|
|
snoopy1
new user
Reg'd: Tue
Posts: 5
|
|
Hi there!
Our monitor just died, and so went out to John Lewis to get a new one. We bought an HP w1907v. It all seems great, but my partner (who bought it), didn't really understand that it was widescreen.
The set up was pretty easy, but there's one problem. As it is widescreen, it seems to stretch everything out horizontally, distorting everything slightly. If it was our TV, we'd simply hit a button to adjust it, but I can't find anything to make this adjustment.
Our computer is a Dell Dimension 4550. The video card is an ATI Rage 128 Ultra (16MB), which I admit, means nothing to me.
I had an online conversation with HP, and they felt it might be the video card.
Can anyone suggest a fix for this? Have I missed anything obvious? I've downloaded all the drivers, etc, and tried various tweaks by going to Control Panel, Display, etc, but nothing seems to address it.
Do we need to take this back and try again with something different?
Please help!
Much appreciated,
Dale
|
|
BedstorfromAP
Necromancer
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 4302
Loc: 32 Bus Stops West of Wigan UK
|
|
It sounds as though the Aspect ratio is not set up like on a TV
Might be listed under Mode select?
Check again here (last sentence)
Once this is adjusted You'll be ok Set it at 1024 x 768 Resolution for a start and go up in single steps Though that resolution is good on all Monitors (Mine can go to 1620 x 1200 if needed?) But I like the 1024x768 as there is no strain on my eyes 
PS Did you do the set up or was it the delivery people?
Quote:
HP w1907v 19-inch Wide flat-panel monitor with BrightView Technology delivers sharper image, richer colours, and a superb viewing experience, all at a great price
Features
• Enjoy a brilliant and immersive widescreen viewing experience, thanks to this impressive 19-inch wide flat-panel monitor with HP BrightView Technology which makes colours richer and pictures sharper
• Experience uncompromised widescreen viewing performance for video, photos, games and more, thanks to easy to use Quick View modes, fast 5 ms response time, 1440 x 900 optimal resolution, and 1000:1 contrast for photo-realistic quality
• A leading style, and improved ergonomics make it easy to adjust the monitor to work or play comfortably. You can also save space and personalize your monitor with Easy Clip by clipping on photo holders, cameras, or accessories
• My Display software will provide you with easy and convenient one touch adjustment of your HP display performance. Easy to set up and use, you simply plug and play the monitor to get started
Edited by BedstorfromAP (Wed Nov 14 2007 05:45 AM)
|
snoopy1
new user
Reg'd: Tue
Posts: 5
|
|
Hi there!
Thanks for your reply!
I've been through all the options in 'My Display' that I can find, and nothing seems to help. There is a button to adjust resolution, but it is 'greyed' out, so I can't click it.  I don't see anything to adjust 'mode'. There is an auto set-up feature, but it hasn't solved the problem either.
I did the set up myself, and am usually pretty good at blindly investigating things and figuring them out, but to no avail this time...
Any other suggestions? Is it the case that some monitors simply won't be fully functional with some computers? Hope not...don't really want to have to take this back!
Thanks again,
Dale
|
snoopy1
new user
Reg'd: Tue
Posts: 5
|
|
Update!
With more playing around in My Display, I've found a button to change it to "Fill to Aspect Ratio", which now means I have black bars on either side and the images are not being pulled out. Hooray!
My next question is this, however: I also found that the aspect ratio is set at 1024 x 768, but the optimal is 1440 x 900. Any clues as to where I could adjust that so that we're getting the full benefit of the screen?
Thanks!
|
BedstorfromAP
Necromancer
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 4302
Loc: 32 Bus Stops West of Wigan UK
|
|
Really can help you without the Models Setup instructions or FAQs if they exist?
But You are winning the pictre is the right shape (I dislike letter box displays too)
Greyed out control means that a Master setting may have lock it?
as for the aspect ratio setting perhaps the answer lies in the section marked other or smething else at the bottom of the List?
Have seen TVs where you have a country list to set up from and that is the only thing you do Default usually is either the Country of origin or the US?
That will be in this section(if they have included this feature?)
If not then seek the Custom setup and all the controls are unlocked
If no joy. Then ask a computer repair person, I think they'll charge you an hours labour to do the setup..TIP Take the computer to them and they'll fix it on the spot (and you won't incur a call-out fee)
TIP 2 Ask what they charge before letting them touch or look at it OK?
|
greysts
regular
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 17943
Loc: Colchester
|
|
The problem you have is related to your video card. It is too old to be able to deal with the wide screen settings that your new display requires. The only way out of it is to buy a new card but even that may be a problem because most of the modern cards require a PCI-e slot in the mother board and I doubt your PC has one. First thing we need is the make and model number of the PC unless you feel confident enough to open up your PC and see what slots are available.
Just to double check, have you gone through the process of right clicking an empty space on the desktop, choosing Properties then Settings? What's the maximum resolution you have available?
