Significance

• The first product to make use of an LCD screen, a pocket calculator, was released in 1973. Sharp later released the first full-color, active matrix LCD display in 1988, and later the first wall hanging television in 1991.
  
  Since then, many other electronics companies invested time and money into the development of LCD technology. This has helped lead flat-panel LCD products into mainstream popularity. According to market research firm Displaysearch, LCD TVs outshipped CRT televisions for the first time in the fourth quarter of 2007.
  
  LCD displays can be found in many types of products, including cell phones, portable media devices, televisions, and, of course, flat-panel monitors.
  
  

Check Your Connections

• Flat-panel monitors will either make use of a VGA input or DVI input, although there are models that offer both types. Make sure you have the right type of cable to connect to both your monitor and your computer. Adapters are available to easily convert between formats if necessary.
  
  If no image displays on your flat-panel monitor, you will first want to check that you have the video cable attached correctly (as well as the adapter if you are using one).
  
  Sometimes, your picture may seem to go in and out intermittently, in which case you should make sure that the video cable you are using is tightly attached to the back of your monitor and to the back of your PC. Using the small thumb screws on the ends of the connectors will help keep everything tightened without coming loose.
  
  Flat-panel monitors also make use of a power cable to plug into a power source. If the power light on your monitor does not comes on, check to make sure the power cable is inserted fully into the back of the monitor and that it is plugged into a working wall outlet or a reliable surge protector.
  
  

Adjust Your Settings

• Most problems concerning colors being off, an image that is too large or small or other display issues can be corrected through modifying the display settings of your monitor.
  
  Open and operate through the On-Screen Display of your monitor, by using the buttons located around your screen. The center and align options should be modified to your liking. Kirk Steers of PC World says that "few monitors come straight from the factory with optimal screen geometry," recommending that you "center your displayed image; keep its edges straight; and minimize unfilled screen space."
  
  There are brightness and contrast settings that you should adjust according to your lighting conditions, as well as a setting called color temperature, which can help compensate for images appearing too red (6,500K range) or too blue (9000K range). Color temperature also may need to be adjusted depending on the lighting conditions of your room.
  
  

Use Manufacturer Resources

• Different brands and models of flat-panel monitors can provide various extra features, which may require special troubleshooting tips or alternate troubleshooting methods. The user manual included with your monitor should alert you to any special functions.
  
  Many manufacturers provide user manuals on their websites for download. If you no longer have yours, try visiting your manufacturer's support section, or search through a website such as Retrevo.com, which is an electronics directory that provides download links for the user manuals of thousands of products.
  
  If you have come across an issue with your flat-panel monitor that cannot be corrected through basic settings, you should consult the user manual to determine troubleshooting solutions for your specific monitor.
  
  Other than searching through your user guide, you also can search for solutions at your manufacturer's online support site.
  
  

Considerations

• Some monitors feature built-in speakers, built-in webcams and rotating displays, among other features. If your monitor has extras that a basic flat-panel monitor would not include, you may need to install additional drivers or use third-party software.
  
  If you have a flat-screen monitor with built-in speakers that are not working, make sure that you have plugged the audio cable from your monitor into your PC. Video cables (VGA and DVI formats) do not carry audio, so a separate 3.5 mm cable is required.
  
  If you remain unsuccessful after troubleshooting, it may be necessary to contact the manufacturer's support team (via phone or web) to discuss what is wrong with your monitor.
  
  For newer monitors, problems that require repair may be covered under your warranty. To find out if your monitor is still covered, the terms of the warranty can usually be found on your manufacturer's website.