Does your Sony fade in direct sunlight? - Page 2

Elton Noway · 08-04-2010, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lord_blackfang

How long should I leave it in the sun to properly test this? I got my 600 yesterday and it worked normally when I stuck it out a window, but that was only for a couple of page flips.

For the most part... the time it takes you to read a normal page of text before tuning the page (unless you are a speed reader) is more than enough time for you to notice screen fade. In truth... a lot of people may report they don't have fading but its only because the change is not significant enough for them to notice. I have a 300 and a 505 and both fade "slightly" but not enough to bother me.

Many forums report the fading was a known problem that effected earlier versions of Vizplex EInk readers on the market (not just the Sony) but the problem has been fixed. This is not completely true. While the earlier screens may have had a known defect that was fixed, many of the new production models can still fade to some extent! My co worker purchase a new PRS-300 directly from Sony and took Delivery on July 30th, 2010. We did the sun fade test and it faded at least 20%.

For those of you who may be confused with the on the screen fading issue... It's very easy to see (test) if you want to check out your reader.

With the unit turned on and text displayed on the screen... hold the device so that half of the screen is shaded with something (like your hand, a piece of cardboard, etc) and the other half of the screen is in direct sunlight. Leave it for about 15 - 20 seconds, then refresh the display (i.e, turn the page). If you have the problem you'll see a clear difference in the contrast of the text between the two halves of the display.

Here's a photo showing an example of the Vizplex Screen fade problem. (A hand was held over the bottom left corner of the display)

rudyt · 08-05-2010, 01:28 AM

Both my 300 and 505 fade in direct sunlight. Both are perfectly readable, but the fade is noticeable if you cover half the screen while refreshing. My 300 is way better than my 505, which demonstrates horizontal "banding". Both are absolutely perfect in normal light.

dazcox · 08-05-2010, 07:43 AM

I got a screen protector off Amazon for my PRS300 which completely solved the problem, without affecting readability of the screen - only cost a few pounds.

Downside is now I have my iPad my reader doesn't get used at home (And yes I have no issues reading an LCD for hours at a time...indoors at least

)

Redfox · 08-05-2010, 02:35 PM

Mine has a mild case of the fades (nowhere near as bad as the photos posted) but since

a) I live in the UK, where bright sunny days are a rarity, and

b) I don't like sitting in direct sunlight - melanoma is so overrated

it's not that big a deal for me. I can see that if you live in California or like to take your ebook reader on holiday to sunny climes, though, it would be a real problem!

rudyt · 08-06-2010, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dazcox

I got a screen protector off Amazon for my PRS300 which completely solved the problem, without affecting readability of the screen - only cost a few pounds.

Exactly which one did you buy. There seem to be many models to choose from?

Thanks in advance!

Nick_1964 · 08-11-2010, 10:08 AM

This afternoon I tried it with my prs-505, my prs-600 and my bebook one 2010,but no fades, page turns correctly and the sun did nothing with it.
I am lucky !

just_jeepin · 08-11-2010, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elton Noway

With the unit turned on and text displayed on the screen... hold the device so that half of the screen is shaded with something (like your hand, a piece of cardboard, etc) and the other half of the screen is in direct sunlight. Leave it for about 15 - 20 seconds, then refresh the display (i.e, turn the page). If you have the problem you'll see a clear difference in the contrast of the text between the two halves of the display.

Here's a photo showing an example of the Vizplex Screen fade problem. (A hand was held over the bottom left corner of the display)

Mine does this but when I turn the page it fixes the problem. I noticed this while reading outside when there was a shadow on half of the screen. When I got to the bottom of the page and moved my position I noticed the fading but as soon as I changed pages it went back to normal. Mine unfortunately is out of warranty but luckily isn't too bad compared to others.

TheCulture · 08-11-2010, 08:02 PM

Before coming across this thread I thought it was standard and they all did! Oh, well. You live and learn...

Bltprf502 · 08-12-2010, 09:28 AM

I quit using mine this Summer for this very reason.... Irritating!

