HTPC & Soundgraph

[Shamalam]

Avoid at all costs, displays suffer distorted colours and are far too bright for use in a HTPC as they distract from the primary display (TV).

The only time I've been able to comfortably watch a movie is when the LCD is disconnected.

Truely one of the worst products I've ever had the misfortune to own. Zero support also, a waste of space.

[dk.jung]

Dear Shalmalam,

Please check my post on the following URL for your issue. I think that you need to understand what is the products from SoundGraph because the cover window design and selection to reduce the LCD brightness for the livingroom condition is not our product and decision but our ODM/OEM customer's.

http://www.soundgraph.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158&page=4

Thanks...

[Shamalam]

Dear Shalmalam,

Please check my post on the following URL for your issue. I think that you need to understand what is the products from SoundGraph because the cover window design and selection to reduce the LCD brightness for the livingroom condition is not our product and decision but our ODM/OEM customer's.

http://www.soundgraph.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158&page=4

Thanks...

Your ODM/OEM customer's don't appear to have any clue what this "cover window" is.

According to Antec, it doesn't exist, which leaves end customers with a substandard and blatantly faulty product. It is entirely unfit for purpose.

Truely one of the worst devices I have ever had the misfortune to own. It looks bad and makes any HTPC case it is installed in completely unfit for purpose.

Products that contain your LCD are improved by removing it! Now, that's saying something!

[Flying Kiwi]

According to Antec, it doesn't existWell they built it so clearly Antec will know - it's not as if they'd include something they didn't know about in the case. When I had my FrontView module replaced by Antec, they supplied just the module, wires and volume potentiometer - not the cover screen and that does indeed seem to be a part of the case. I've found Antec mostly helpful and like most customer service related dealings, the manner with which you approach them, has an effect on the outcome.

Products that contain your LCD are improved by removing it! Now, that's saying something!That's saying something alright. Something extreme and something wrong in my opinion - having used this on my Antec case. It's perfectly clear to me that what's been said here by dk.jung is correct in that the darkness of tint used in the Antec case LCD cover will determine how the LCD appears and this is NOT something Soundgraph provides in the Antec case - it's a different Antec part. Your view also differs with most reviews I've read about Antec cases with this feature so clearly you are expecting something different to what most people including expert reviewers expect. Maybe Antec have a darker tint cover they can supply as an option if you ask them nicely but your course of action should be with Antec as they have final control of the product that leaves their factory.

[Shamalam]

Well they built it so clearly Antec will know - it's not as if they'd include something they didn't know about in the case. When I had my FrontView module replaced by Antec, they supplied just the module, wires and volume potentiometer - not the cover screen and that does indeed seem to be a part of the case.

Indeed, this is the problem, the cover screen on the Antec Fusion Max is entirely transparent. Antec have been unable to supply a replacement cover screen. They claim they have no spares.

I have an older (3+yrs) Fusion case (non max) the cover screen is very dark and thus the LCD is not overbright and discoloured. I have informed Antec of this fact, but they insist they have no cover windows that are tinted.

I've found Antec mostly helpful and like most customer service related dealings, the manner with which you approach them, has an effect on the outcome.

I referred them to the threads regarding the "filter" in this forum, but again they insist they have no idea what this filter is. I presume from your tone that you assume I have been strident in my approach and contact with Antec, nothing could be further from the truth.

That's saying something alright. Something extreme and something wrong in my opinion - having used this on my Antec case.

You are entitled to your opinion, I ofcourse entirely disagree with it. The Fusion range of cases *does* benefit by removing the LCD (as I have now done), at least in regard to the Fusion Max. I have recieved several tens of emails from others who appear to be suffering the same fate. There are also many threads on this and other forums from other posters suffering the same problem (I guess you missed them).

It's perfectly clear to me that what's been said here by dk.jung is correct in that the darkness of tint used in the Antec case LCD cover will determine how the LCD appears and this is NOT something Soundgraph provides in the Antec case - it's a different Antec part.

Indeed, and when Antec are asked about this part (a part that is entirely transparent on the 8 Antec Fusion Max's I've recieved and returned), they maintain that they do not have replacements for it, and that any replacement would be entirely transparent like the one I already have, despite my previous Antec Fusion case (non max) having one that is heavilty tinted.

dk.jung stated that Soundgraph offer a specification for the filter/window that should be used with their LCD's to their customers. I would like them to re-itterate it to Antec, as Antec support representitives clearly have no knowledge of this advice.

Your view also differs with most reviews I've read about Antec cases with this feature so clearly you are expecting something different to what most people including expert reviewers expect.

Not at all, infact I've yet to see any review of the Fusion Max that shows or makes much mention of the LCD. Virtually every end user (shop bought) report I've seen has expressed dissappointment with the state of the LCD. It is so ridiculously bright and discoloured that it makes the case unsuitable as a HTPC.

Maybe Antec have a darker tint cover they can supply as an option if you ask them nicely but your course of action should be with Antec as they have final control of the product that leaves their factory.

I have asked them, several times. They insist they have no stock of this part that is any different to the one I already have.

I will however, point them to this thread and ask again for a replacement cover window. It would be nice to be able to re-install the LCD and use the remote again.

Perhaps you could post some pictures of your non-faulty LCD in your Fusion case?

[dk.jung]

Dear Shamalam...

First, what I said to you is that we suggest the Filter Windows Cover to our ODM/OEM customers design the HTPC. How can we use 'SHOULD' to our customer's design? Once more, I cannot understand your complain to our forum. The cover design is not belong to our company. We would like to do something for you but there is no way for us because this is not our products. One idea for your case is that you can use some film to make your cover dark or reflective (as like half mirror).

