knackered display

[chickpea1980]

I have a PCG-K series today when i turned it on, the display was very dark & you can just make out the windows screen. Cant even log on as I cant see the mouse or login. Have tried the brightness, nothing happens. As the online support isnt working, can anyone offer any ideas as to what is wrong and how i can get it looked at? And also, what would they charge to take it away to look at? Only just registered so this is all new to me. Thanks

[feederfan]

Sounds like the Cold Cathodes that backlight the screen have gone, which is actually a common problem on many laptops,...

[jammold]

Can I ask a question?

With cold cathode technology, does this mean that eventually the backlighting will permanently fail and VAIO owners could be left with a permanently black screen?

[Ash911]

Can I ask a question?

With cold cathode technology, does this mean that eventually the backlighting will permanently fail and VAIO owners could be left with a permanently black screen?

No, because LCDs will still work but be very difficult to view as they dont generate their own light; OLED screens wouldnt have this problem :smileygrin:

[kee-lo_]

Yeah you'd need to light the screen up to see anything

[feederfan]

All Cold Cathodes fail after a certain amount of time, Therefore no LCD panel will last forever, however most panels will last at least 5 years or more.

[kee-lo_]

Hmmmm that's OKish

[jammold]

Oh right. Its OKish but not ideal.

I might sell my VAIO on by that point and hope OLED screen technology is standard in new VAIOs in 5 years time.:smileygrin:

You know feederfan that explains a lot.

On the occasions where Windows starts without backlighting, when I shine my torch at the screen I can actually see the Windows XP welcome screen where I can pick a Windows XP account.

The next question on my lips is if these backlights are flashing now, and on occasion failing completely during system startup, do you think it might last until May 2006? I cannot carry a torch with me all the time thats just impracticable.

I may end up having to buy a cheap TFT or CRT to put with the laptop.

[kee-lo_]

Yeah shame its not 10 years

[guckles]

Same issue here on a grx616mp. No help from the local Sony experts (sony.si) at least not with the Vaio line. Found aqstech in the States offering some kind of a solution. Perhaps These guys could also give some pointers.

I will go through the loops to try and solve this problem; will keep you posted.

Dennis