JBL LCD Flicker

novel · 04-30-2010, 10:48 PM

Hello all, this site has been very useful to me in making the most of my JBL. I have come across an issue though and since I already posted it in the Etaco forum, I'll just copy it here.

Quote:

I bought the JBL and received it a few days ago with pretty much everything I expected-- aside from an issue with the LCD.

After turning the page of a regular txt file in JBL, usually after a few seconds there is a noticeable flicker on the fonts that begins on the left side and works its way to the right. Since the flicker begins on the side with the batteries underneath it, perhaps the issue is with improper grounding?

This has happened with every ebook thus far. I am using fresh eneloop batteries right from the package. Thank you in advance for your help!

DoctorOhh · 04-30-2010, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by novel

After turning the page of a regular txt file in JBL, usually after a few seconds there is a noticeable flicker on the fonts that begins on the left side and works its way to the right. Since the flicker begins on the side with the batteries underneath it, perhaps the issue is with improper grounding?

Does this flicker stop after transversing the page or does it repeat?

Quote:

Originally Posted by novel

This has happened with every ebook thus far. I am using fresh eneloop batteries right from the package. Thank you in advance for your help!

The JB Lite came with new batteries, on the off chance that something is wrong with one of the batteries swap them out with normal batteries.

novel · 05-01-2010, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwanthny

Does this flicker stop after transversing the page or does it repeat?

I turn the page, several seconds pass, the flicker begins as described above, and then the flicker either stops or makes the fonts randomly jitter. Every time a page is turned this occurs. Also this usually seems to happen when I'm reading for say 20+ minutes continuously. Often times the flicker is contained to the left side and stops about inch away from the left.

I'm using this book in NYC and the above problem has occurred both outdoors with temps ranging from 40-80 degrees F and indoors at room temp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwanthny

The JB Lite came with new batteries, on the off chance that something is wrong with one of the batteries swap them out with normal batteries.

I have not used the included batteries at all but Sony Eneloop rechargeable ones. Since they're fresh out of the package, I'm hoping to completely discharge them, charge to full, and see if the situation improves.

macminer · 05-01-2010, 05:19 PM

If you mean just a light flicker that happens with fonts at 2 smallest sizes - that's a bug or feature of many Jetbooks, not just JB Lite. As far as I know no single cause has been identified so far. The cause could be radio interference (which assumes JB has rather poor grounding) or some malfunction of the screen or even a bug in the firmware (like a faulty font antialiasing algorithm).

novel · 05-01-2010, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macminer

If you mean just a light flicker that happens with fonts at 2 smallest sizes - that's a bug or feature of many Jetbooks, not just JB Lite. As far as I know no single cause has been identified so far. The cause could be radio interference (which assumes JB has rather poor grounding) or some malfunction of the screen or even a bug in the firmware (like a faulty font antialiasing algorithm).

Using the 3rd smallest font(size 18) so maybe that's affected as well. I can read with the flicker there, just hope it doesn't unduly strain my eyes. Thanks for the help all!

jblitereader · 05-01-2010, 06:00 PM

Hm, I haven't noticed this before. I'll keep my eyes open for it from now on.

aagstn · 05-02-2010, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by livingenzyme

Hm, I haven't noticed this before. I'll keep my eyes open for it from now on.

I only read with the second from largest font size. I've read two novels already with no flicker. I can't handle fonts smaller than that so I guess that is why I haven't noticed it.

theologic · 05-02-2010, 05:55 PM

Check out the flicker under different reflective lights. For example, I notice the flicker under indirect sunlight, but under incandescent lights, I see little to no flicker.

camgee · 05-03-2010, 07:18 PM

If it might be related to poor shielding is there a thin material you could put underneath the batteries to add additional shielding? Just a thought.

novel · 05-03-2010, 08:34 PM

I was told to install the latest firmware by Etaco and have so updated the factory-installed firmware of 15d patch 15 to 15d-b patch 15. If the flicker persists, I suppose I can increase from size 18 to 20 in case the issue is with poor software anti-aliasing. If the flicker continues, I will follow Etaco's advice to contact tech support directly.

So far the new firmware + fully recharged (after being discharged completely) Eneloop batteries seem to have gotten rid of the flicker for now. Before the flicker did tend to pop up in sunlight than in the current CFL-derived light I am on atm, so I will make sure to test for that.

theologic · 05-04-2010, 02:38 AM

This simply smacks of a hardware problem, as Toshiba normally designs a decent screen.

To do your own shielding or EMI mitigation is going to take a lot of work. Batteries are not a source of EMI as a general rule, as they do not pull out any pulse. (Power supplies are often problems, because they are fed by 60 cycles AC power.)

My guess is that the PCBA is laid out poorly and is radiating into itself.

Given enough desire and resources, a firmware patch may be able to fix this in the future. But they'd need to experiment around with the values for the SOC and other parts of the operating system.

I'll be interesting if any fixes are found in the future.

GhostHawk · 05-04-2010, 07:33 AM

Of the 4 jetbooks that I have purchased and setup, and the 1 JBL I have yet to see any of them flicker. I doubt it is a hardware problem or we'd all see it.