Thanks...

[Flying Kiwi]

Perhaps you could post some pictures of your non-faulty LCD in your Fusion case?Aside from the fact I have no decent camera (the one in my phone suffers from chromatic aberration in a big way) there is no need. The one I'm using now has a background that looks like that shown on Soundgraphs product page here http://www.soundgraph.com/oem-lcd-feature-en/
The only difference to mine is that the background colour is consistant right across the whole LCD and not just the centre rectangle. If this isn't right for you and you have a custom need, if Antec don't have anything different to what you already have then as already mentioned some tint film (similar to what some people customise their car windows with) may be the way to go. The idea of removing the screen to make the case better is simply extreme because as a last resort if the screen is to bright during video playback, you can configure iMon Manager to turn it off altogether at such times. If you do end up buying film, just make sure that whatever you buy to customise your cover with is suitable to apply on plastic without causing crazing of the underlying material in the long term.

[Shamalam]

Aside from the fact I have no decent camera (the one in my phone suffers from chromatic aberration in a big way) there is no need. The one I'm using now has a background that looks like that shown on Soundgraphs product page here http://www.soundgraph.com/oem-lcd-feature-en/

Indeed, I can confirm that none of the cases I've been through has an LCD that bears any resemblance to that picture. Same for the Veris case mods, I've also looked at a number of those aswell. All in all I'd say I've looked at over 20 LCD's across several different Antec products, not one bore any resemblance to the picture you link, or any of Antecs promotional pictures.

The only difference to mine is that the background colour is consistant right across the whole LCD and not just the centre rectangle. If this isn't right for you and you have a custom need, if Antec don't have anything different to what you already have then as already mentioned some tint film (similar to what some people customise their car windows with) may be the way to go. The idea of removing the screen to make the case better is simply extreme because as a last resort if the screen is to bright during video playback, you can configure iMon Manager to turn it off altogether at such times. If you do end up buying film, just make sure that whatever you buy to customise your cover with is suitable to apply on plastic without causing crazing of the underlying material in the long term.

It's not just watching films, though the LCD's overbrightness does make it difficult to remain undistracted, it's all the time. The LCD is so bright, discoloured and washed out that it looks like an eyesore at all times. Essentially a pink square. In it's current form the case is enhanced dramatically by simply removing the LCD.

The universal response from guests and visitors to my house who have seen the LCD is "Is that right? It looks crap!", it's difficult to disagree, it does look like crap!

[Flying Kiwi]

Indeed, I can confirm that none of the cases I've been through has an LCD that bears any resemblance to that picture.Then you've got something which is not Antec Standard. If you're getting no further with Antec you need to consider the suggestions both dk.jung and I have made which is to darken things with tint film on the cover. Common sense says that if the right level of tint is applied, this can be customised to suit your light sensitivity exactly. In order to progress this any further you need to be trying such options.

[Shamalam]

Dear Shamalam...

First, what I said to you is that we suggest the Filter Windows Cover to our ODM/OEM customers design the HTPC. How can we use 'SHOULD' to our customer's design?

Because clearly Antec have no clue about how to install the LCD in a way that doesn't make it look like complete crap, and this reflects badly on Soundgraph.

Once more, I cannot understand your complain to our forum.

Clearly! However, you are the manufacturer of the LCD and there have been several suggestions about how the brightness could be curbed on these faulty LCD's in order to make them not look like complete crap. Several people have asked about a brightness control, or some indication about how to add a potentiometer to the LCD in order to set the brightness. Why have you consistantly ignored these users?

I notice MythTV plugins for your LCD contain a brightness control, why is this not available in Frontview?

Most people who have issues or are looking for information about this LCD will look on your site and this forum. I post here to offer my experiences and to discourage them from potentially making a terrible mistake.

The cover design is not belong to our company. We would like to do something for you but there is no way for us because this is not our products.

The LCD *is* your product. If there is such widespread confusion about what the cover window is actually supposed to be for and what the LCD is supposed to look like then you as a company have failed in your communication. Is there any reason the cover window that brings the LCD into line with expectations isn't included on the front of the LCD itself so that case manufacturers can't inadvertantly make mistakes in it's implementation?

Regardless, as others have said in this forum, it reflects very badly on Soundgraph and their ability to communicate with their customers.

I would not even begin to consider buying anything your company makes after seeing what an abomination the LCD is in all the Antec products I've seen.

I am not the only person to share similar views on this very forum.
How is that in anyway a win or acceptable for Soundgraph?

One idea for your case is that you can use some film to make your cover dark or reflective (as like half mirror).

Thanks...

Indeed & I have tried, unfortunately it makes little difference, the LCD still looks like an abomination. Not to mention the costs involved in sourcing such material.

[Shamalam]

Then you've got something which is not Antec Standard.

I would agree, except I have replaced the enclosure 8 times now & all replacements have been identical, so it would seem to be standard at least in terms of Antec standard.

I have tried several other solutions, such as getting a replacement LCD from the Veris multimeida stations, but again, everyone I've seen has been identical. As previously stated I've now been through over 20 devices, all Antec, so how could these possibly not be Antec standard?

If you're getting no further with Antec you need to consider the suggestions both dk.jung and I have made which is to darken things with tint film on the cover.

I have tried, unfortunately it still bears no resemblance whatsoever to the promotional pictures for this LCD. Contrast is so poor it just washes out the entire display. The colours are still distorted and simply become less bright. To get the background dark enough to not distract makes the text almost unintelligable from any distance.

