5.4 Troubleshooting Video and Display Issues

Question 1

No video Image (Input, Dim Image, Hardware, Mode)

Answer 1

• Is it connected?
  – We wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t a real solution
  – Check both power and signal cable
• Input selection on monitor
  – HDMI, DVI, VGA, etc.
• Image is dim
  – Check brightness controls
• Swap the monitor
  – Try the monitor on another computer
• No video after Windows loads
  – Use VGA mode (F8)

Question 2

Image quality problems

Answer 2

• Flickering, color patterns incorrect
  – You can almost work with this
• Check the cable pins
  – Especially if missing a color
• Distorted image and geometry
  – Check the OS refresh rate and resolution settings
  – Need to match the display specifications
  – Check or replace cable
• Disable hardware acceleration
  – Troubleshoot with the software drivers

Question 3

Native resolution

Answer 3

• An LCD display is fixed
  – The number of pixels doesn’t change
• A display looks best when the video settings match
  a display’s native resolution
  – A mismatch can cause distortion
• If changing the display resolution, try using a multiple
  of the native resolution
  – 2560 x 1600 is the same ratio as 1920 x 1200

Question 4

Burn-in (image on screen stays for a very long time)

Answer 4

• A problem across all monitor types
  – Some displays will pixel-shift
  – You probably won’t notice it
• LCDs have “image sticking”
  – Try to remove by displaying a white screen for an
  extended period

Question 5

Dead pixels

Answer 5

• Always black
  – A manufacturing defect
• This probably isn’t a problem on your side
  – Not a cable or power issue
• Clean the monitor screen
  – Damp cloth
• You’ll have to replace the monitor
  – No other option

Question 6

Flashing screen

Answer 6

• Check the video cable connections
  – A loose cable will cause loss of signal
• Replace the video cable
  – Usually a quick fix
• The problem could be with the monitor
  – Try switching the display
• Confirm the display settings in the operating system
  – May not match the monitor

Question 7

Incorrect color display

Answer 7

Colors may not be properly represented
– Too much red, green, blue, yellow, etc.

• Monitor settings
  – Tint
  – Custom color presets
  – Factory Reset
• Driver configuration
  – Color tint
• OS configuration - Very blue
  – Night light settings

Question 8

Audio issues

Answer 8

• Many monitors include speakers
  – No sound, low volume
• Monitor may have audio controls
  – Check volume levels and mute status
• Confirm audio input over HDMI, DisplayPort, or
  Thunderbolt
  – Check the HDMI audio output in the OS
• The monitor may support other audio input interfaces
  – Check for audio jacks

Question 9

Dim image

Answer 9

• Monitor video settings
  – Brightness
  – Contrast
• Check the OS
  – Auto-dimming
  – Dim on battery power
  – Driver settings
• Backlight failure
  – Some or all of the light
  – May only be a section of the screen

Question 10

LCD projector troubleshooting

Answer 10

• Not always LCD
  – But common to see LCD
• Metal-halide lamp
  – Very bright (very hot) light
  – Relatively expensive
  – (~ $35 to $350+ US)
• Always let bulbs cool
  – Fan will run after shutting off
  – Keep it plugged in
• Intermittent projector shutdown
  – No light output
  – Fans may continue to run
• Cooling issue
  – Fans constantly cool the bulb
  – Shuts down if temperatures are high
• Check the airflow
  – Remove any blockages
  – Clean dust from the air filters and external
  air input/output