PSP World

Pixel problems plague first batch of PSPs

Just like the Japanese version late last year, reports are beginning to spring up about PSPs with dead pixels. Numerous PSP owners are reporting problems ranging from one or two bad pixels to cluster failures (a horizonal or vertical line of several dead pixels in row). We've read and heard of differing success in getting a PSP replaced for dead pixel issues. We can only suggest that you return your PSP if you absolutely can't live with the amount of bad pixels on your unit's screen.

"Red, blue or green spots (bright spots) or black spots (dark spots) may appear in certain locations of the LCD screen," Sony says in the PSP user manual. "The appearance of such spots is a normal occurrence associated with LCD screens and is not a sign of a malfunction."

Obviously, the majority of PSP users who are taking the time to post about such problems are the ones who suffer from it — like others happy with their PSP, we're not posting to the above-linked forum because our screens are perfect (and we're off playing Lumines). Pixel issues affect any product with an LCD — from laptops to TVs. We do, however feel for those affected and will do our best to keep you updated on the situation. It is very disheartening to wait this long and pay $250 for a less than acceptable product — especially when that product depends so heavily on its screen.

Update: Sony has responded to the widespread reports of dead pixel issues, stating that defective units can be exchanged.