Common sense says that if the right level of tint is applied, this can be customised to suit your light sensitivity exactly. In order to progress this any further you need to be trying such options.

I have tried a number of films and tints, but none (or combination) have resulted in a display that bears even the remotest resemblance to the picture of the LCD you link to.

This is why I (and others on this forum) have asked for clarification on exactly what film is required and where it can be sourced. Half mirror simply does not work. At some point you have to start asking for explicit instructions because the films/tints aren't cheap. I've spent at least 50% of the cost of the case on various filters/films and found that so far it makes little difference. I have been utterly unable to get the LCD to bear any resemblance to the picture you link.

At would appear that it will not be resolved, and I have decided to return the latest case as yet another faulty one and give up. At least if anyone bothers to check here before purchase they will see that all is not a bed of roses when using Soundgraph products.

[Flying Kiwi]

all replacements have been identical, so it would seem to be standard at least in terms of Antec standard.What you have described is clearly different to both of the Antec Fusion Remote Max LCDs I've experienced - hence my comments what you have is not standard.

I have tried several other solutions, such as getting a replacement LCD from the Veris multimeida stationsBut not the ideas put forward repeatedly regarding tinted film - well at least not enough. If you put a fraction of the effort involved in arranging repeated replacements into shopping around for tint film, you'd have a case customised to be as dark as you prefer by now.


I have tried, unfortunately it still bears no resemblance whatsoever to the promotional pictures for this LCD. Contrast is so poor it just washes out the entire display. The colours are still distorted and simply become less bright. To get the background dark enough to not distract makes the text almost unintelligable from any distance.Strange that mine bears a striking resemblance by default. If customisation is desired you need to adjust the contrast and tint levels to fine tune this to a happy medium. It's clear to me that you're wanting something other than the standard Antec solution thats advertised and marketed (at least to UK customers). Surely if it's possible for a background being so bright as to 'distract', it's similarly the case that letters or icons can distract - but distract from what? It's clear that any illuminated LCD display will add additional light to a dark room. If by distraction, you mean you want no background visible, then it follows that tinting will result in reduced character and icon light intensity from the display. Maybe future Soundgraph FrontViiew displays may one day have closer to black backgrounds but such technology currently costs - even my mobile phone screen and the LCD on my monitor aren't completely black when things are being displayed.

Adjusting the light output from some sources is not easily possible by dimming - immediately obvious to someone who's ever tried dimming a conventional fluorescent light. I suspect the backlight in these units is fluorescent hence why brightness can't be adjusted (at least to any significant degree) via software.


I have tried a number of films and tints, but none (or combination) have resulted in a display that bears even the remotest resemblance to the picture of the LCD you link to.Mine looks like the image on Soundgraphs website as is (other than the reduced backlight around the outside of the central rectangle), hence my claim that what you have is not standard.

This is why I (and others on this forum) have asked for clarification on exactly what film is required and where it can be sourced.How long is a piece of string? You won't get specific advice on customising your setup and those who want to try, do so at their own risk. I currently work in Market Research and a great deal of my work goes into making sure the correct balances are achieved by manufacturers with products prior to their release to the market. You can bet these balancing acts have been carefully refined to suit most of the people most of the time but there are always going to be a few on the fringes who won't be happy with the default. In this case, you've 'given up' (in you're own words) and returned your product. Good luck finding a product which meets your specific needs without any customisation, I suspect you'll need it. I think one thing that most people will take away from these threads is that Soundgraphs products will please the vast majority of people most of the time but there will always be a few who will not be satisfied.

[Shamalam]

What you have described is clearly different to both of the Antec Fusion Remote Max LCDs I've experienced - hence my comments what you have is not standard.

Actually, of the several tens of people who have responded/contacted me, you are the only person who claims their LCD isn't faulty or works as intended.

But not the ideas put forward repeatedly regarding tinted film - well at least not enough. If you put a fraction of the effort involved in arranging repeated replacements into shopping around for tint film, you'd have a case customised to be as dark as you prefer by now.

You are missing the point entirely, the contrast is so weak that darkening the LCD and reducing the pink background colour to black makes the text so dark that it is effectively unreadable. It's either too bright, or unreadable. There is no happy compromise unless I want my background to remain pink/red.

I stopped trying replacements over 6 months ago, since then I've tried at least 10 different films of various tints and opapacity, and every combination therein. There is no happy medium when the LCD is so hopelessly overbright and discoloured.

The best solution so far has been to remove the LCD in it's entirety.

Strange that mine bears a striking resemblance by default.

Indeed it is, yours is the only report I've read of someone who is happy with the display, though I concede that most people who are happy wouldn't report as much. However, the vast majority of posts I've read from Fusion Max owners have stated that the LCD is (at best) an eyesore.


If customisation is desired you need to adjust the contrast and tint levels to fine tune this to a happy medium.

Unfortunately there isn't one with the LCD in it's current state.

It's clear to me that you're wanting something other than the standard Antec solution thats advertised and marketed (at least to UK customers).

I'd be happy with one that bears any resemblance to the one you claim to have. i.e, bears any resemblance to promotional pictures.

I should point out that I have a much older Fusion (non max) case, and the LCD on this case does match the promotional material exactly. Only the newer Max (and all Veris components I've seen recently) suffer the fault. It's not like I don't know exactly what it *should* look like.

Surely if it's possible for a background being so bright as to 'distract', it's similarly the case that letters or icons can distract - but distract from what?

The primary display, in this case, the TV!

