5.4 - Troubleshooting Video and Display Issues

Question 1

No video image

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

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

Large screen projection
– Conference rooms, large gatherings

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