Hope that the firmware update will take care of your problem for you.
If it doesn't I'd ask for a replacement.

camgee · 05-04-2010, 07:52 AM

I definitely have it too on my jbl. Mine is worst in sunlight of any kind than in any type of interior lighting. I will likely send it back for a warranty repair but I haven't gotten to a point where I want to be without it for several days. It's kind of addicting.

errata · 05-04-2010, 10:01 AM

Same problem here. It definitely happens more in direct sunlight or warmer temps. I rarely see it while reading in bed at night.

I was also going to return it for a replacement, but since this problem seems to be somewhat widespread, please keep us posted if you get a response from ectaco.

asperger · 05-05-2010, 07:26 AM

If you bought what you believe to be a defective device, what would compel you NOT to return it?; if the replacement unit was also defective, what would compel you to simply NOT demand a full refund and give up on the model/manufacturer altogether? Why don't you contact the manufacturer?

Seems like a just another smear campaign.

05-01-2010, 05:19 PM	#4
macminer Connoisseur Posts: 98 Karma: 660420 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Poland Device: Boox Nova 3, Lenovo Tab 4 8" (formerly many others)	Jetbook flicker, not just JB Lite If you mean just a light flicker that happens with fonts at 2 smallest sizes - that's a bug or feature of many Jetbooks, not just JB Lite. As far as I know no single cause has been identified so far. The cause could be radio interference (which assumes JB has rather poor grounding) or some malfunction of the screen or even a bug in the firmware (like a faulty font antialiasing algorithm).

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Reading outside with LCD	leebase	General Discussions	1	09-07-2010 11:57 PM
iPhone PC Mag: Is the iPhone 4 LCD the Best?	kjk	Apple Devices	0	07-01-2010 10:56 PM
LCD Contrast	rkmoray	Ectaco jetBook	2	01-02-2010 01:40 PM
LCD photo Frame	pbananth	Which one should I buy?	1	01-01-2008 07:58 AM
LCD?	RalphTrickey	News	6	09-21-2007 02:31 PM

05-01-2010, 06:00 PM	#6
jblitereader Addict Posts: 248 Karma: 1312 Join Date: Mar 2010 Device: jetbook lite	Hm, I haven't noticed this before. I'll keep my eyes open for it from now on.

05-02-2010, 05:55 PM	#8
theologic Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2003	Check out the flicker under different reflective lights. For example, I notice the flicker under indirect sunlight, but under incandescent lights, I see little to no flicker.

05-03-2010, 07:18 PM	#9
camgee Member Posts: 17 Karma: 10 Join Date: Apr 2010 Device: Jetbook Lite	If it might be related to poor shielding is there a thin material you could put underneath the batteries to add additional shielding? Just a thought.

05-03-2010, 08:34 PM	#10
novel Member Posts: 12 Karma: 10 Join Date: Apr 2010 Device: JBL	I was told to install the latest firmware by Etaco and have so updated the factory-installed firmware of 15d patch 15 to 15d-b patch 15. If the flicker persists, I suppose I can increase from size 18 to 20 in case the issue is with poor software anti-aliasing. If the flicker continues, I will follow Etaco's advice to contact tech support directly. So far the new firmware + fully recharged (after being discharged completely) Eneloop batteries seem to have gotten rid of the flicker for now. Before the flicker did tend to pop up in sunlight than in the current CFL-derived light I am on atm, so I will make sure to test for that.

05-04-2010, 02:38 AM	#11
theologic Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2003	This simply smacks of a hardware problem, as Toshiba normally designs a decent screen. To do your own shielding or EMI mitigation is going to take a lot of work. Batteries are not a source of EMI as a general rule, as they do not pull out any pulse. (Power supplies are often problems, because they are fed by 60 cycles AC power.) My guess is that the PCBA is laid out poorly and is radiating into itself. Given enough desire and resources, a firmware patch may be able to fix this in the future. But they'd need to experiment around with the values for the SOC and other parts of the operating system. I'll be interesting if any fixes are found in the future.

05-04-2010, 07:33 AM	#12
GhostHawk Data Privateer! Posts: 586 Karma: 62887 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Fargo ND Device: Ectaco Jetbook& Jetbook Lite	Of the 4 jetbooks that I have purchased and setup, and the 1 JBL I have yet to see any of them flicker. I doubt it is a hardware problem or we'd all see it. Hope that the firmware update will take care of your problem for you. If it doesn't I'd ask for a replacement.

05-04-2010, 07:52 AM	#13
camgee Member Posts: 17 Karma: 10 Join Date: Apr 2010 Device: Jetbook Lite	I definitely have it too on my jbl. Mine is worst in sunlight of any kind than in any type of interior lighting. I will likely send it back for a warranty repair but I haven't gotten to a point where I want to be without it for several days. It's kind of addicting.

05-04-2010, 10:01 AM	#14
errata Member Posts: 12 Karma: 10 Join Date: May 2010 Device: JBL	Same problem here. It definitely happens more in direct sunlight or warmer temps. I rarely see it while reading in bed at night. I was also going to return it for a replacement, but since this problem seems to be somewhat widespread, please keep us posted if you get a response from ectaco.

05-05-2010, 07:26 AM	#15
asperger Enthusiast Posts: 27 Karma: 10 Join Date: Apr 2010 Device: Aluratek Libre	If you bought what you believe to be a defective device, what would compel you NOT to return it?; if the replacement unit was also defective, what would compel you to simply NOT demand a full refund and give up on the model/manufacturer altogether? Why don't you contact the manufacturer? Seems like a just another smear campaign.