It's clear that any illuminated LCD display will add additional light to a dark room. If by distraction, you mean you want no background visible, then it follows that tinting will result in reduced character and icon light intensity from the display. Maybe future Soundgraph FrontViiew displays may one day have closer to black backgrounds but such technology currently costs - even my mobile phone screen and the LCD on my monitor aren't completely black when things are being displayed.

Adjusting the light output from some sources is not easily possible by dimming - immediately obvious to someone who's ever tried dimming a conventional fluorescent light. I suspect the backlight in these units is fluorescent hence why brightness can't be adjusted (at least to any significant degree) via software.

Mine looks like the image on Soundgraphs website as is (other than the reduced backlight around the outside of the central rectangle), hence my claim that what you have is not standard.

Each to their own, but your report seems to be the exception rather than the rule. Oddly, my retailer (overclockers.co.uk) stopped supplying the Fusion Max. They claimed they'd had the majority returned and stopped supplying the the Max because they couldn't source one that didn't have a discoloured LCD!

How long is a piece of string? You won't get specific advice on customising your setup and those who want to try, do so at their own risk.

As long as the length you ordered?

I currently work in Market Research and a great deal of my work goes into making sure the correct balances are achieved by manufacturers with products prior to their release to the market. You can bet these balancing acts have been carefully refined to suit most of the people most of the time but there are always going to be a few on the fringes who won't be happy with the default.

Retailers don't tend to refund in full (and the delivery costs) on 6 month old cases based on customer whims. The reality is that you only have to look at the LCD to see there is obviously something wrong, it's so massively out of whack with anything anyone in their right mind would call acceptable that the retailer has no choice. you'd have to be blind to call it anything like acceptable.

In this case, you've 'given up' (in you're own words) and returned your product. Good luck finding a product which meets your specific needs without any customisation, I suspect you'll need it. I think one thing that most people will take away from these threads is that Soundgraphs products will please the vast majority of people most of the time but there will always be a few who will not be satisfied.

LOL, i would be satisfied if the LCD bore any resemblance to what it's supposed to look like!

There's a picture of the LCD's I've been seeing on this very forum, in this thread:-

http://www.soundgraph.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158

So you can see whether you would regard that (and other user pictures that look the same) as acceptable.

I (and many many others) don't, but I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. It's pretty clear from the sheer number of reports of issues with this case and it's LCD that there is an issue, that you happened to get one that works as intended appears to be pure luck, rather than any notion of "Antec Standard".

[Flying Kiwi]

Actually, of the several tens of people who have responded/contacted me, you are the only person who claims their LCD isn't faulty or works as intended.I haven't seen similar complaints from 'several tens of people' here and it's not reasonable to expect all of those who are happy with their LCDs to post here (or even come across this website for that matter). I think it's important for those reading to have a balanced view of things.



You are missing the point entirely, the contrast is so weak that darkening the LCD and reducing the pink background colour to black makes the text so dark that it is effectively unreadable. It's either too bright, or unreadable. There is no happy compromise unless I want my background to remain pink/red.You are missing the point that what you describe is not Antec standard and certainly isn't the case with my Antec.

I stopped trying replacements over 6 months ago, since then I've tried at least 10 different films of various tints and opapacity, and every combination therein. There is no happy medium when the LCD is so hopelessly overbright and discoloured.Again, not a situation I could relate to: 1. because the colouring is right as is and 2. because even if I was to tint the cover with film, the right amount and type of film would darken things up as much as I wanted (although of course in this case if the background was darkened, the characters would also be darkened).

The best solution so far has been to remove the LCD in it's entirety.I thought you'd returned the cases and 'given up'?

yours is the only report I've read of someone who is happy with the display, though I concede that most people who are happy wouldn't report as much.Exactly my point. Believe me if I thought for one moment their was an issue with the quality of these devices as a whole, I'd be with you on asking for improvements but I simply don't see that as an issue.

I'd be happy with one that bears any resemblance to the one you claim to have. i.e, bears any resemblance to promotional pictures.I'm happy with mine (now I have the latest firmware) so I'm keeping it.

I should point out that I have a much older Fusion (non max) case, and the LCD on this case does match the promotional material exactly. Only the newer Max (and all Veris components I've seen recently) suffer the fault. It's not like I don't know exactly what it *should* look like.I've also seen the internet pictures of older displays (including some that look like vacuum fluorescent designs with much higher contrast that the LCD) but in the end it comes back to the fact that what I have looks like what was advertised here.

Each to their own, but your report seems to be the exception rather than the ruleHow can you assert that given you've already acknowledged (above) that those who are happy with their displays won't even be here or have a need to post? My supplier is still selling them.

As long as the length you ordered?And you've ordered a customised display?

The reality is that you only have to look at the LCD to see there is obviously something wrong, it's so massively out of whack with anything anyone in their right mind would call acceptableI call these displays acceptable in my own experience and I don't appreciate your tone. If you want anyone to take your posts seriously, you need to stop coming across as vexatious and wanting to impact on Antecs sales figures (for whatever reason).

[Shamalam]

I haven't seen similar complaints from 'several tens of people' here and it's not reasonable to expect all of those who are happy with their LCDs to post here (or even come across this website for that matter).

I'm pretty sure I said "On here and other forums", if that's not the case then I apologise for the confusion. Regardless, there are plenty enough people in the thread I linked, all of whom are expressing the same problem I am experiencing. Not only on Antec cases I might add.

I think it's important for those reading to have a balanced view of things.

I did concede that those who are happy probably wouldn't post as much, you must have missed that bit. There are reports in blogs and many other posts on various forums. Your assumption that because you haven't seen them must mean they don't exist seems to be somewhat short sighted.

