View Full Version : Any looked into replacing the 8204 screen with a brighter one?
There's a few places that offer this service - http://www.screentekinc.com and http://www.lcds4less.com, probably others too...
Wondering whether they offer a brighter screen, how much it would cost and if it would fix the dim/leaky display issue which seems to be the only major problem with this notebook!
I'd ask the suppliers, but maybe someone has already done the research!
Psychotic_UK
02-27-2006, 06:06 PM
Not owning the 8204, I don't think anyone will spend an additional $300 (on top of the $2000+ for the laptop) to change the LCD. If someone is going to do it, he'll do it after the warranty runs out.
Makes sense. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any laptops on the market with the 8204 feature set AND a nicer screen for a similar pricce...
ocean158
03-03-2006, 06:42 PM
man I'd do it, the screen is bugging the hell out of me now and I was already thinking of getting an external flat screen to do graphics work. I called LCDs4less and sent them an email. I'll let you know what they say.
Mattrix
03-04-2006, 02:57 AM
man I'd do it, the screen is bugging the hell out of me now and I was already thinking of getting an external flat screen to do graphics work. I called LCDs4less and sent them an email. I'll let you know what they say.
Keep us updated! I would love a bright screen for this..
shiggs
03-04-2006, 03:06 AM
Anything other than replacement for the same exact model is highly unlikely to work.
There are to issues here:
1. Mechanical, the replacement needs to be dimensionally identical to the current, all the connectors (LVDS - the video singal, Inverter - power) and mounting holes much be in the same places. Manufacturers suck at stadardizing things like this, even a later revisions to the same product can have changes that will shitcan the whole effort.
2. The singal (LVDS) and power. This is probably another showstopper. Again there are no standards, and if the new panel has different wiring specs (which it almost certainly will) you are screwed. Cables can be custom made, but not the kind likely used in a laptop (flat ribbon type, usually). Actually i shouldn't say they cant be made, is should say they can't for a reasonable cost. Same goes with the invertor, most of the time laptop top LCDs have a seperate inverter, if the current inverter does not meet the specs of the new LCD, well you have even more problems.
All that said, if anyone has opened her up, I would love to know the actual mfg & part number.
Mattrix
03-04-2006, 03:20 AM
2. The singal (LVDS) and power. This is probably another showstopper. Again there are no standards, and if the new panel has different wiring specs (which it almost certainly will) you are screwed. Cables can be custom made, but not the kind likely used in a laptop (flat ribbon type, usually). Actually i shouldn't say they cant be made, is should say they can't for a reasonable cost. Same goes with the invertor, most of the time laptop top LCDs have a seperate inverter, if the current inverter does not meet the specs of the new LCD, well you have even more problems.
All that said, if anyone has opened her up, I would love to know the actual mfg & part number.
No need to open her up. Just run this:
http://www.filehippo.com/download_everest_home/
Currently we know of two panels that Acer are using:
Most common one:
Monitor ID SEC3146
Manufacturer LTN154P1-L02
http://www.screentekinc.com/LTN154P1-L02.html
RB999 had this one on his 8204:
Monitor ID QDS003D
Manufacturer QD15AL021
Secondly a better invertor or backlight might help the situation, however the viewing angles are still really bad with the LTN154p1 panel and I suspect thats the cause of low brightness as well.
What we really need is the manufacturer tech specs that lists which panels have been tested. Normally Acer will use multiple suppliers as to spread the risk of production supply issues.
shiggs
03-04-2006, 11:43 AM
thanks for the tip
shiggs
03-04-2006, 11:49 AM
i got a samsung as well, the specs are nothing special
LTN154P1
Features
Item Description
SIZE 15.4"
RESOLUTION WSXGA+
NUMBER OF PIXELS 1,680 x 1,050
ACTIVE AREA(mm²) 331.4 x 207.1
PIXEL PITCH(mm) 0.197
NUMBER OF COLORS 262K
Color Gamut(%) 45
CONTRAST RATIO 500:1
BRIGHTNESS(cd/m²) 185
RESPONSE TIME(ms at 25 °C) 25
VIEWING ANGLE(U/D/L/R) 50/50/65/65
INTERFACE LVDS(2ch)
OUTLINE DIMENSION(mm) 344.0 x 222.0 x 6.2
WEIGHT(g) 560
PRODUCTION Mass Production
roughtcut
03-04-2006, 12:05 PM
This is a reply I got from ScreenTek Ltd. regarding replacing TM8200 screen with a different one:
"Unfortunately it is not possible to upgrade the size/resolution of your panel as applications and hardware specifications wouldn’t be compatible."
