Dark 15" AST 5L Monitor

[Guest]

I purchased a used AST 5L 15" monitor a short while ago and it has been quite good to me except for one thing. It is displaying a bit too dark for some functions, such as games, movies, video, etc... I have tried the same monitor on 4 different systems and it has the same results. I was told that there was a way to correct this within the unit itself but I am a bit nervous going in there as I am not a hardware expert. I have tried playing with the refresh rate but it does not help at all. The display adjusting wheels located at the front for brightness is at full and this is fine for basic functions but not for anything graphic intense. Anyone that might be able to shed some light on this, please come forward. Thanks all.

Tell me what you need and I'll show you how to get along without it

 

[GoSharks]

The loss of luminance or contrast is an indication that the monitor is starting to go. There are two main reasons why monitors get dim over time, phosphors degrade, and the cathode in the electron gun wears out. In either case the CRT (picture tube needs to be replaced) it is best to buy a new monitor. Most monitors have a master brightness adjustment inside. It may help make the image appear however it will degrade focus and expedite the ultimate demise of the monitor. I do not recommend this. Monitors have very high voltages only trained technicians should open a monitor.

Jim Witkowski
Chief Hardware Engineer
Cornerstone / Monitorsdirect.com

Jim at http://www.monitorsdirect.com

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the tip but I was able to get things displaying a lot better. I did adjust the main brightness inside the monitor and it worked like a charm. It didn't go very fuzzy either. I know that this will shorten the life of the monitor but I only paid $15 for it 8 months ago so I won't be out much money and the picture was simply too dark to watch any movies or play games. When it does burn out, I'll pick myself up a nice 19" flat screen monitor. Was coming down to that anyway until I got it displaying better.

Tell me what you need and I'll show you how to get along without it

 

[orbz]

This is one of the worst monitors. I'm glad you only paid $15 for it. I remember whem my school had those AST monitors, most of then couldn't even last for a year. They go bad fast like dim colours, fuzzyness and greening. While wait until it burns out? You should pick your 19" now. The monitor is one of the most important component. A bad monitor is not good for the eyes.

<i>DMA - Doesn't Mean Anything </i>