You are missing the point that what you describe is not Antec standard and certainly isn't the case with my Antec.

Indeed, though because you are happy does not mean everyone else also must be.

There are many many posts on various forums from people who are not happy with the LCD on this case.

Again, not a situation I could relate to: 1. because the colouring is right as is and

On your display, but clearly not on all displays.

2. because even if I was to tint the cover with film, the right amount and type of film would darken things up as much as I wanted (although of course in this case if the background was darkened, the characters would also be darkened).

Indeed, one of the issues that was making the tinting of the display problematic, there is no happy compromise.

I thought you'd returned the cases and 'given up'?

Indeed I have, though before returning the best solution was to remove the LCD entirely.

Exactly my point. Believe me if I thought for one moment their was an issue with the quality of these devices as a whole, I'd be with you on asking for improvements but I simply don't see that as an issue.

Well, you wouldn't would you. As you have repeatedly stated... "I'm alright jack!"

I'm happy with mine (now I have the latest firmware) so I'm keeping it.

I'm happy that you're happy.

I've also seen the internet pictures of older displays (including some that look like vacuum fluorescent designs with much higher contrast that the LCD) but in the end it comes back to the fact that what I have looks like what was advertised here.

Unfortunately, mine and LCD's of others who have posted/contacted me don't (didn't) look anything remotely like what is advertised.

How can you assert that given you've already acknowledged (above) that those who are happy with their displays won't even be here or have a need to post?

Your report that you are happy with the display is the only one I've actually read, anywhere on any forum. I concede that those who are happy probably wouldn't post, which would explain the lack of people saying they're happy. You would imagine all these satisfied customers would jump in and report as much in the various threads from people who are not happy. Hasn't happened.

It's pretty clear just from the number of compaints that there is an issue. Whether that being a small or a large issue is another matter.

My supplier is still selling them.

Who are they? Maybe if I order one from them I'll get one that looks even remotely like it's supposed to.

And you've ordered a customised display?

No, I ordered one that is *supposed* to be light blue on a dark blue background. I got one that is cyan on a pink/red background.

I call these displays acceptable in my own experience and I don't appreciate your tone.

A bit rich coming from someone whos saying "Mines OK, so everyone elses must be aswell"! Mr Condescending speaks!

If you don't like my tone, don't read my posts! The notion that because you happen to have a display that you're happy with so "everyone else must aswell" is rather blinkered & short sighted.

If you want anyone to take your posts seriously, you need to stop coming across as vexatious and wanting to impact on Antecs sales figures (for whatever reason).

If Antec sales figures are affected because of my attempts to prevent anyone else having to go through their abysmal and totally unsuitable support system, and warning that when buying this case you *may* not end up with what you were expecting, or that Soundgraph LCD's are a bit hit and miss in the quality stakes, then so be it. There is nothing vexatious about that.

You forgot to say if the posted pictures of some displays in the thread I linked are, in your opinion, "Antec Standard"?

[thuttunen]

Here is another unsatisfied Fusion Remote Max owner with purple / pink LCD. Was not really what I expected when I bought it a month ago. Antec support replied once for my ticket asking for pictures. After posting pictures - no reply.

Otherwise I am happy with the case but I am leaning towards turning the LCD off. :(

See attachment for the purple beauty.

[Flying Kiwi]

Here is another unsatisfied Fusion Remote Max owner with purple / pink LCD. Was not really what I expected when I bought it a month ago. Antec support replied once for my ticket asking for pictures. After posting pictures - no reply.That looks like mine with the contrast set wrong and the picture taken from an extreme angle but if it's like that when correctly set to default and with the picture taken perpendicular to the display then clearly you also don't have an Antec standard display. You may need to follow-up your lack of reply to solicit a response. Isn't turning the screen off effectively giving up - much better to get it fixed properly with a new (to spec) display? Some such as Shamalam may choose to give up but if you follow up with Antec they should reply (or perhaps phone them - that's what I did to arrange my replacement when I needed new firmware). Make sure your energy is directed fully at getting the issue fixed. BTW what is your firmware revision because Antec UK sent me a slightly newer version (0x380208) than the version it was supplied with originally so you may get a firmware update at the same time.

I'd be interested to hear what they have to say as an explanation after they receive your screen and test it. Since we're not getting Antecs' side of the story here, it's impossible to get a balanced perspective, other than the fact there aren't hundreds (or thousands) of people complaining about this here suggests it's a tiny percentage affected out of all those they've sold.

[Shamalam]

That looks like mine with the contrast set wrong and the picture taken from an extreme angle but if it's like that when correctly set to default and with the picture taken perpendicular to the display then clearly you also don't have an Antec standard display. You may need to follow-up your lack of reply to solicit a response. Isn't turning the screen off effectively giving up - much better to get it fixed properly with a new (to spec) display? Some such as Shamalam may choose to give up but if you follow up with Antec they should reply (or perhaps phone them - that's what I did to arrange my replacement when I needed new firmware).

I didn't choose to give up "just like that", i gave up after several months and literally tens and tens of emails trying to get a resolution. I returned my LCD, to which Antec claimed they could find no fault, and got a replacement that was identical in every way. I even phoned them in Holland to enquire about the returned LCD and was told that "yeah, sometimes they can look a little pink, but it's normal". They posted me a video of what the LCD should look like, the LCD in their own video was pink!

I have now tried over 20 seperate LCD's, 8 that came with my 8 fusion max cases, 1 that was replaced by Antec and the entire stock of my local retailers Veris Premier stations. All looked exactly like the picture posted by 'thuttunen' above, pink.

Make sure your energy is directed fully at getting the issue fixed.

