Monitor trouble

[onepaced]

Hello everybody . I'm a newbie so you might have to bear with me if I make a hash of things first time out. I'm using a EM -170 LCD monitor and have a really grainy picture, with each colour seeming to be made up of different shades and any pics/images don't seem to have all the clours embedded in them. I've played around with the monitor functions without success - can anyone help? Would be very grateful.

[Calum]

Has the display always been like this?
If not, when did it start and was anything changed before it started?
Can you post some more info on your machine?  Specs, OS, etc would be helpful if you know them, if not then post back and we'll help you find them.

[onepaced]

Thanks very much Calum . I'm using XP, Pentium 4 HT Procesor 550 3.4 GHz (Advent T9202). ATi Radeon X 600Pro 256 MB memory PCI Express graphics card.

Monitor - horizontal frequencies 30KHz to 80KHz, vertical 60-75 Hz, microprocessor based with OSD control.

The monitor has been perfect for most of the time but has been like this for probably 3 months. Can't identify what I've changed.

Hope this helps.

[Calum]

Try updating your graphics drivers, this might solve your issue.

[onepaced]

  How do I do that?

[Calum]

Go here - http://ati.amd.com/online/customercareportal/drivers.html - and follow the instructions from there on, choosing your OS and graphics card, etc.
I'm an ATi user myself, so if you run into any issues downloading or installing the drivers then post back.

[onepaced]

Thanks very much for that Calum. I really appreciate your help but unfortunately it didn't make any difference. Any other route I could take? Cheers.

[Calum]

Check that your monitor is plugged in firmly.
Check that your graphics card and all connectors are plugged in firmly.
Try that monitor on a different machine and try a different monitor on that machine, let's see where the problem really is.
Also, post a screenshot here, then we can see exactly what you're talking about here.

[Neil]

Sounds to me like improper refresh rate. Right click an empty area of desktop and click properties. Click settings. What is your current resolution? Click advanced, then look in monitor and adaptor for refresh rate. What is its current value? Try selecting 60Hz.

Calum, if it's a problem with the monitor, a screenshot will be useless

[onepaced]

Thanks very much both - did what you suggested but still the problem. The refresh rate was set at 60 already.

[soybean]

I've played around with the monitor functions without success - can anyone help?

Do you understand how the monitor settings work?  Can you adjust color, brightness, contrast, etc?

[onepaced]

As I say, I've tried using the functions but have not manged to solve the problem. I'm must admit that I was groping in the dark a bit so any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks for your continuing efforts on my behalf.

[soybean]

Is this your monitor?: EM170 (Silver/Black) (Black, Silver) 17 inch LCD Monitor

Do you have your monitor set at 1280 x 1024, the native resolution?

[onepaced]

Yes, that's my monitor and I've set the resolution as suggested. No different. I wonder if it is to do with contrast, brightness etc...

[Calum]

Calum, if it's a problem with the monitor, a screenshot will be useless  

A good point, but if it's a problem with the PC then it should show up, correct?
Have you tried the monitor/machine swap as I suggested?
As for the contrast and brightness, have a go at changing them and see if it makes any difference.
You can always change them back if it doesn't help or makes things worse.