EasyAs123 · 08-12-2010, 03:34 PM

Mine will be ok for the first 5 minutes or so, then I can watch it fade away. If I really focus, I can read the text, but only barely. I like the fact that I can read the text in good light without my cheaters. Once it fades, I have to use them because the text becomes very blurry.

Indoors, I must always be wearing my glasses or contacts + cheaters.

dreams · 08-12-2010, 03:59 PM

I have the Sony 505 (given to me for Christmas 2008) and I have not had this problem. Sometimes it gets a bit hot to the touch in 90F - 100F heat, but it doesn't fade.

I thought I understood that the fading was due to a certain batch of Vizplex eink screens made by, I think, LG. You can search for the fading screens and check posts made a while ago when this first started being noticed. It seems that most companies replaced your device if it was brought to their attention.

kartu · 08-13-2010, 03:20 AM

505 - doesn't fade, no matter what.
300 (serial 1483xxx) - does, not as hard as on pictures above, letters just become a bit thin. Fading only happens when turning pages. Exposing already rendered page to sunlight does no "harm".

Didn't try it with 600.

jashsu · 08-13-2010, 10:25 AM

Just a recap of the info I posted to the other thread here. I bought a PRS-600 recently, noticed it had mild fade and exchanged it at the store. Replacement had zero fade. Testing all performed around 10am-noon with direct strong sunlight overhead, page refresh then exposed for 30 seconds.

PRS-600, serial 1512xxx. Mild fading (pic). Factory installed s/w ver 1.0.02.13180
PRS-600, serial 1388xxx. Zero fading. Factory installed s/w ver 1.0.01.08040

A friend of mine also has a zero fade PRS-600, his serial is 1106xxx. Seems perhaps the key here is to get a model with a lower serial number if possible. If folks here could post the following info about their PRS-600, it might help establish a pattern:

Your serial number (the last seven digits of the sticker on the back) and whether you have extreme fading (all text fades in 30 seconds or a "low on toner" look), mild fading (see the picture linked above), or zero fading.

lacymarie7575 · 08-13-2010, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angst

My original PRS-505 did not fade in direct sunlight. When the screen went buggy, I sent it to Sony on warranty, and they sent me a replacement reader. The new reader fades in direct sunlight. I also purchased a backup reader (used) which also faded.

id send it back!! especially if you have the warranty...

Nick_1964 · 08-20-2010, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jashsu

Just a recap of the info I posted to the other thread here. I bought a PRS-600 recently, noticed it had mild fade and exchanged it at the store. Replacement had zero fade. Testing all performed around 10am-noon with direct strong sunlight overhead, page refresh then exposed for 30 seconds.

PRS-600, serial 1512xxx. Mild fading (pic). Factory installed s/w ver 1.0.02.13180
PRS-600, serial 1388xxx. Zero fading. Factory installed s/w ver 1.0.01.08040

PRS-600, serial 1498*** no fading s/w 1.0.02.1380

View Poll Results: Does your Sony Reader e-ink fade in direct sunlight?
Yes, it fades in direct sunlight	59	48.76%
No, it does not fade appreciably in direct sunlight	49	40.50%
Don't know, never tried it	13	10.74%
Voters: 121. You may not vote on this poll

08-13-2010, 03:20 AM	#27
kartu PRS+ author Posts: 1,637 Karma: 2446233 Join Date: Dec 2007 Device: Sony PRS-300, 505, 600, 650, 950	505 - doesn't fade, no matter what. 300 (serial 1483xxx) - does, not as hard as on pictures above, letters just become a bit thin. Fading only happens when turning pages. Exposing already rendered page to sunlight does no "harm". Didn't try it with 600. Last edited by kartu; 08-13-2010 at 11:38 AM.