Good luck with that.

I'd be interested to hear what they have to say as an explanation after they receive your screen and test it.

See above.

I've also complained to pretty much every customer facing email address on their site about the lack of responses and inability to resolve what should be a simple problem. Not one single response to any quiery.

Since we're not getting Antecs' side of the story here, it's impossible to get a balanced perspective, other than the fact there aren't hundreds (or thousands) of people complaining about this here suggests it's a tiny percentage affected out of all those they've sold.

Or the problem is so widespread they refuse to acknowledge there is a problem to save on an expensive recall.

I now have another on order for tomorrow from Misco.co.uk (already had 3 pink ones from them so no doubt it'll be faulty again), but I'm going to give the resistor mod a go as it seems to produce pretty good results.

[Shamalam]

Here is another unsatisfied Fusion Remote Max owner with purple / pink LCD. Was not really what I expected when I bought it a month ago. Antec support replied once for my ticket asking for pictures. After posting pictures - no reply.

Otherwise I am happy with the case but I am leaning towards turning the LCD off. :(

See attachment for the purple beauty.

Sorry to hear that. Yours looks exactly like every one of the many LCD's I've seen on various Antec Veris products :(

Antec tried to claim this was normal in my correspondence with them, hopefully you will fare better.

If all else fails there's always the resistor mod posted in the "Antec inside" section, which looks like it produces pretty good results.

[Flying Kiwi]

I didn't choose to give up "just like that", Clearly not, yet you have 'given up' trying to get this rectified to your satisfaction and no longer have the Fusion Remote Max. I see below that you have flip flopped on this however and now plan to buy another…


Good luck with that.Absolutely. It's vital that energy associated with the issue is directed where it can make a difference and complaints should not be levelled at the wrong parties.

See above.Either you are clairvoyant or you misunderstood, I want to hear what they have to say after they receive 'your' screen, - means thuttunen's screen. I don't believe your case is typical of everyones experience just as it certainly isn't typical of mine.

Not one single response to any quiery.Well try phoning then. Emails can easily get lost but a live phonecall is a different matter. That worked for me.

Or the problem is so widespread they refuse to acknowledge there is a problem to save on an expensive recall.Such an issue would never justify even a moments thought towards a recall. Industries that do tend to issue recalls only do so for substantial matters that may significantly impact usage (including cases where the problem may only occur in the future) and also for safety issues. If the wrong coloured part was incorrectly fitted (eg the green LCD instead of blue) then the affected batch might be recalled but not where clearly the correct part has been fitted.

I now have another on order for tomorrow from Misco.co.uk (already had 3 pink ones from them so no doubt it'll be faulty again) but I'm going to give the resistor mod a go as it seems to produce pretty good results.Given all the bad blood above and your 'no doubt' it'll be faulty statement you're still so keen to buy another Fusion Remote Max... could it be that things aren't as bad as you claim and overall the case is a great piece of kit (otherwise why not buy another brand/model)? I know that when I've had dealings with companies which have refused to listen and act (the essence of what you're alleging), the only way I'd spend more money with such companies is if I see they've genuinely changed their ways or out of compulsion for parts. I truly hope that your customisation work results in an outcome meeting your needs:) If it doesn't, then I hope you are able to restore it back to original order for returning, as I know I wouldn't want to order a new case and end up receiving one that's been modified from the standard that I currently have.

[Shamalam]

Clearly not, yet you have 'given up' trying to get this rectified to your satisfaction and no longer have the Fusion Remote Max. I see below that you have flip flopped on this however and now plan to buy another…

Yes, I have another, it's LCD is bright pink! (not a huge surprise). I contacted Misco support, who claimed they'd had a huge number returned because of the LCD and are investigating with Antec, so hopefully something will come of it.

Absolutely. It's vital that energy associated with the issue is directed where it can make a difference and complaints should not be levelled at the wrong parties.

Though if the correct party refuses to actually "see" the problem there is little more you can do.

Either you are clairvoyant or you misunderstood, I want to hear what they have to say after they receive 'your' screen, - means thuttunen's screen.

That will be interesting. Though I didn't misunderstand, I was merely saying what the most likely response will be when thuttunen enquires. I presume he will read my responses to you aswell as his own posts.

I don't believe your case is typical of everyones experience just as it certainly isn't typical of mine.

Indeed, though having seen approximately 10 fold the number of LCD's to yourself, it's clear that there is an issue for a not insignificant number of users, across multiple products.

Well try phoning then. Emails can easily get lost but a live phonecall is a different matter. That worked for me.

You seem to have confused yourself with your selective editing, since this information was in my previous post.

I have phoned. I was informed that the LCD's "can look a little pink". Again, a refusal to even ackowledge that there might be an issue.


Such an issue would never justify even a moments thought towards a recall. Industries that do tend to issue recalls only do so for substantial matters that may significantly impact usage (including cases where the problem may only occur in the future) and also for safety issues. If the wrong coloured part was incorrectly fitted (eg the green LCD instead of blue) then the affected batch might be recalled but not where clearly the correct part has been fitted.

Given all the bad blood above and your 'no doubt' it'll be faulty statement you're still so keen to buy another Fusion Remote Max... could it be that things aren't as bad as you claim and overall the case is a great piece of kit (otherwise why not buy another brand/model)?

I have always maintained that I like the case, with the exception of the LCD it fits my needs perfectly. Unfortunately the LCD is at best, a complete dog, and the standard of support from Antec is at best, utterly terrible. However, in all other regards the case is a good case. Now there is a proper fix to curb the brightness I'll give it another go.

