monitor CTX problems

[koko]

hi !
we bought monitor - CTX
PR700F 17", 0.24mm, 1024x768 105 Hz, 1280x1024 78Hz, TCO 99, FD

Sony Trinitron
and have video adapter -- AGP 64MB Axle Geforce2 MX400 166MHz ,
so, when we install nVidia driver on winXP and made settings

1024x768,32bit ,
in monitor sattings there is no Screen refresh rate above 85Hertz.
But in monitor description there is 1024x768 105 Hz.
What is the reason?
and in addition the up left corner of the screen is trembling
not much,but,we have not that trembling on cheap monitor- KTC.
and besides we notice 2 horizontal fine lines on screen.
we call to ask salesman what is that lines and he told that
every Sony Trinitrons have 2 fine lines,hard to notice but
not very difficult if you try.
So, we have above enumerated 3 problem:refresh rate,trembling and
2 fine lines.any suggestions appreciated.:confused:

[jabarnutcase]

Hi KoKo-

It's possible your video card is not capable of supporting higher resolutions at that refresh rate. Although, 85HZ should be good enough that you should not see any flicker or "trembling" as you call it. The fact that it is only in the left corner is a bit strange...
Could be a problem with your monitor? Connections or video card.

As far as the two fine lines- That is completely normal for an Aperture Grille (http://www.necmitsubishi.com/css/Techlibrary/nec_aperture_grille.htm) monitor. If you read the "note" in the link, you will see they are actually support wires to hold the grille in place.

After a while, you tend to not notice them anymore.
Hang in there though, other people may offer opinions about that video card and your refresh rates. ;)

[ski]

Refresh rates greater than 85Hz are not really necessary as this specific RR will generate a display which is not only flicker free, but it will also produce less wear on the monitor and thus extend its life as compared to higher RR's.
However, if you still want a RR higher than 85Hz at a 1024x768 resolution, then in
Display Properties/Settings/Advanced/Monitor/Change, check 'Display a List....' and 'Show all Hardware', select Sony from the 'Manuf's' list, select your monitor's model in the 'Models' list, and click OK.
If your monitor is not shown in the 'Models' list, then select 'Standard monitor types' from the 'Manuf's' list and 'Plug and Play Monitor' in the 'Models' list.

Regarding the horizontal lines, Sony's Trinitron design uses a variation of the shadow mask called the aperture grill (or guard grill). Rows of very fine metal strips run vertically down the screen, separating columns of coloured phosphor which are arranged in alternating stripes of red, green and blue. This configuration allows the phosphor strips to be placed closer together than conventional dot triads, and the fine vertical wires block less of the electron beam than traditional shadow masks, resulting in a brighter image, and less thermal buildup and distortion. Coupled with changes in the way that the electron guns are arranged, this design results in a crisp, bright image. However, the vertical strips are so fine that they can be set into motion when contacted by the electron beam (thermal changes) . This would result in a shimmer on the screen which would be quite distracting. To remedy this, Sony puts horizontal stabilizing wires across the vertical ones. This reduces shimmer, but results in one or more fine horizontal lines being visible on the monitor. As mentioned above, the number of lines increases with monitor size. Usually, these lines are only visible to a discerning viewer when looking at a bright, solid background. If you're an experimentalist, try gently smacking the side of a Trinitron monitor, and look to see the wires shimmer. Basically, the horizontal lines are a minor trade-off when compared to the superior brightness and vertical flatness of the Trinitron screen.

Regarding the trembling in the one corner of the screen, connect the monitor to a different system.
If the trembling continues, then return the monitor under warranty for a replacement.

[deddard]

The problem with the upper left corner sounds as if the flyback is faulty.
The flyback is when the electron beam has finished creating the picture (bottom right of screen) and then flies back to the top left of the screen to draw the next frame. The flyback should be masked (effectively switched off whilst it moves back) but problems can sometimes occur.
It could be that the synch signal for the flyback is at the wrong setting - letting you see part of the flyback. Whether this is due to the monitor or the interface between the card and monitor is difficult to say, but as the above post suggests, the simplest way to test it is to attach it to another machine. If it is faulty - get a replacement

[mjc]

I agreewith dedard, get a replacement...

The only abnormality I see is the trembling in the corner, but that is enough for me. It should be replaced under warranty.

