Here, there and everywhere!
Almost everyone has an LCD Monitor these days. Very few of use are still working on a CRT monitor anymore even with the incredibly attractive price tag.

The best thing about LCD monitors is you’re able to work on a fairly big screen without getting a headache or the need to slap an anti-glare or anti-radiation screen on it. The extra desk space is nice too.

Another great thing about LCDs is the nice crisp image and colorful displays, especially in the newer models that have hit the market in the past 6 months or so. With all these great features come a few set-backs that a few of us unfortunately have to experience. The most common of these are dead pixels and screen burn-in.

Your Virtual Canvas.
As web designers and graphics people our monitors are our canvas. Dead pixels and screen burn-in can really muck up the visual side of things. It’s like working with dirty glasses.

If you’re suffering from one or both of these nasty inflictions you’ll be happy to hear there’s help. Monitor repair programs are starting to appear that profess to fix your dead pixels, lessen your screen burn-in and also improve the quality of you display.

I’m a little iffy when it comes to hacks like this, but if you’re choices are a new monitor or a monitor repair program, the latter might seem like a good idea. What have you got to loose?

A new meaning for the word ‘Screensaver’!
Either way, they seem like a great idea and something that will fulfill a definite need as more and more LCDs are being used. So without further delay, here are the 3 apps to check out that can give your LCD a much needed face-lift.

• 1. UdPix - You’ll need the Microsoft .NET framework to run this puppy. It runs on Windows Vista, XP and 2000. It’s a free download and also has a Pocket PC version.

  UdPix will attempt to fix any dead pixels on your monitor screen. Select a flash zone with your cursor and right click to select a color.

  You can download UdPix and the MS .NET framework here.

• 2. JScreenFix - This is a Java applet so it’ll run pretty much anywhere. JSF will fix stuck or dead pixels, reduce screen burn-in and improve the quality of your display. It’s free to try.

  There’s also a commercial version you can buy called JScreenFix Deluxe that has a few extra features.

  There is loads of helpful info on their site, so be sure to read through everything before making a decision.

• 3. Pixel Protector - The last of our 3 magic screen rejuvenators covers a wide range of screen types. Pixel Protector is for Plasma, LCD, DLP and projection TVs.

  It does everything the others do and can also calibrate your screen for optimal performance and in some cases extended screen life.

  There’s lot’s of info on the site so read through it all so you know what you’re getting into.

Addendum - June 27, 07
Dealing with Stuck Pixels
A stuck pixel happens when the pixels on your screen won’t light up properly with the other pixels on the screen. They will stay green or read and fail to light-up properly. Unless your screen is riddled with these stuck pixels (10 to 15 or more) you won’t have any luck getting the manufacturer to replace the screen, providing your still under warranty of course.

To remedy the situation, especially if you only have a couple of stuck pixels, here’s one thing to try. With a soft cloth, such as a anti-static cloth, gently rub in a circular motion around the stuck pixel. This will hopefully get the pixel to light up again.

Try to find the right pressure and spot on the screen to get the stuck pixel to illuminate. After you have the right pressure and location hold your finger there for up to two minutes. Release and your stuck pixel should be history.

In closing.
Hopefully one of these apps will help to bring your screen back from imminent death and keep it around a little longer for you before you have to go out and get something new.

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