I have looked at other brands/models, but most have downsides that outweigh the LCD issue on this case. If I didn't like the case I wouldn't have persevered with trying to get it fixed for the last year, I'd have swapped immediately.

The case does look better with the LCD removed entirely, but then I don't think I should be paying the premium for a faulty product, so it will go back again and again.

It's not like it's a problem, the LCD's are so clearly broken to anyone who isn't blind that it doesn't actually cost anything other than a few minutes in delivery and return. So far the return of, now 8, cases hasn't cost a penny because they've all been obviously faulty.

I know that when I've had dealings with companies which have refused to listen and act (the essence of what you're alleging), the only way I'd spend more money with such companies is if I see they've genuinely changed their ways or out of compulsion for parts.

I truly hope that your customisation work results in an outcome meeting your needs:) If it doesn't, then I hope you are able to restore it back to original order for returning, as I know I wouldn't want to order a new case and end up receiving one that's been modified from the standard that I currently have.

Fortunately I can test the results before making the mod permanent.

It stands to reason that the mod is only required if the LCD is faulty, unless your LCD is bright pink then it's not going to be modified from your notion of "standard", since it could not have been "standard" in the first instance.

[Flying Kiwi]

Yes, I have another, it's LCD is bright pink! (not a huge surprise).Yet you went with this brand of case rather than another....

Indeed, though if the correct party refuses to actually "see" the problem there is little more you can do.You can ask yourself why it appears to you that they are 'refusing' to 'see' a problem and in the end if you are not happy, get a refund and stay away from that brand. In the end you have to look after your own interests and get a product that meets your wants on balance, no matter how extreme they may be.

Odd that the majority of posted pictures show an identical situation then.It's not odd because although pictures may look the same, that does not mean the cause of the issue is the same - just to play devils advocate, what's to say some aren't caused by having the contrast set to exacerbate the situation and the photos taken from an angle. In the end, you (or I for that matter) can't say what the cause is for thuttunen, hence why we need to find out the manufacturers side of things.

I was informed that the LCD's tend to go a little pink. Again, a refusal to even ackowledge that there might be an issue.If there is no 'issue' then there is nothing to acknowledge. You've already demonstrated your level of understanding with your statment about a product recall so why would the manufacturer react any differently to this question?

you never commented on the multitude of pictures as to whether you would regard a bright pink LCD as a problem?I can make my display look like those by setting the contrast wrong and taking a photo from the side. That does not mean there is a problem with the case. I have no way of proving how those other peoples photos were taken (nor do you for that matter) so the same applies. Just because in non-ideal circumstances, one aspect of the case can be made to look bad, that does not mean there is a problem with it and it certainly doe not mean the manufacturer should change a thing. Sure they can consider fitting improved LCD technology on fuuture cases (if they can get the cost to be acceptable) but then some may prefer the cheaper current option and may end up going elsewhere if the price is to high as as a result. I'll be the first to admit the LCD is not perfect but on balance, I believe for my needs the case is almost ideal as is (there are a couple of other detractors but these are not at all LCD related so I won't bring them up in this thread).

I have always maintained that I like the case, with the exception of the LCD it fits my needs perfectly....<snip>

Now there is a proper fix to curb the brightness I'll give it another go.I wouldn't call a hardware customisation not endorsed by a manufacturer a 'proper fix' but it's your money at stake. If, after changing the hardware, you're still unsatisfied, then it's important that (if you are able to return it for a refund) the product is returned to it's original by design state. I would not expect to receive anything other than I have now (or with the previous LCD) if I bought one of these cases new these days. I see below that you can test things without making any permanent changes so hopefully this won't be a problem.

the LCD's are so clearly broken to anyone who isn't blindI'm not blind and there's no problem here. There's that unhelpful personal tome again. Please kerb your enthusiasm for personal attacks against anyone else who doesn't hold the same view as yourself. As for my point about the case as a whole being a worth while purchase (and people should assess products as a whole, good points and bad when deciding IMO), your decision to buy another and try and modify it, rather than simply going with another brand and model altogether speaks volumes to me not only about the product itself but also the manufacturer. I hope that others reading here detect this very important point also.

[Shamalam]

Yet you went with this brand of case rather than another....

Yes, because i like the case itself, and now it looks like the LCD can be modified to not look like complete crap.

You can ask yourself why it appears to you that they are 'refusing' to 'see' a problem

Well, they're being a bit like you, despite being asked several times you still haven't said if you would be happy with an LCD that looks like the pictures posted here? I presume not, unless everything you've previously stated is nothing more than a downright lie?

and in the end if you are not happy, get a refund and stay away from that brand.

I will if I am unable to get the LCD to be the correct colour, however since it doesn't actually cost me anything to keep trying at my leasure, it's not really that much hassle to do so.

In the end you have to look after your own interests and get a product that meets your wants on balance

I am doing, on balance I like the case, I don't like the faulty LCD.

no matter how extreme they may be.

So wanting an LCD that bears any resemblance to what it's supposed to look like is extreme?

It's not odd because although pictures may look the same, that does not mean the cause of the issue is the same - just to play devils advocate, what's to say some aren't caused by having the contrast set to exacerbate the situation and the photos taken from an angle.

Because I've tried all the contrast settings, the pictures look exactly like the LCD looks to the naked eye regardless of angle and I have another Antec case with the same LCD that is the correct colour (also regardless of angle).

In the end, you (or I for that matter) can't say what the cause is for thuttunen, hence why we need to find out the manufacturers side of things.

Indeed, though there is no harm in telling my experience thus far.

If there is no 'issue' then there is nothing to acknowledge.