Sorry guys. I was really hoping for a different answer.:censored:
czm2000
03-04-2006, 01:29 PM
Give it time. It's still very new. It's more likely that with time, the opportunity for a screen that could fit will go up.
ocean158
03-04-2006, 05:28 PM
This is a reply I got from ScreenTek Ltd. regarding replacing TM8200 screen with a different one:
"Unfortunately it is not possible to upgrade the size/resolution of your panel as applications and hardware specifications wouldn’t be compatible."
Sorry guys. I was really hoping for a different answer.:censored:
I don't need a new sized screen, just the same resolution but better brightness, viewing angles and the absence of grey lines. But I guess it isn't possible huh?
Well I suppose a new flat screen LCD is in order. Gonna save up for one.
Mattrix
03-04-2006, 05:31 PM
I dont give a crap about battery life. I want this thing to use the brightest backlight possible. Maybe some clever person can hack it the inverter ..
ocean158
03-04-2006, 06:05 PM
come to think of it brightness is secondary for me next to getting rid of these grey lines in between the pixels. I'm okay with the brightness now. It's the damn grey lines. What's strange is that I didn't notice it for at least 4 days, is it possible that it just started doing that?
http://www.screentekinc.com/LTN154P1-L02.html
You guys do realize that it specifically says you can get that screen with a gloss screen. Which means you could have the 8200 with a Xbrite glossy screen. THat could, by all means, fix many of your problems
ocean158
03-05-2006, 02:05 AM
yah that's what I thought I saw. Awesome. Do they change the actual screen or put a filter on top?
goodbye integrated webcam.
ocean158
03-05-2006, 12:04 PM
dang they would take the camera out?
Psychotic_UK
03-05-2006, 12:50 PM
If I understand correctly they just sent you the LCD and you put it in. nothing gets taken out since the LCDs should be the same and thus have no need for any change(i.e. remove the camera)
markagain1
03-05-2006, 01:41 PM
About one month ago I bought an Acer 8204. From the minute I opened it, I was disappointed with the display. I thought it was dim, unclear/crisp and too small (resolution). Like everybody else I played around with the color settings and managed to get it better, but still disappointed. I was very close to sending it back, but I kept on trying to like it.
My laptop is mostly used for person use. I don’t use it for work (I used to but my company provided an IBM laptop and I only use that now). The laptop sits on the glass table in the living room. I usually sit on the couch and use it from there. I also like to lie on couch and look over and play around.
My biggest problem with the Acer was the resolution. 1680 x 1050 makes things so small. This was my first laptop with a resolution different that 1024 x 768. Because everything was so small it really made it hard to relax on the sofa and see the screen. I kind of got use to the dimness, but I had to be sitting right in front of it to easily see everything and use it. Even then, it was still small.
I was trying to figure out what my options were. Return it, get a different display or get an external monitor. I also looked at the new Sony and they were really nice. But I really like the power of the Acer and I like the extra screen space, just not the small size.
So, what I ended up doing was getting a Dell 20’ widescreen display.
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/ProductDetail.aspx?sku=20053YR&c=us&l=en&cs=19&ManufactSelection=Latitude&ModelSelection=161870&ModelName=Latitude%20D400&category_name=View+All+Results&RPU=&page=dellpartsproductlisting.aspx
Before I bought I actually took my laptop to the local mall where there was a Dell Kiosk with the monitor on display. They let me hook it up to the display so I could see how it would look. It was amazing! I ordered one right there. Plus, it was on sale for 439 – probably could have gotten a little more off with coupon, but I was happen. I also order external speakers that hang from the monitor.
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/PopupProductDetail.aspx?sku=313-3435&c=us&l=en&cs=19&pos=0&
I also got a wireless mouse and keyboard from MS. Now, I have my new widescreen sitting in the middle of the table, with only the wireless keyboard and mouse. I moved the laptop to the back of the table. I guess you could say that the laptop is not really being used as a laptop, but I now love the setup. I can see this baby very easy. Crystal clear picture, nice and big, and lots real-estate! From reading around this is the monitor that the Apple Cinemas use.
