Backlight Bleed Test
Detect backlight bleeding and IPS glow on LCD monitors with our dark screen test
How to Use This Test
Testing Environment: For best results, test in a completely dark room. Set your monitor brightness to your normal usage level (usually 20-50%).
Test Process:
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1.
Turn off room lights completely
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2.
Set monitor to normal brightness
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3.
Click "Start Backlight Test"
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4.
Look for light at edges/corners
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5.
Use slider to test different gray levels
What to Look For:
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•
Corner Bleeding: Light in corners
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•
Edge Bleeding: Light along edges
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•
IPS Glow: Shifts with viewing angle
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Clouding: Irregular light patches
Severity Levels:
Backlight Bleed vs IPS Glow
What is Backlight Bleed?
Backlight bleed occurs when the LCD panel doesn't perfectly block the backlight, causing light to leak around edges. It's a manufacturing defect that varies between individual monitors, even of the same model.
Backlight Bleed vs IPS Glow
| Aspect | Backlight Bleed | IPS Glow |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Manufacturing defect | IPS technology limitation |
| Location | Usually edges/corners | Visible from angles |
| Changes with angle? | No, stays constant | Yes, shifts/disappears |
| Color | Usually white/yellow | Often silvery/purple |
| Fixable? | No (return/exchange) | No (inherent to IPS) |
Panel Types & Expectations
- IPS: Some glow is normal, minimal bleed expected
- VA: Better blacks, less bleed, possible clouding
- TN: Minimal bleed, but poor viewing angles
- OLED: No backlight = no bleed (perfect blacks)
Quality Control Note:
Even expensive monitors can have backlight bleed. It's largely luck of the draw. Many enthusiasts exchange monitors multiple times to find a good unit.
Found Backlight Bleed? Your Options
Acceptable Levels:
- • Minimal bleed visible only in pitch black room
- • Not noticeable during normal use
- • Doesn't affect dark scenes in movies/games
- • Common on most LCD monitors
Consider Exchange If:
- • Visible during normal content
- • Bright spots distract from dark scenes
- • Significantly worse than display models
- • Within return/exchange period
Prevention Tips:
- • Buy from retailers with good return policies
- • Test immediately upon receipt
- • Research model's typical bleed levels
- • Consider OLED for zero bleed
Living with Minor Bleed:
• Reduce brightness in dark environments
• Use bias lighting behind monitor
• Adjust viewing position if IPS glow
• Most users stop noticing minor bleed over time