DR800 in direct sunlight

al35 · 02-01-2010, 01:12 AM

A question to the lucky owners of the DR800 -- did you notice any fading of the text in direct sunlight, as it happens with many other e-ink screens? I'm just wondering if the technology of the screens improved since my Sony 505 (mine fades a lot in the sun), or does the DR800 have the same problem. Thanks!

cmdahler · 02-01-2010, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by al35

A question to the lucky owners of the DR800 -- did you notice any fading of the text in direct sunlight, as it happens with many other e-ink screens? I'm just wondering if the technology of the screens improved since my Sony 505 (mine fades a lot in the sun), or does the DR800 have the same problem. Thanks!

I think the problem with text fading is more optical illusion than anything else. The light source is so strong that it highlights the fact that the text you are looking at isn't really "black", it's more a really, really dark gray. In dimmer light such as lamp light or just natural daytime light indoors or in shade, the text looks blacker. With the full brightness of the sun, your eyes perceive it for what it really is, and that makes it look like it "fades." If I'm correct, you will encounter this issue with all e-ink screens, not just the Sony.

al35 · 02-01-2010, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmdahler

I think the problem with text fading is more optical illusion than anything else.

No, it's most certainly more than illusion. It's very easy to see -- if you hold the device so that half of the screen is in the shade and half in the sunlight, and then refresh the page, you'll see a clear difference in contrast between the two halves. If your screen doesn't behave like this, then you are lucky to get one of the good ones.

Shaggy · 02-01-2010, 02:42 AM

I've never heard any technical explanation of exactly why this happens, nor have seen any official statements that it's been solved. The phenomenon definitely exists, but any reasons behind it seem to be nothing more than speculation. I assume it's inherent in eInk in general, and will effect all devices to a degree.

Burliburd · 02-01-2010, 07:25 AM

I had a 505 with screen looking perfectly in direct sunlight.
I also had a 600 with text fading in direct sunlight.
I know the difference between fading and not fading, so I can confirm that this is a real problem for some eink screens.

joblack · 02-01-2010, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by al35

A question to the lucky owners of the DR800 -- did you notice any fading of the text in direct sunlight, as it happens with many other e-ink screens? I'm just wondering if the technology of the screens improved since my Sony 505 (mine fades a lot in the sun), or does the DR800 have the same problem. Thanks!

I'm using an Irex for several years and haven't seen a decrease of quality. I don't think that the 800s will be any different (it will have the same technology).

wallcraft · 02-01-2010, 09:38 AM

If you get a Vizplex EInk reader that fades in direct sunlight that is a manufacturing defect and you should be able to return it for a replacement that does not have the problem.

badbob001 · 02-01-2010, 09:51 AM

I am curious on the real cause of this. Is it only sunlight or any bright light? The difference is that sunlight also brings along heat and UV. I wonder what would happen if you cover half the screen and expose the other half to a bright florescent light (less heat). Or expose the uncovered half to the sun from the inside side of a window on a cool day.

If it's UV, there are UV light bulbs to test this out. I've heard that the Que has an UV protective coating on its screen. Perhaps that's the difference? I've also heard that regular plastic can block out most of the UV, so touch-enabled sony devices may be more protected.

Shaggy · 02-01-2010, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wallcraft

If you get a Vizplex EInk reader that fades in direct sunlight that is a manufacturing defect and you should be able to return it for a replacement that does not have the problem.

Do you have any sources for the information that it is a manufacturing defect, or that it has anything to do with Vizplex?

wallcraft · 02-01-2010, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaggy

Do you have any sources for the information that it is a manufacturing defect, or that it has anything to do with Vizplex?

Pre-Vizplex EInk, e.g. on early iLiads, was susceptible to fading. We know that the majority of Vizplex screens don't fade, and Amazon replaced Kindles if the owners complained of fading. Amazon has lenient return policies, but replacing the Kindle would not work if most screens fade.

If you get a fading screen, ask for a new one. The vendors don't advertise that this is a potential problem because most EInk screens are not used outdoors and some owners won't complain about the fading.

daffy4u · 02-01-2010, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmdahler

I think the problem with text fading is more optical illusion than anything else. The light source is so strong that it highlights the fact that the text you are looking at isn't really "black", it's more a really, really dark gray. In dimmer light such as lamp light or just natural daytime light indoors or in shade, the text looks blacker. With the full brightness of the sun, your eyes perceive it for what it really is, and that makes it look like it "fades." If I'm correct, you will encounter this issue with all e-ink screens, not just the Sony.

