One way to improve the image quality of an LCD monitor is to use the DVI connection with a DVI video card. This is due to the fact that LCD monitors use digital connections and that the old VGA connections are analog and therefore the VGA signal is converted from analog to digital (but during this conversion the quality decreases). Another way is to make sure the video card is set to the optimal resolution of the LCD monitor, typically 1280x1024 for a 17 or 19 inch monitor.
Steps
Step 1. Verify that your LCD monitor and video card have DVI connections
It is a thin rectangular entrance with holes.
Step 2. Buy a male to male DVI cable from an electronics store
A cable length of 90-180cm will be fine (A male to female DVI cable is only an extension).
Step 3. Connect one end to the DVI video card and the other to the LCD monitor
Step 4. Turn on the monitor and PC
Step 5. Read the manual to know how to set the LCD monitor to DVI mode
There is usually a button opposite to choose the input. Press it until you see the signal.
Step 6. You will probably need to adjust the resolution on your PC to match your monitor (you will find the information in the manual)
Step 7. In Windows XP right click on the desktop and select properties to open the display window
Step 8. Click the settings tab at the top
Step 9. Drag the square in the "screen resolution" field to set the maximum resolution (move it to the left if the resolution becomes larger than your monitor, ie if the desktop image goes off the screen)
Step 10. Click OK to set the new resolution (click Yes to keep the new resolution if asked)
You will notice that text and images will be much sharper using a DVI cable at the optimal resolution.
Advice
- Download the latest drivers for your video card from the official website.
- You can also set the refresh parameters by going to "advanced" in the "settings" menu.
- Read the LCD monitor manual, it should contain this information.
