Why Is There Bright Light on Edges of my TV Screen?

Here are the detailed guidelines:

Causes of Bright Light on TV Screen Edges

There are many reasons why a TV screen might have bright light on the edges.

Based on my experience testing various TV types and their functionality over the past five years, here are the most common causes:

1) Backlight Bleeding

Backlight bleeding occurs when the light source behind an LCD or LED TV’s display leaks around the edges, particularly noticeable in dark scenes.

This happens because the panel isn’t perfectly sealed, allowing the light to escape.

Studies show that over 20% of LCD TV owners report experiencing backlight bleed.

Types of Backlight Bleeding:

• Edge Bleed: Occurs around the edges of the TV.
• Clouding: Light patches appear across different areas of the screen.

Edge bleed is more noticeable in darker settings, while clouding can disrupt normal viewing in even moderately lit environments.

2) Uneven Panel Pressure

Uneven pressure on a TV panel typically refers to external or internal forces that distort the screen, affecting how light is distributed behind the display.

The backlight in an LED or LCD TV is designed to shine uniformly across the panel, illuminating the pixels that form the picture.

However, when pressure is applied unevenly to the screen—whether from mishandling, mounting, or even faulty manufacturing—it can cause certain areas of the panel to become misaligned or warped.

But How It Happens?

• Manufacturing Defects: If the screen isn’t properly sealed during production, the layers of the display may not be aligned perfectly. This can create zones where the backlight bleeds through more intensely, especially around the edges or corners.
• Physical Mishandling: Mishandling the TV, such as pressing on the screen during installation or transport, can cause pressure points that deform the thin LCD layer or damage internal components. This results in light passing through more brightly in those areas.
• Mounting Issues: Incorrect wall mounting or using brackets that exert too much force on the TV frame can cause subtle warping. This pressure affects the alignment of the screen and its light diffusion properties, particularly at the corners where the panel is more vulnerable to flexing.

So, Why It Leads to Bright Spots?

TV panels are composed of multiple layers, including a backlight, a diffuser (to spread light evenly), and the actual liquid crystal display (LCD).

When pressure is applied, the LCD layer can become thinner or pressed more tightly against the backlight in certain areas.

This reduces the effectiveness of the diffuser in those spots, causing the backlight to shine more intensely through the screen. The result is bright patches or “bleeding” light near the edges.

This effect is most noticeable in low-light scenes or when the screen is displaying darker content because the contrast between the dark image and the bright spots becomes more pronounced.

Tip: Avoid pressing on the screen while cleaning or during transportation to prevent uneven pressure.

3) Display Technology Limitations

Certain display technologies, such as LED and LCD, are more prone to light leakage.

OLED screens, on the other hand, do not suffer from backlight issues because each pixel produces its own light.

However, LCD technology, which uses backlighting, can suffer from uniformity issues, resulting in bright edges.

4) Manufacturing Tolerances

Different manufacturers have varying tolerances for light leakage, meaning some TVs are more susceptible than others.

While premium TV brands tend to minimize this issue, even top-tier models can sometimes display light bleeding.

Mid-range and budget models often compromise on uniformity.

How to Reduce Bright Light on TV Screen Edges

There are a lot of ways how you can reduce the chance of this backlight bleeding!

One of the most effective ways is adjusting the display settings.

Lowering the brightness and contrast settings on your TV can make light bleeding less noticeable. Most modern TVs offer settings such as:

• Local Dimming – controls the intensity of the backlight in specific zones.
• Brightness – lowering the backlight brightness often reduces the appearance of bright edges.

Here is a table:

Tip: You can also try applying some gentle pressure to the screen! Use a soft microfiber cloth and then apply some gentle pressure on the affected areas. While this isn’t a guaranteed fix, it can temporarily reduce light bleeding by redistributing the panel’s pressure.

And Why Not Simply Request a Warranty Replacement?

If your TV is still under warranty, and the light bleed is excessive, contacting the manufacturer may be your best option.

Many companies will replace the TV or repair the panel if the issue is severe.

Common TV Models Prone to Bright Light on the Edges

While backlight bleed can affect any LED or LCD TV, certain models are more susceptible.

According to a 2021 survey by CNET, mid-range models from brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony are among the most commonly reported for light bleed issues.

For a more in-depth review, consider visiting sites like RTINGS.com, where in-depth model comparisons include light bleeding tests.