesn't seem to show this.

Any information is appreciated. Thanks!

IN ADDITION:
I'm considering exchanging this TV, and in fear that my replacement Sony would do this also, I might try another brand. I have also noticed that the factory sound settings of my current Sony TV are VERY bassy! I had to tweak the treble higher than necessary to get the sound to sound more..."normal".

I have heard that Samsung TV's have poor sound, and almost require a home theater system to justify. I don't want to buy a home theater system...I want a TV that delivers great sound as much as great picture!

I've heard LG LCD TV's are very popular as well.

[guns1inger]

Unfortunately, all LCD systems have pretty poor sound, as they have very little room for decent speakers. My Samsung's sound is OK, but no match for a home theatre. Then again, I like having surround sound, which you don't get from a TV.

Personal perspective - picture quality should be foremost. Sound is easy to replace with a small HT down the track. if you get a crappy picture you are stuck with it until you ditch the TV. I am not a fan of the LG picture quality up to and including the Scarlet range.

[brassplyer]

It's caused by the surveillance circuitry the government is installing in all new TV's to keep an eye on you in your home, monitor what shows you're watching etc.

The manufacturers have been ordered to advise that this is "normal operation".


And also, no I don't have a useful answer....

[Jim44]

Glowing corners: Sounds like your backlight it too high, try turning it down. In addition, you might try a basic calibration - use the "THX Optimizer" found on just about any Pixar DVD, and at least set the brightness & contrast. You can get a bit more involved with an Avia disc or GetGray (http://www.calibrate.tv/).

My old Westinghouse LCD did this (never bothered to calibrate); I calibrated the new Samsung and I don't notice this effect.

Sound: Like guns1inger, the sound on my Samsung LCD is OK (32A450). It's the bedroom TV, so it works in that environment.

Hope that helps,
Jim

[handyguy]

Is there any magnetic stuff nearby that could cause that?

[jagabo]

Glow in the corners is often called flashlights. It's quite common on LCD displays. Not all TVs of the same model have it, so another may be better or worse. Turning down the backlights may help. The factory defaults are generally way to bright for most viewing environments. I run my Samsung's backlights at 2 or 3 out of 10.

I'm sure if you ask Sony they will say flashlights are normal. But since not every TV has it I would consider it a defect. If you're going to return or swap, don't say its because of the flashlights, just say you weren't happy with it or it didn't work right.

Regarding sound, most flat panels seem to have poor audio. The first thing I did when I got my LCD was purchase a pair of M-Audio Studiopro 3 powered speakers. I plug them into the headphone ouputs on the TV. They aren't too expensive but sound much better than the internal speakers -- acceptable for day-to-day viewing. I only use the full surround sound system for more important viewing.