HP w2207h Flatscreen Monitor Problem

[Anthony1]

Hey,

I was pushed up against a wall and gave into buying an LCD, and for the record...I hate them! I just bought this HP yesterday and I'm already having two problems (one of which may just be a setting and not a problem):

1.) Do all LCD monitors have blurry text? I know this may be a minor annoyance to some but it's really annoying the crap out of me.

2.) "Input Signal Out of Range. Change settings to 1680x1050 - 60hz"

Is there any way to get around the above message? I want to set my resolution to 1600x1200 - I just like the look better that way - but it's not allowing me to do that.

Also, because of the blurred text, I'm planning on returning this screen. Any recommendations on a few really good monitors. No gaming or anything special here, just internet use and music production.

Thanks much,
-Anthony

[mjc]

1. LCDs need 'text enhancing' functions...like ClearText in XP turned ON.

2. LCDs have a 'native' resolution that works best. It may not be possible to hit your desired resolution with your video card/monitor combo, especially if you are not using the latest drivers for both. If you are relying on Windows to supply the 'diver' for the monitor, you may be getting less than optimal results.

[Anthony1]

1. LCDs need 'text enhancing' functions...like ClearText in XP turned ON.

Ah, OK! Where exactly can I find this "ClearText"?

If you are relying on Windows to supply the 'diver' for the monitor, you may be getting less than optimal results.

The monitor came with a CD that I'm assuming installed all of the unnecessary drivers - not sure, tho'. How can I be certain that they're both up to date?

Thanks a lot,
-Anthony

[mjc]

1. My mistake...it is ClearType.

http://www.windowsnetworking.com/kbase/WindowsTips/WindowsXP/UserTips/Customization/EnableClearTypefontrendering.html

2. Visit the HP site...

[Anthony1]

Thank you! :)

[Anthony1]

Hello again,

The "ClearType" thing made the font look much better, but the blur is definitely still there. Could it be this specific monitor? Or maybe even all the monitors with this model number? Or is this an LCD thing? If need be, I can post up screen shots.

Now the sun is out and the glare is making things hard to read. Do most LCD users just "deal with it" or are there ways to cope with things like this?

[PrntRhd]

1) Make certain the distance to the screen is proper. I place mine so I can almost touch the monitor from my seated position, no closer than that.
2) You want any LCD monitor to be set to its Native Resolution, if you set it to a different resolution it distorts the pixel arrangement and makes your eyes strain.
3) If it is hard to read using a web browser, understand you can change the size of the fonts in browsers such as Firefox, making viewing more comfortable.

[Anthony1]

1) Make certain the distance to the screen is proper. I place mine so I can almost touch the monitor from my seated position, no closer than that.

Mine is at about arms length from my seat.

2) You want any LCD monitor to be set to its Native Resolution, if you set it to a different resolution it distorts the pixel arrangement and makes your eyes strain.

The pixels look perfect now, it's just that it seems there are rows (it seems to be about a 1/4 of inch in size - maybe smaller) starting from the top of the screen going all the way to the bottom that once text is scrolled over them, they get blurred out - not that much, but it's noticeable. Does this happen on your screen?

3) If it is hard to read using a web browser, understand you can change the size of the fonts in browsers such as Firefox, making viewing more comfortable.

It was hard because of the glare, not for any other reason really. I think my only option now is to transition back to CRT or buy one of those anti-glare things for this.

[PrntRhd]

The antiglare screens do work on LCDs.
:)
LCDs will soon replace CRTs for several good reasons:
they take up less desktop space
they are more energy efficient
they use less toxics, especially the amount of lead.

I am using an Acer display here, no issues with rows of pixels here.

[Paul Komski]

We all differ but I wouldn't go back to CRT unless forced to. No flicker and a larger display area for the same published size of screen in inches! A 17" LCD is comparable to a 19" CRT in real terms. They might not have quite the same length of life but are now real value for money, easier to ship and move around. But everyone to their own taste.

I have been mostly using Prestigio ones and the Auto button usually sets up the monitor just fine. Often the biggest problem can be when the setup has been for a previous monitor and the monitor is simply swapped in. Using Safe Mode (or running msconfig and setting /basevideo) (or failsafe defaults with Linux distros) will usually let you get going to reset the video drivers or their display settings.

[Anthony1]

The antiglare screens do work on LCDs.
:)

I wonder if it'd work considering the way I have my table set up. The monitor is right in front of me and I have two windows almost directly behind me, so when the sun comes out, I not only see the glare, but also see a reflection of the entire room. :(

[Anthony1]

We all differ but I wouldn't go back to CRT unless forced to. No flicker and a larger display area for the same published size of screen in inches!

Yea', that I do know. But that doesn't mean a whole lot when the text in that extra space is all blurry.

I have been mostly using Prestigio ones and the Auto button usually sets up the monitor just fine. Often the biggest problem can be when the setup has been for a previous monitor and the monitor is simply swapped in. Using Safe Mode (or running msconfig and setting /basevideo) (or failsafe defaults with Linux distros) will usually let you get going to reset the video drivers or their display settings.

Do you think this would cure the "blur"?

p.s. Just noticed that when I scrunch down in my seat, the top 1/4 of the monitor becomes a bit dark. God I miss my CRT!!!