--------------------
Do you know that we're all in line for succession to the throne? Really?
Well, if forty-eight million, two hundred thousand, seven hundred and one people died I'd be Queen.
|
snoopy1
new user
Reg'd: Tue
Posts: 5
|
|
Thanks all for your replies!
The max resolution when I check Properties, Settings, etc, is 1152 x 864, which is where I have it now (the optimum for the screen is 1440 x 900).
I don't really feel confident at all in opening up the tower, but the computer is a DELL Dimension 4550, and the video card is ATI Rage 128 Ultra (16MB). Doesn't mean anything to me, but I'm assuming now that this is where the limitation lies.
To be honest, now that I have eliminated this stretching thing, I think we can live with it even though we now have the black bars on either side. It's a shame not to take advantage of the width of the screen, but perhaps that's what we'll have to do...
Thanks again to all!
|
greysts
regular
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 17943
Loc: Colchester
|
|
This card is PCI and can replace your existing card. It can handle screen resolutions up to 2048 x 1536. It also comes with a DVI port which your new screen may have and this will give you a far better picture than VGA. Finally it's got 64mb of RAM which means it will be faster than your existing card.
To get the best out of your screen this card is ideal. The change over is really very easy and we can get you pictures and instructions on how to do it. If you want to go ahead come back to us when you get the card.
--------------------
Do you know that we're all in line for succession to the throne? Really?
Well, if forty-eight million, two hundred thousand, seven hundred and one people died I'd be Queen.
|
BedstorfromAP
Necromancer
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 4302
Loc: 32 Bus Stops West of Wigan UK
|
|
I had a word with a friend who does upgrades often and He says the same as greysts The Graphic card you are using is weak. Suggests an Nvidia GeForce 8600 GT which is
Quote:
It features both a VGA out for analog monitors and a Dual-Link DVI out capable of driving monitors up to 2560x1600.
www.nvnews.net/reviews/xfx_geforce_8500gt/index.shtml
Has 256 MB GDDR3 Which is The better memory to get (Faster)@ £69
But the slightly lower spec and cheaper 8500 GT @ £59 (512MB Ram)from www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/products/a852x1y0z1p0s0n0m0
|
BedstorfromAP
Necromancer
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 4302
Loc: 32 Bus Stops West of Wigan UK
|
|
As regards an AGP card the Maximum is a Novatech GeForce 7600GS 256MB DDR2
Priced at £49
www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?NOV-76GSA
Quote:
Max Analogue Resolution 2048 x 1536
Max Digital Resolution 2560 x 1600
|
greysts
regular
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 17943
Loc: Colchester
|
|
I didn't actually need a second opinion telling me I was right! In the three links you've given, the first is an American site, the second offers a PCI-e card which won't work in this particular PC and the third is AGP and you haven't checked that the PC actually HAS an AGP slot.
--------------------
Do you know that we're all in line for succession to the throne? Really?
Well, if forty-eight million, two hundred thousand, seven hundred and one people died I'd be Queen.
|
BedstorfromAP
Necromancer
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 4302
Loc: 32 Bus Stops West of Wigan UK
|
|
Spencer,
I was called away before I could post the PCI version I found which was this Radeon 9250 128MB PCI Graphics Card price £31.67 inc vat And B) When I returned I had a Priority posting to make on another forum about a home electrics safety issue (for which I recieved a big thank you off a Professional Electrician who looked in on the thread ) So I have to wear many heads, and be there for many people like a Guardian Angel
When I returned here I was puzzled by your comments about me posting that US link with prices
Let me clarify that was a review link,and many Overseas review links also carry Price and live links to sellers(sponsored ?) No way to avoid this
The link beneath that was the same item from a British seller and they only give a sketchy copied basic Spec box and often rely on forum feedback with the dreaded star ratings as a "Come on" 
|
snoopy1
new user
Reg'd: Tue
Posts: 5
|
|
Hey guys!
Thanks again for all your advice. I think we will attempt to get a new vid card and install - eek! Today's a crazy day, but hoping to look at it over the weekend and possibly get something ordered. I'm sure I'll be back for some advice about installation - never been inside the tower before.
By the way, we're not into gaming at all, so does that affect the recommendations? I think I'm leaning towards the cheaper end of things.
Thanks again - I really appreciate your help!
Dale
|
BedstorfromAP
Necromancer
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 4302
Loc: 32 Bus Stops West of Wigan UK
|
|
A 128 MB card will be fine for most things. Its only the 3D type applications that catch people out. Video Playing should be possible, albeit in a reduced screen.
Brother is running his PC on If my memory is right, a 64 MB, card but its only used for Ebay and similar sites (no Video)
Note The price difference on Small MB graphic cards is less than a 5 pound difference(at the upper limit) So upgrades are cheap
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit
Reply
Quote
