Dell 2709w

[Zimano]

Hello,

I've had the Dell 2709w for over a year now and am having a problem that no one else seems to have. When something moves on the screen the brightness changes. Take World of warcraft and Oblivion for example. When standing still the grass looks fine, nothing wrong at all. When I move around the brightness of the grass goes brighter. If I stop running it returns to normal brightness.

This is the third monitor I've had from Dell ( 1 x A01 and 2 x A02's) and they've all done it. I've tried all three monitors on different computers and the same problem occurs on all of them. Other things I've tried:

Different VGA, HDMI and DVI cables.
Different power cable.
Moved monitor to a different room.
Enabling VSync.
Running in lower resolution.
Dynamic contrast disabled.
Different brightness settings on the monitor.

I have also tried a Dell 2209WA and an LG 22" TN based monitor on here and I don't have the same problem. Another rather telling fact is I get the same problem on an XBox360 running COD World At War 2.

Everything points to a faulty monitor but to get the same fault three times in a row seems a bit odd. The monitor does have some ghosting and input lag but I'm lucky enough to be one of these people that it doesn't bother at all.

Would be great to hear of other people out there that have this same monitor, that play games and do/don't have the same problem. Is this problem specific to SPVA type screens? Have I just been really unlucky to get three screens that all have the same problem? Return again perhaps and 4th time lucky? If you've read this far thanks for reading

 

[wagsrules]

Sounds like dynamic contrast is on but you said it is turned off. Does it do it at the desktop or just in games? To test the desktop suddenly change from a very dark screen to a bright on. Does the monitor seem to adjust the brightness then? I had this problem long ago with an older nec lcd and it had an auto brightness on or off setting. I don't have the 2709w so I don't know what settings your screen has.

 

[Zimano]

Sounds like dynamic contrast is on but you said it is turned off. .

Dynamic contrast is definately off. Switching between white and black screen doesn't do it's gradual brightness change that would happen if dynamic contrast was on.

Never happens when just looking at normal desktop, only seems to happen with movement and seems to show up with the colour green more than anything else. The brightness change it does isn't gradual either, it's like the brightness jumps up +20. When I stop moving it returns immediately to the normal brightness again. If I just tap my 'move forward/move back' key in the game then it will change straight away from normal brightness to +20, tapping the key will even give this a flicker like effect.

This montor has no other problems and scared by sending this back I'll get another one with exactly the same problem + dead pixels But at the same time I'm using a 22" TFT for games which is crazy aswell.

 

[daveswantek]

I have a 2709W and I have not had any of the issues you describe. I do not play WOW though.

The only logical advice I can give you is to return the display to Dell and get a refurnd. Then buy something else.

That is a drag, because the 2709W is a nice display at a reasonable price.

Dave

PS What happens when you play video like a movie? Does the motion in video give the same result?

 

[Zimano]

Here is an example pic below. The parts of the screen that don't move the brightness remains the same regardless of what I do, as does the white snow. If I move forward all the green trees will go a brighter green. The grey sides of the hills surrounding the trees also change brightness but less so. It may also be worth noting that the monitor does not have any brightness changing effect when it has first be knocked on, needs to be on for atleast 20 mins.

 

[Zimano]

I have a 2709W and I have not had any of the issues you describe. I do not play WOW though.

The only logical advice I can give you is to return the display to Dell and get a refurnd. Then buy something else.

That is a drag, because the 2709W is a nice display at a reasonable price.

Dave

PS What happens when you play video like a movie? Does the motion in video give the same result?

I have had the montor for a year now and didn't buy from Dell direct so don't think a refund is an option The issue occurs in all games but is particularly noticeable in 3d games which have grass. I also get the same effect in movies. Nice example is the opening of Braveheart flying over the green hills. You can see it changing the brightness really quickly and this gives a horrible flickering effect

 

[wagsrules]

What video card do you have? Maybe its a driver issue. Have you updated your video card drivers?

 

[Zimano]

What video card do you have? Maybe its a driver issue. Have you updated your video card drivers?

I have tried both an Nvidia and ATI card and dropped back drivers to older versions on both and it hasn't helped. I have just noticed when I resize this browser window down and drag it around the screen the brightness changes on exactly the same parts as it does in the game.

Thanks all for the replies so far

 

[wagsrules]

I would try to RMA again. I am out of ideas.

 

[daveswantek]

I have had the montor for a year now and didn't buy from Dell direct so don't think a refund is an option The issue occurs in all games but is particularly noticeable in 3d games which have grass. I also get the same effect in movies. Nice example is the opening of Braveheart flying over the green hills. You can see it changing the brightness really quickly and this gives a horrible flickering effect

OK; did you notice this earlier or just reciently?

It really sounds like a graphics card issue or an old CRT on it's way out. What input port are you using DVI, VGA, HDMI? and have you tried others?

Dave

 

[Zimano]

OK; did you notice this earlier or just reciently?

It really sounds like a graphics card issue or an old CRT on it's way out. What input port are you using DVI, VGA, HDMI? and have you tried others?

