Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Check data cables at the monitor and video card end. Check power cables to the video
card if the video card requires additional power to operate.
Jittery picture quality
Solution
ForLCD monitors, usedisplay-adjustment software oronscreen menus toreduce orelim-
inatepixeljitterandpixelswimcausedbyrunningthedigitalLCDdisplaywithananalog
(VGA)videosource.Useadigitalconnection(DVI,HDMI,orDisplayPort)insteadofthe
VGA connection to avoid digital-analog-digital conversion problems like these.
For all monitors, check cables for tightness at the video card and the monitor (if remov-
able):
• Remove the extender cable and retest with the monitor plugged directly into the video
card. If the extender cable is bad, replace it.
• Check the cables for damage; replace as needed.
• If problems are intermittent, check for interference. (Microwave ovens near monitors
can cause severe picture distortion when turned on.)
For CRT monitors, check refresh-rate settings; reduce them until acceptable picture qual-
ity is achieved:
• Use onscreen picture adjustments until an acceptable picture quality is achieved.
• If problems are intermittent and can be “fixed” by waiting or gently tapping the side
of the monitor, the monitor power supply is probably bad or has loose connections in-
ternally. Service or replace the monitor.
Repairing Monitors
Althoughadisplayoftenisreplacedasawholeunit,somelargerdisplaysmightbecheap-
er to repair than to replace. If you decide to repair the monitor, your best bet is to either
contactthecompanyfromwhichyoupurchasedthedisplayorcontactoneofthecompan-
ies that specialize in monitor depot repair.
Depot repair
means you send in your display to a repair specialist who either fixes your
particular unit or returns an identical unit it has already repaired. This usually is accom-
plished for a flat-rate fee; in other words, the price is the same no matter what the com-
pany has done to repair your actual unit.
Because you usually get a different (but identical) unit in return, the company can ship
your repaired display immediately upon receiving the one you sent in, or even in advance
in some cases. This way, you have the least amount of downtime and can receive the re-