[koko]

hi all and thanks.
We connect the monitor to a different system.
there was no flicker in the corner.
when we change monitor on 15" ant connect to our system, flicker
became less noticeable.
and in during of booting,when windowsXP logo eppears,there is
trembl like a sea waves on the whole screen,on both monitors.
and i think its a problem of the video card.
it is 64MB Axle Geforce2 MX400 166MHz ,
and maybe it need something to change in bios of mobo?
does 166MHz mean something for mobo bios settings?
we have mobo GigaByte GA-7VA <SocketA, VIA KT400,
DDR,ATA133,AGP,Sound, ATX> <PC-2700>.
thanks.:confused:

[jabarnutcase]

Hi again koko-

Could you give us some more complete system specs?
(Processor, Ram etc.)
Are you running a 166mhz processor? :confused:

If in fact you are, then you are way below specs for running Windows XP.
The minimum system requirements for XP are:
233mhz processor and 128MB of Ram...

If you want it to run good enough to make it worth using, those specs should really be at least a P111 or AMD running at 500mhz or higher, and 256MB of Ram...(512 even better)

Now, getting back to your monitor- You could try another video card. Also, be sure the cable from your monitor to the video card is secure with no bent pins etc.
And another thought...Are there any other pieces of equipment very close to the monitor or plugged into the same outlet?
I have seen everything from fax machines, speakers-(especially unshielded), stereos, external modems, florecent lights, electric motors, cordless phones....Well, the list goes on. But many of these devices can cause strange inteference with a monitor.

Again, a little more info about your computer would be helpful.

(edit) In reading your last post again, I see reference to "ATA133'- You may be talking about the (capable) data transfer rate of your hard drive?) Include the size and type of your hard drive in posting system specs.

[mjc]

jabar,

Geforce2 MX400 166MHz

That is the video card speed, probably the memory.

[jabarnutcase]

Yep-Ok...Strange problem though. What do you make of it? Since, apparently, the monitor seems to be OK after all? :confused:

[ski]

Also, make sure that the video card is fully inserted.
Sometimes it will creep out of its slot.

[koko]

we bring back the monitor and sistem to seller
and asked to check it.
they connect our monitor and comp and....
to our surprise there was no signs of tremmbling or flickering.
they assumed,that we have bad , non standard electricity at home,
and suggest to replace our 400w p/s with no filters ,with 350w p/s
with filters(filters i think are additional condensators.)
i refused, they give us no warranty of sucsess.
we return at home and everything was same.
but after 3 or 4 hours the flicker stopped at our great surprise.
so we became quiet.but without knowing of real reasons.
thanks to all.:) :confused:

[jabarnutcase]

Well, strange one koko -

You never mentioned if you had other equipment near by, or plugged into the same outlet as your computer or monitor.
I don't know what they meant by "bad, non-standard electricity"- You mean you have a choice between that and "good, standard electricity"??? :confused: :D
However, it's possible that you have a severe voltage drop or fluctuating voltage in your house.

If they are available, you might consider monitoring the voltage in you house for a while. There are some fairly inexpensive meters for this...At least here.

Not so sure I would have traded a 400w Power supply for a 350w one either. (At least not without knowing the exact specs of both.)

At any rate, if it happens again, pay close attention to any changes that occurred just before that. (Something turned on or off, or lights dimming for example) If at all posible, you could also try a different circuit in the house too.
Good luck!

[Budfred]

You can also use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to smooth out the current that your system receives. If your power supply is erratic, this will be well worth the money in reducing the wear and tear on your equipment. Over here you can find a UPS for about $30 or so, but the price goes up from there depending on how long you want the computer to be able to run after a power failure.

[koko]

hi!
jabarnutcase,we have other equipment near by,
this is ups and voltage stabilizator.
but we try with and wutout that equipment.
it makes no difference.
we have no choice between good and bad electricity,
here in winter there is energocrisis,
it means frequent switching off of electricity and
it's low than standard 50hz, oscillation frequency.
we watching for voltage fluctuating,but we dont
know how oscillation frequency is changing.

[jabarnutcase]

Hi again koko

Well, it's good to know at least that your computer and monitor seem to be OK. Very strange the power situation you have there, but it may have a great deal to do with your intermittent problem.
With your electricity going on and off all the time, I would definitely keep your UPS hooked up.

Really don't know what else to suggest at the moment..Maybe others do.

But, Hey! Look at the bright side- Spring is coming and with a little luck, your power company won't be quite as stingy with the "good, standard electricity"
I would venture to say, when that time comes, your problem will magically go away. :)