Dave

It's done this since I've had it. I've tried DVI, VGA and HDMI. I've tried with onboard intel gfx, Nvidia 8800GTS and ATI 4800 and still does the same I also get the same effect using an XBox 360.

 

[daveswantek]

It's done this since I've had it. I've tried DVI, VGA and HDMI. I've tried with onboard intel gfx, Nvidia 8800GTS and ATI 4800 and still does the same I also get the same effect using an XBox 360.

Well; talk to Dell and see if they will let you exchange it for something else. Sorry to say it, but I would have returned it while it was still under warantee. You still might be able to get them to do something for you.

As you have said already; it is strange that you have had this issue three in a row and no one else has reported the same problem.

Good luck with it

Dave

 

[Zimano]

Well; talk to Dell and see if they will let you exchange it for something else. Sorry to say it, but I would have returned it while it was still under warantee. You still might be able to get them to do something for you.

As you have said already; it is strange that you have had this issue three in a row and no one else has reported the same problem.

Fortunately I have two years left on the waranty so can get another swap, the only problem being I might end up with one with dead pixels and the brightness problem

 

[wagsrules]

They do advance exchange right? If so keep trying till you get a good one.

 

[Zimano]

They do advance exchange right? If so keep trying till you get a good one.

I'll request a new monitor for this monday coming and will let you know how I get on. If I get the same problem this time something very odd is going on.

 

[Mr. Bluntman]

Here is an example pic below. The parts of the screen that don't move the brightness remains the same regardless of what I do, as does the white snow. If I move forward all the green trees will go a brighter green. The grey sides of the hills surrounding the trees also change brightness but less so. It may also be worth noting that the monitor does not have any brightness changing effect when it has first be knocked on, needs to be on for atleast 20 mins.

Looks perfectly sharp to me...

BTW, screenshots won't capture any irregularites in the display image, only photos or video footage will.

 

[Zimano]

Looks perfectly sharp to me...

BTW, screenshots won't capture any irregularites in the display image, only photos or video footage will.

When I'm not moving around there's not a problem, everything looks fine. Took that snapshot just to try and better illustrate my point - which parts of that particular picture are effected with the problem. Even if I drag that snapshot of that picture around on the screen it's only really the tree's that change brightness, really really distracting

 

[ogreinside]

I have this monitor too, and am on my second one. The first version was A00, I'm on A01 now (first one developed several dead pixels). Like you, I notice input lag, but it doesn't bother me. I have not noticed what you describe here, and I do play WoW. I will look more closely this weekend.

 

[Zimano]

I have this monitor too, and am on my second one. The first version was A00, I'm on A01 now (first one developed several dead pixels). Like you, I notice input lag, but it doesn't bother me. I have not noticed what you describe here, and I do play WoW. I will look more closely this weekend.

Thanks that would be great. Remember it only happens when the monitor has warmed up and is particularly noticeable with green I think the fact you haven't noticed it at all by now means you don't have this problem though.

 

[Nashbirne]

Hi, I own a Dell 2709W (Rev A00) too and I can confirm the issue with green patterns brightening up a bit when they're moving across the screen. The effect is especially visible when scrolling the WoW screenshot Zimano posted very smooth and slowly (as it would in the actual game). However, solid green fills do not exhibit this behaviour - just patterns with differently bright shades of green (or another colour). To check this out, go to the Windows task manager and open the performance tab. Move the task manager window slowly across the screen and observe the memory load indicator. The indicator's background pattern will (in this case) darken very obviously whereas the green fill (indicating the memory in use) will display correctly whether or not you move the window.

A possible explanation for the brightening (as well as the darkening) might be different pixel response times for changing from dark to bright and bright to dark shades, an issue specific to VA type panels (despite RTC circuits). IPS and TN panels have more neutral response time characteristics (independent of the direction the pixel brightness changes) and I can't observe the effect on either of them (I tested this on a HP LP2475W (IPS) and an older TN display). So, this might be a common issue amongst VA panels or an issue specific to the Dell 2709w's RTC implementation.

 

[daveswantek]

I have rev a01 and I just tryed the task manager test. I could not repeat the results described above^^^.

What graphics card are you using? Mine is a ATI 4870.

Dave

 

[Nashbirne]

Mine is a Geforce 9800 GTX. I have a Dell 2709W and a HP LP2475w connected to it and tested the moving green patterns in clone mode.

 

[daveswantek]

Hi, To check this out, go to the Windows task manager and open the performance tab. Move the task manager window slowly across the screen and observe the memory load indicator. The indicator's background pattern will (in this case) darken very obviously whereas the green fill (indicating the memory in use) will display correctly whether or not you move the window.

OK; I tried this again and found that you have to move the task manager vertically up or down rather side to side to get the darkening effect. It looks like you said; it is something to do with the pixel structure or response time in VA panals. I will be up at my brother's house tonight. I am dying to try this on his 2407WFP to see if it effects all VA panals.

Dave

 

[DrRamtop]

Not sure this is much help, but on my 2407WFP-HC the memory indicator pattern shimmers a bit when moving, though not really any worse than a TN (I don't have an IPS handy for comparison atm). But I tried it on a P-MVA monitor (AUO M240UW01 panel) and there's a significant darkening effect.