You can see samples of the defective fading screens here and here.

etienne66 · 02-01-2010, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daffy4u

You can see samples of the defective fading screens here and here.

That certainly shows that it is not just peoples perception of a problem.

Etienne66

Mr. Goodbar · 02-01-2010, 11:57 AM

Wow, never had that on any of my devices and I've had quite a few. I routinely read while outside as well.

Shaggy · 02-01-2010, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wallcraft

Pre-Vizplex EInk, e.g. on early iLiads, was susceptible to fading. We know that the majority of Vizplex screens don't fade, and Amazon replaced Kindles if the owners complained of fading.

So no official information, just empirical evidence and speculation?

We're still in the same boat with this we've always been, nobody really knows what causes it.

rmm200 · 02-01-2010, 01:01 PM

Always falling back on the paper book model - I don't read books printed on paper in direct sunlight. I don't use my laptop computer in direct sun either. Why would I expect an EReader to be any different? Find a bit of shade...

Robert

02-01-2010, 01:12 AM	#1
al35 Enthusiast Posts: 38 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2008 Device: PRS505	DR800 in direct sunlight A question to the lucky owners of the DR800 -- did you notice any fading of the text in direct sunlight, as it happens with many other e-ink screens? I'm just wondering if the technology of the screens improved since my Sony 505 (mine fades a lot in the sun), or does the DR800 have the same problem. Thanks!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Do you read in direct sunlight?	SameOldStory	General Discussions	86	12-03-2010 02:26 PM
iPad Can you read it in direct sunlight?	Orn8one	Apple Devices	23	10-15-2010 07:59 PM
What do you mean by ‘direct sunlight’?	Uke	Sony Reader	32	04-22-2010 09:27 AM
Best Device for Direct Sunlight	scgf	Which one should I buy?	9	07-19-2009 01:34 PM
Problems in direct sunlight	-Thomas-	iRex	12	06-10-2008 10:18 AM

02-01-2010, 02:42 AM	#4
Shaggy Wizard Posts: 4,293 Karma: 529619 Join Date: May 2007 Device: iRex iLiad, DR800SG	I've never heard any technical explanation of exactly why this happens, nor have seen any official statements that it's been solved. The phenomenon definitely exists, but any reasons behind it seem to be nothing more than speculation. I assume it's inherent in eInk in general, and will effect all devices to a degree.

02-01-2010, 07:25 AM	#5
Burliburd Enthusiast Posts: 34 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Timisoara Device: Kindle DXG, iPod Touch	I had a 505 with screen looking perfectly in direct sunlight. I also had a 600 with text fading in direct sunlight. I know the difference between fading and not fading, so I can confirm that this is a real problem for some eink screens.

02-01-2010, 09:38 AM	#7
wallcraft reader Posts: 6,975 Karma: 5183568 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mississippi, USA Device: Kindle 3, Kobo Glo HD	If you get a Vizplex EInk reader that fades in direct sunlight that is a manufacturing defect and you should be able to return it for a replacement that does not have the problem.

02-01-2010, 09:51 AM	#8
badbob001 Fanatic Posts: 556 Karma: 1102020 Join Date: Sep 2009 Device: Kindle Keyboard (rip), Kindle Voyage, Fire Tablet 10 '17, iPad '19	I am curious on the real cause of this. Is it only sunlight or any bright light? The difference is that sunlight also brings along heat and UV. I wonder what would happen if you cover half the screen and expose the other half to a bright florescent light (less heat). Or expose the uncovered half to the sun from the inside side of a window on a cool day. If it's UV, there are UV light bulbs to test this out. I've heard that the Que has an UV protective coating on its screen. Perhaps that's the difference? I've also heard that regular plastic can block out most of the UV, so touch-enabled sony devices may be more protected.

02-01-2010, 11:57 AM	#13
Mr. Goodbar Wizard Posts: 1,005 Karma: 98078 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Device: iPad Mini 4	Wow, never had that on any of my devices and I've had quite a few. I routinely read while outside as well.

02-01-2010, 01:01 PM	#15
rmm200 Groupie Posts: 195 Karma: 414 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Bend, OR Device: Sony PRS-600	Always falling back on the paper book model - I don't read books printed on paper in direct sunlight. I don't use my laptop computer in direct sun either. Why would I expect an EReader to be any different? Find a bit of shade... Robert

Advert

Advert