Maybe alot of people (yourself included) are happy to accept substandard products that bear no relation to advertising and promotional material, I and others here are not

You've seen the multiple pictures posted to this forum, do they look like the one you claim to have?

You've already demonstrated your level of understanding with your statment about a product recall so why would the manufacturer react any differently to this question?

And you've demonstarted your utterly blinkered and conceited view that since yours is OK then everyone elses must be, while at the same time repeatedly ignoring and selectively editing your responses to avoid the question of whether you think the posted pictures of numerous LCD's are within what you would call Antec "standard"?

So come on, lets have it, do you regard the picture posted (for example) by thutt, which looks *exactly* like all the ones I've seen to the naked eye, as part of your Antec "standard".


I can make my display look like those by setting the contrast wrong and taking a photo from the side. That does not mean there is a problem with the case. I have no way of proving how those other peoples photos were taken (nor do you for that matter) so the same applies. Just because in non-ideal circumstances, one aspect of the case can be made to look bad, that does not mean there is a problem with it and it certainly doe not mean the manufacturer should change a thing. Sure they can consider fitting improved LCD technology on fuuture cases (if they can get the cost to be acceptable) but then some may prefer the cheaper current option and may end up going elsewhere if the price is to high as as a result. I'll be the first to admit the LCD is not perfect but on balance, I believe for my needs the case is almost ideal as is (there are a couple of other detractors but these are not at all LCD related so I won't bring them up in this thread).

I wouldn't call a hardware customisation not endorsed by a manufacturer a 'proper fix' but it's your money at stake. If, after changing the hardware, you're still unsatisfied, then it's important that (if you are able to return it for a refund) the product is returned to it's original by design state.

It will be ofcourse, though I doubt it was designed to be bright pink.

I would not expect to receive anything other than I have now (or with the previous LCD) if I bought one of these cases new these days.

I wouldn't risk it, or you may have to slum it with the rest of us and our pink LCD's.

I see below that you can test things without making any permanent changes so hopefully this won't be a problem.

I'm not blind and there's no problem here.

Again, you may not have a problem, clearly many others do!

However, if you claim that the posted pictures of LCD's here are within your notion of Antec "standard" then you are visually impaired.

As long as you aren't blind, there is no question that the LCD's I have recieved are faulty. All the retailers have agree'd with me when they have viewed the product upon return.

There's that unhelpful personal tome again. Please kerb your enthusiasm for personal attacks against anyone else who doesn't hold the same view as yourself.

That's a bit rich coming from someone who's entire arguement has been about claiming I must be making it up! Mr Condescending speaks again!

Every post you've made has been a thinly veiled personal attack.

As for my point about the case as a whole being a worth while purchase (and people should assess products as a whole, good points and bad when deciding IMO), your decision to buy another and try and modify it, rather than simply going with another brand and model altogether speaks volumes to me not only about the product itself but also the manufacturer.

It's not the case that's the problem, that fits my needs. The LCD is entirely another matter.

Thanks, I think I'm getting the picture now, your evasive responses that simply don't add up speak volumes!

I now understand why you won't be taking an actual picture of your LCD and why you've gone to such efforts to avoid the question entirely. Would that "chromatic aberration" make your LCD have a pink tint perchance ;) Something tells me it might!

I hope that others reading here detect this very important point also.

I think anyone who can read between the lines and has followed the thread will be able to see right through you. Frankly.

[Laxlegenden]

I think anyone who can read between the lines and has followed the thread will be able to see right through you. Frankly.

I'm surprised you're able to keep your calm with all these lame arguments he throws at you. Frankly.



I'm not blind and there's no problem here.

Fact: Alot of people get cyan on pink LCDs looking nothing like you expect it to. You can't just counter that with "My LCD is working great so everyone elses is aswell".

Metaphor: 10 people are pushed off a 150 ft building, you would expect them to die but one miraculously manages to get away unharmed. He would then go on and on for days about how the other 9 people should be alive just because he is.

The other 9 people are dead, the fact that HE is alive doesn't change anything, just as your supposedly working LCD doesn't change **** for us.

On your ignorant crusade to show everyone that YOUR LCD is in fact working you have failed to invalidate a single point that Shamalam has made.

Oh, by the way; bought an Antec Fusion Remote Max a week ago and the display looks ridiculously bad....but I guess that's ok since yours is fine.........ARE YOU KIDDING ME? When you buy something you expect it to look atleast something like in the pictures, I feel like I ordered a pizza and got a two month old half-eaten sandwich.

[Shamalam]

I'm surprised you're able to keep your calm with all these lame arguments he throws at you. Frankly.

It was pretty obvious that the complete inability to actually see what the problem was from the posted pictures meant that there was no "chromatic aberration" in anything other than Flying-Kiwi's eyes.

The selective editing, refusal to answer even the most basic questions and utterly illogical reasoning simply didn't add up.


Oh, by the way; bought an Antec Fusion Remote Max a week ago and the display looks ridiculously bad....

Sorry to hear that.

Antec have now contacted me, aknowledged there is a problem and asked me to return my LCD for replacement. Hopefully that will be the end of the matter.

I urge you to contact them to resolve the issues you have with your display.

[thuttunen]

Antec have now contacted me, aknowledged there is a problem and asked me to return my LCD for replacement. Hopefully that will be the end of the matter.

I urge you to contact them to resolve the issues you have with your display.
So you returned the whole case? Or did you return only the LCD? If so, is it easy to remove from the case?

BTW. They just closed the ticket I posted to Antec's support system without answering anything after I send the picture there of the LCD :)