Screen Door Effect on 2005FPW

Question

I just purchased a reburbished 2005FPW and notice that the text doesn't seem completely 'filled in,' if that makes any sense.  I've adjusted everything I can, both on the monitor and using the software, but nothing changes.  I heard somewhere the term 'screen door' and this seems to describe exactly what I'm seeing (like reading text through a screen door).  My old 14 inch monitor was better than this.  Some of the text also seems to have a slight hint of a shadow (or probably what's referred to as a 'ghost') image.  Is this as good as it gets, or is this just the way these monitors are?  I LOVE the monitor, but it does make me feel like I need to squint a little to bring everything into perfect focus (which it doesn't help to squint, by the way - I tried it!).

chromey · Answer

Sounds like you're using the VGA (D-SUB) cable. Use DVI, problem solved.

ljrichter · Answer

I've tried using both cables and get the same effect.  I just now switched back to DVI, and am getting more of a shadow/ghost with a little color in it, in addition to the screen door effect.  Don't know what's going on...   thanks for the input.

drew-and-not-u · Answer

few things;

-make sure your resolution is set to 1680x1050

-make sure your font is set to 96 dpi (maybe 120 if you want it larger)

-make sure 'cleartype' is enabled. you can find this setting under effects in the appearance tab under your desktop properties menu.

hope that helps!

ljrichter · Answer

Thanks for the reply...

All my settings are already as you recommended. I checked and re-checked. I have the dpi set at 120, but if I set it at 96 it's the same. I also have Cleartype selected and resolution is 1680 x 1050. Could it be the the actual graphics card that I have isn't perfectly compatible with this monitor? It's a Radeon 9250, just installed. On a different post, I was asking about whether this graphics card will support rotation, as I can't find any rotation feature unding the settings. I've checked online and apparently, I have the latest driver.

In my Quicken program, I have some very, VERY small type (not everything, just some less important stuff). It has a REALLY bad screen door effect and nothing I do makes it any better.

I'm wondering if I should get the Radeon 9200?

Thanks again for any more ideas.

drew-and-not-u · Answer

One of the things about LCDs it since they have static pixels of a finite size, they will always have trouble displaying text with a width less then the pixel size. My father complained of the same thing with his 19' LCD. It was set correctly, and though I could see what you and he were talking about, it was normal. He insisted it was unbearable and actually ended up turning down the resolution to make everything bigger. I suppose you might try turning it down to 1440x900 or something, but it won't look nearly as good. This may, however, be more comfortable for you.

ljrichter · Answer

So that's the reason the smaller pixel pitch is better? What is different about pixels on an LCD as opposed to a CRT? My old 14" CRT was extremely crisp and clear. First off, it was a much smaller size, so the resolution wasn't set as high. Second, I know it had a pixel pitch of .24mm, which I know is really good. None of Dell's monitors have a pixel pitch that small. I think this one (the 2005FPW) has the better pixel pitch of all of theirs, at .256mm or thereabouts. It seems I've never seen any LCD's with a pixel pitch as low as .24. Still, I thought the pixel pitch on this one was pretty good. Like I said, it's a bit of a screen door effect, but also a slight bit of ghosting or shadowing behind most of the text. Some numbers and letters are worse than others. I've found that adjusting the brightness and contrast helps to a degree.

Thanks for reading and answering my questions. I did try the lower resolution, but like you said, it doesn't look as good. It only makes everything bigger, but the quality of the text is still the same.

Thanks again...

drew-and-not-u · Answer

The two big things on LCDs are the pixel pitch as well as the pixel size. The pixel pitch is the distance between pixels, which is what causes the 'screen door effect.' You are thinking of the dot-pitch on a CRT display. Quality CRTs do offer exceptional picture quality, but are generally not as crisp. CRTs don't have actual pixels, which is why they handle multiple resolutions so well.

ljrichter · Answer

Well, thank you for answering my questions.  It's not something I can't live with, it's just a little disappointing that it doesn't look as good as old CRT, something I never anticipated.  I do have to look a little harder at the screen sometimes, which is annoying, but overall I really do love this monitor.  Pictures look incredible on it!  Now if I could just get the operating system to rotate.  :)  Think I'm going to have to get the other card for that...   Thanks again for everything!

latinrascal · Answer

whats up guys....

well i got to let you guys know that my 2005fpw works gggggggggggreat!

i mean i have to admit it took me a wile toad just to the screen and all but

it works fine. i have a wide screen tv for the house aswell and it took some

time for all of us to focus, and see the diffrence on screen, now on the other

hand if you have your 2005fpw near stuff like speakers magnets or other equipment

you might have problems.try to keep things clear from your desk top...like keep your

lady away from your pc.when she is blow drying her hair..and keep the toaster far as

you can...i also did the pip setting and its running well....

good luck hope it works out for you guys!

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