 

[Zimano]

Hi, I own a Dell 2709W (Rev A00) too and I can confirm the issue with green patterns brightening up a bit when they're moving across the screen. The effect is especially visible when scrolling the WoW screenshot Zimano posted very smooth and slowly (as it would in the actual game). However, solid green fills do not exhibit this behaviour - just patterns with differently bright shades of green (or another colour).

It's cool to know that more that other peoples 2709w's do this To get three monitors in a row doing it would have been very strange indeed. There's one thing that concerns me now, a replacement is being delivered tomoz and I'm sure it's going to have exactly the same problem and there's now a chance I'm going to get one with dead/bright pixels Will post tomoz how monitor number four goes.

 

[wagsrules]

It's cool to know that more that other peoples 2709w's do this To get three monitors in a row doing it would have been very strange indeed. There's one thing that concerns me now, a replacement is being delivered tomoz and I'm sure it's going to have exactly the same problem and there's now a chance I'm going to get one with dead/bright pixels Will post tomoz how monitor number four goes.

Well if it has dead pixels just send it back and keep your current one.

 

[Zimano]

Well got the new monitor through and no dead/bright pixels at all. Rev 04 this time which is nice, no idea what the difference is though. Unfortunately exactly the same problem when it comes to the brightness issue Atleast I know it's the monitor technology type/make now though so I wont try getting another one again. Would have been nice to have known about it before I bought in the first place though, odd that it wasn't mentioned in any reviews and have seen no mention in forums about it.

Thanks for the replies folks and all the best

 

[Mr. Bluntman]

Well got the new monitor through and no dead/bright pixels at all. Rev 04 this time which is nice, no idea what the difference is though. Unfortunately exactly the same problem when it comes to the brightness issue Atleast I know it's the monitor technology type/make now though so I wont try getting another one again. Would have been nice to have known about it before I bought in the first place though, odd that it wasn't mentioned in any reviews and have seen no mention in forums about it.

Thanks for the replies folks and all the best

Do you notice any input lag on your A04 2709W?

 

[Zimano]

Do you notice any input lag on your A04 2709W?

Yes, I'd say it is no better and no worse than previous revisions. Only difference I've noticed so far is the touch sensitive controls are less bad than rev A01/A02.

 

[Mikerocks2112]

Wow I thought I was the only one that had this problem. I have always noticed it most in 3rd person games (especially WoW). I have even noticed it in COD. We must have more sensitive eyes than those that own this monitor and have no clue what we are talking about. It hasn't been a HUGE issue, but enough to be a deal breaker. This thing is going on craigslist as soon as a better 27 inch comes along.

 

[Mr. Bluntman]

Then I'm not going to waste my time (or money) with the 2709W then.

 

[daveswantek]

This thing is going on craigslist as soon as a better 27 inch comes along.

That may take a while. I think you are making more out of this then what it is. I did not notice it until somebody told me what and where to look. It is only a certain shade of green that is effected and it has to have a darker background. I would much rather have this issue than Pink/Green tint, yellow tint, white glow, uneven backlight or a much bigger prince tag.

If you look at the U2711 thread, you will see some size comparisons. The new 27 inch panals are only wider than a 24 inch, not much taller. For me this is a big disadvantage, and it will make the wite glow more pronounced (you will see it from further away).

I will gladly give you $300 for your 2709W

Dave

 

[daveswantek]

Then I'm not going to waste my time (or money) with the 2709W then.

If you are looking for perfection, then you should try to find a NEC 2490WUXi, or a Sony GDM-w900 CRT that is still in good shape. Another inexpensive option would be the Dell 2209WA, or possable the 26 inch planar.

Sense your focus is on gaming you would probubly be better off with a S-IPS panal and the suggestions above are.

Best of luck with your search.

Dave

 

[Zimano]

That may take a while. I think you are making more out of this then what it is. I did not notice it until somebody told me what and where to look. It is only a certain shade of green that is effected and it has to have a darker background. I would much rather have this issue than Pink/Green tint, yellow tint, white glow, uneven backlight or a much bigger prince tag.

Funny you should mention this very thing I've now bought a Dell U2410 and I can notice a tint of green on the left and pink on the right on a white screen. This doesn't bother me at all though as it doesn't have the brightness problem. Ofcourse a lot easier to be content when I've got the 2709w on the same desk for movies/tv

Another heads up to anyone thinking of getting this monitor. It's so noticeable and annoying with green that I would avoid going to areas with green in games completely, unless I had just powered the monitor on after being switched off all night. It happens with all dark colours though just slightly less bad (eg the grey ground at the Argent Tourament in World of Warcraft or the grey/brown in Supreme Commander). The effect (or should that be defect?) gets worse and worse the longer you have the monitor switched on. If you knock the computer on for a couple of hours in the evening you'll probably not notice at all.

I did a lot of reading up about this monitor before I bought it and got the impression, games wise, that it was only unsuitable for games because of the poor input lag. IMHO this is nothing compared to the brightness issue. If I was aware of the problem I'd have never have bought the monitor in the first place.