08-13-2010, 10:25 AM	#28
jashsu Connoisseur Posts: 67 Karma: 154 Join Date: Nov 2006 Device: PRS-500, PRS-600, PRS-650, Oasis 2	Just a recap of the info I posted to the other thread here. I bought a PRS-600 recently, noticed it had mild fade and exchanged it at the store. Replacement had zero fade. Testing all performed around 10am-noon with direct strong sunlight overhead, page refresh then exposed for 30 seconds. PRS-600, serial 1512xxx. Mild fading (pic). Factory installed s/w ver 1.0.02.13180 PRS-600, serial 1388xxx. Zero fading. Factory installed s/w ver 1.0.01.08040 A friend of mine also has a zero fade PRS-600, his serial is 1106xxx. Seems perhaps the key here is to get a model with a lower serial number if possible. If folks here could post the following info about their PRS-600, it might help establish a pattern: Your serial number (the last seven digits of the sticker on the back) and whether you have extreme fading (all text fades in 30 seconds or a "low on toner" look), mild fading (see the picture linked above), or zero fading. Last edited by jashsu; 08-13-2010 at 11:18 AM.

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08-05-2010, 01:28 AM	#17
rudyt Sony Reader Posts: 19 Karma: 10 Join Date: May 2010 Device: PRS-300 and PRS-505	Both my 300 and 505 fade in direct sunlight. Both are perfectly readable, but the fade is noticeable if you cover half the screen while refreshing. My 300 is way better than my 505, which demonstrates horizontal "banding". Both are absolutely perfect in normal light.

08-05-2010, 07:43 AM	#18
dazcox Enthusiast Posts: 29 Karma: 24 Join Date: Oct 2009 Device: Sony PRS 300	I got a screen protector off Amazon for my PRS300 which completely solved the problem, without affecting readability of the screen - only cost a few pounds. Downside is now I have my iPad my reader doesn't get used at home (And yes I have no issues reading an LCD for hours at a time...indoors at least )

08-05-2010, 02:35 PM	#19
Redfox aka Anne Lyle Posts: 85 Karma: 437516 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cambridge, UK Device: Sony PRS-600	Mine has a mild case of the fades (nowhere near as bad as the photos posted) but since a) I live in the UK, where bright sunny days are a rarity, and b) I don't like sitting in direct sunlight - melanoma is so overrated it's not that big a deal for me. I can see that if you live in California or like to take your ebook reader on holiday to sunny climes, though, it would be a real problem!

08-11-2010, 10:08 AM	#21
Nick_1964 Bookworm Posts: 975 Karma: 768585 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Netherlands Device: Sony prs-650, Kobo Glo HD (2x), Kobo Glo	This afternoon I tried it with my prs-505, my prs-600 and my bebook one 2010,but no fades, page turns correctly and the sun did nothing with it. I am lucky !

08-11-2010, 08:02 PM	#23
TheCulture Considering Phlebas Posts: 8 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2010 Device: prs 300	Before coming across this thread I thought it was standard and they all did! Oh, well. You live and learn...

08-12-2010, 09:28 AM	#24
Bltprf502 Enthusiast Posts: 40 Karma: 110 Join Date: Mar 2010 Device: Sony PRS-300S (GONE), Samsung Galaxy Tab, Kindle 3	I quit using mine this Summer for this very reason.... Irritating!

08-12-2010, 03:34 PM	#25
EasyAs123 Love to Read Posts: 23 Karma: 10 Join Date: Apr 2010 Device: Sony Reader Pocket Edition (gift), Sony PRS-T1, Nook HD+ 32GB	Mine will be ok for the first 5 minutes or so, then I can watch it fade away. If I really focus, I can read the text, but only barely. I like the fact that I can read the text in good light without my cheaters. Once it fades, I have to use them because the text becomes very blurry. Indoors, I must always be wearing my glasses or contacts + cheaters.

08-12-2010, 03:59 PM	#26
dreams It's about the umbrella Posts: 25,110 Karma: 56250158 Join Date: Jan 2009 Device: Sony 505\| K Fire \| KK 3G+Wi-Fi \| iPhone 3Gs \|Vista 32-bit Hm Prem w/FF	I have the Sony 505 (given to me for Christmas 2008) and I have not had this problem. Sometimes it gets a bit hot to the touch in 90F - 100F heat, but it doesn't fade. I thought I understood that the fading was due to a certain batch of Vizplex eink screens made by, I think, LG. You can search for the fading screens and check posts made a while ago when this first started being noticed. It seems that most companies replaced your device if it was brought to their attention.

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