Why is my monitor screen dark?

[zanne]

It's getting darker all the time. Fooling with the Brightness/Contrast doesn't do anything. Help! It's affecting my Youtube viewing!

[ghostsofgiants]

1. Is it CRT or LCD?

If it's LCD, backlight might be going.

[zanne]

2. I have no idea about the CRT or LCD, but...

If it is LCD, do you think the backlight could be fixed?

[Twillig]

3. ruh roh.

:popcorn:

CRT: Cathode Ray Tube. Looks like TV's all used to look.

LCD: Liquid Crystal Display. i.e., flat screen.

what do you have?

[billyskank]

4. I once had some guy asking me how to operate his own monitor.

:wtf:

[zanne]

6. Hey--I'm old! nt

[zanne]

5. It's a CRT. nt

[ghostsofgiants]

8. The tube might be on its last legs, maybe?

I dunno, I'm not as familiar with the inner workings of CRTs.

[Solon]

9. The Electron Gun is going out....

basically you need to get a new monitor, for those things costs about as much as the monitor to replace.

[zanne]

10. I kinda figured it'd be expensive. Thanks, though. nt

[Solon]

11. Well, at least as expensive as getting a CRT monitor...

if you are on a budget, you can most likely get a new CRT monitor for a hell of a lot less money than an LCD monitor. You can even buy one used, check at local computer stores, and see if they sell any, most CRT monitors last a hell of a long time, I got mine used about 6 years ago or so, and it still runs fine.

[zanne]

17. That's good info. Thanks. nt

[ghostsofgiants]

7. Is it a flat screen monitor (LCD) or is it like a TV (CRT)?

I think it could be replaced, but I'm not sure how much that would cost.

[MilesColtrane]

12. Have you tried changing the oil?

[MissMillie]

13. maybe the little

gerbils running the treadmill to power the generator that runs it... are getting tired.

Did you feed them?

[NJmaverick]

14. How old is your monitor? How heavily is it used?

If it's big and bulky, it's CRT. If it's old, the tube may be going and it's time for a new monitor. I suggest a nice LCD, as they take up far less space and use a fraction of the energy. Not that you have any real choice, as they stopped selling CRTs, but I thought it would at least cheer you up if you have to spend the $$$$$$

[zanne]

16. It's alot bulky.

I'd love to get a new monitor, but I think I'll have to wait until hell freezes over or I win the lottery.

[sarge43]

15. Darth Vader lurking again? n/t

[deucemagnet]

18. woot.com has a 22" widescreen LCD on sale today for $169.99.

That would be a hell of a deal even if your old CRT weren't on its way out. Get while you can!