I took some pictures, but my old camera uses a media type that the Acer doesn’t except (jeeze, I thought it supported everything)
roughtcut
03-06-2006, 09:00 AM
http://www.screentekinc.com/LTN154P1-L02.html
You guys do realize that it specifically says you can get that screen with a gloss screen. Which means you could have the 8200 with a Xbrite glossy screen. THat could, by all means, fix many of your problems
I don't think it's that easy. I think screen tek modifies the original screen by themselves. That might or might not fix the brightness/angle issue. I specifically asked them for a replacement screen to improve the brightness, the reply was no go. The CrystalBright option was not even mentioned. This is where they are talking about modifying screens - take a look at this link:
http://www.screentekinc.com/acer-crystalbrite-lcd-screens.shtml
roughtcut
03-09-2006, 10:24 PM
OK, I have confirmed it. 10 minutes 6 screws - Samsung LTN154P1-L02. Grey lines, crappy angles, decent brightness (after all tweaks). I'll see if I can find a better replacement. I'll keep everyone posted.
eh? you removed the screen and can actually see the grey lines?
roughtcut
03-10-2006, 08:51 AM
eh? you removed the screen and can actually see the grey lines?
:lol: :lol: good one. Ahh..... No, I'm refering to deficiencies of the screen found by almost every TM8204 owner. I have been talking to some replacement LCD suppliers, and they needed to confirm the actual model number from the back of the LCD screen, as it seems that the Everet utility does not necessarily have to give you the right information. That might account the post by one owner of the TM8204 for whom the utility reported a different LCD model number than for the rest of us. My goal is to see if I can get my hands on the either better matte screen or XBrite one.
Mattrix
03-10-2006, 09:27 AM
Thanks roughcut.. hope you find something
roughtcut
03-14-2006, 10:21 AM
I'll attempt to upgrage my screen to a different manufacturer tomorrow. I'll take lots of pictures. I'll keep you posted.
Keep your fingers crossed. ;)
Mattrix
03-14-2006, 12:21 PM
I'll attempt to upgrage my screen to a different manufacturer tomorrow. I'll take lots of pictures. I'll keep you posted.
Keep your fingers crossed. ;)
Sweet goodluck!
ocean158
03-15-2006, 04:10 AM
so I gather that Acer doesn't replace the screen under warranty huh?
roughtcut
03-15-2006, 08:06 AM
I think that if you contact Acer they might replace the screen if you rant long enough, but expect the same quality screen from them, since they most likely will put in the same type of a panel (same manufacturer - most likely Samsung, and same model number). And don't expect high gloss one.
roughtcut
03-15-2006, 06:54 PM
:dummy3::gun3::daz:
It's ALIVE !!!! BUHAHAHAHA...........
Well, I've done it! Acer 8200 with a HighGloss screen!!!! ...... (very very ... very small print: it only costed approx $500.00)
I need to go over my pictures and see how they came out. I tried not to use the flash, well low light and macro mode don't mix very well. So, I need to check them. I'll let you know how they came out.
Man, this is what this laptop needed all along. :crazy:
pvolcheff
03-15-2006, 08:01 PM
:dummy3::gun3::daz:
It's ALIVE !!!! BUHAHAHAHA...........
Well, I've done it! Acer 8200 with a HighGloss screen!!!! ...... (very very ... very small print: it only costed approx $500.00)
I need to go over my pictures and see how they came out. I tried not to use the flash, well low light and macro mode don't mix very well. So, I need to check them. I'll let you know how they came out.
Man, this is what this laptop needed all along. :crazy:
I'm going nuts... I need pics! Now! Details! Details! Details!
Where'd you get the screen?
Who did the replacement?
Exactly what screen did you get?
oh, and did I mention that I want pics? haha.
roughtcut
03-15-2006, 08:31 PM
I'm going nuts... I need pics! Now! Details! Details! Details!
Where'd you get the screen?
ScreenTekInc - http://www.screentekinc.com/
Who did the replacement?
Well, I played the role of the mad scientist :cool2:
Exactly what screen did you get?
HITACHI TX39D97VC1FAA with HighGloss treatment (not sure if it comes that way or if ScreenTekInc does the mod)
oh, and did I mention that I want pics? haha.
Well, if someone can tell me where I can upload them, I might send a few.
Falafel
03-15-2006, 08:40 PM
Can you put them on flickr.com.
Also is the screen any brighter?
pvolcheff
03-15-2006, 08:43 PM
imageshack.us
You did the install yourself? How'd that go?
And one more question, is this just the screen or the entire top portion of the laptop? (i.e. does the 8200 now say Hitachi on the back or is it still the Acer CF backing?)
roughtcut
03-15-2006, 08:49 PM
Just to clarify for everyone. After playing with this screen for a few hours, hee's what I think:
- it's brighter, but not as much as I thought. The change is subtle.
- MUCH, MUCH sharper, that's the most important part
- better colors reproduction, although requires new adjustments in ATI console
- WOW, the angles - I can move my head now, and be able to read !!!
- not so good - the glare, hard to keep clean
The brightness issue seems to be most likely the one of an inferior inverter. It would be a much, MUCH cheaper solution to replace the inverter with a better one and see if this will increase the brightness. Unfortunately that would not fix the bluriness of the original screen. I probably would have learned to lived with the original screen, but man, I'm so happy I did this swap. The grey lines are gone. In fact they are replaced by very tiny squares (that's the way it should be - individual pixels), but I have to stick my nose in the screen in order to see it.
Keep in mind, this is just the first few hours after a swap. I'll keep you posted.
roughtcut
03-15-2006, 08:56 PM
imageshack.us
You did the install yourself? oh my. say I'm not that gutsy, you think I could have like a local computer store do it?
Swap is not so bad, if you are handy with a chain saw, blow torch, backhoe or cement mixer ... oh wait, that's the get rid of your boss project. ;)
All you need is a screw driver, and a little patience. I took the pictures along the way, so I can assemble an instruction page if I'll find time and if enough people are interested. It's only 14 screws, 3 cable connections, that's it.
pvolcheff
03-15-2006, 09:02 PM
Swap is not so bad, if you are handy with a chain saw, blow torch, backhoe or cement mixer ... oh wait, that's the get rid of your boss project. ;)
All you need is a screw driver, and a little patience. I took the pictures along the way, so I can assemble an instruction page if I'll find time and if enough people are interested. It's only 14 screws, 3 cable connections, that's it.
well I'm most defiently interested, but if you decide not to assemble an instruction page, i'd really appreciate it if you could just email me the pics (pvolcheff@gmail.com) thanks.
roughtcut
03-15-2006, 09:12 PM
Here's some pics, again low light no flash. I'll take better pics tomorrow.
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/6245/top2kh.png
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/9783/right9lu.png
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/1294/bottom6wx.png
Webrender
03-15-2006, 09:17 PM
ok...I'm impressed
ocean158
03-15-2006, 09:35 PM
omg, that is so awesome! was it easy to put in yourself? I was going to buy an external LCD, but I'd rather replace the screen. that looks so amazing.
pvolcheff
03-15-2006, 10:34 PM
awesome!
ddv2005
03-15-2006, 11:30 PM
I've make it too! I 've exchange LCD screens between by old notebook HP nx7010 and Acer 8200. It is real IPS LCD screen - one of the bests what i see.
pvolcheff
03-15-2006, 11:35 PM
I've make it too! I 've exchange LCD screens between by old notebook HP nx7010 and Acer 8200. It is real IPS LCD screen - one of the bests what i see.
can we get some pics of that too?
mak743
03-15-2006, 11:52 PM
that looks great could u put up a step by step of how you did that
umm, what is the cheapest, good quality screen that is available for the 8204? Doesn't have to be gloss either
indiekiduk
03-16-2006, 04:31 AM
Is it possible the inverter is responsible for the grey lines? If where can we buy a new one of those to test it?
roughtcut
03-16-2006, 09:16 AM
I don't think the inverter would have anything to do with the grey lines. It's job is to change the low voltage (12V DC) in your laptop to high voltage (?V AC) in order to drive the light tubes in the back of the screen.
A good quality inverter might deliver a better, more stable, higher current voltage to the tubes, possibly making them brighter (or possibly damaging them if voltage/current overdriven).
Sorry I don't know where you could get a replacement for the inverter.
The grey lines might be casesd by two factors: 1. mechanical problem during the panel assembly where the screen layers don't line up perfectly. 2. Wrong horizontal or vertical sync frequency making the screen appear washed out.
I don't think the original screen is machanically damaged in some way. It's a good quality screen made by a good LCD company - Samsung. I just read another post that said that upgrading to bios 3311 increases brightness of the screen and get's rid of grey lines. Well, I can test the brightness, but my grey lines are gone by now :)
I'll see if I can post the step by step on the screen replacement with some pics.
ocean158
03-16-2006, 03:01 PM
I don't think the grey lines disapear with this bios update. I flashed my bios and i still got it. I'm going to save up and get what you got.
roughtcut
03-16-2006, 03:03 PM
I just posted a step by step, hope this is helpful
http://www.notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=140247
ddunn89
05-26-2007, 01:53 AM
Hey guys, I know this is a super old thread but I was wondering if you ppl that replaced ur old 8204 screen with a new one still had the old one? Im a student who is stuck with a cracked LCD that acer wont help out at all and Im willing to pay a reasonable price for it. Anything better than Acer's $700 replacement fee.
Cheers
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