Member Avatar for Member #227351

I have been using one large monitor for the past several years, a Samsung SyncMaster 213T. Recently I purchased a 20" Viewsonic and made it my secondary monitor. I actually have three monitors - Laptop's native screen, Viewsonic and my Samsung running on my desktop but available as monitor 3 using software www.maxivista.com.

My Samsung is attached to a dual head card on the digital output. My Viewsonic attached the analog port on the laptop.

My Samsung can't show me clean white as the new Viewsonic can. No setting or adjustment will make it even come close. Whites are more like gray.

Side by side, the difference is so bad that I'm almost considering selling the Samsung to buy another Viewsonic. I'm not making a comment about brand, but I live in Thailand where they rip you off for anything electronic so I'll buy what isn't cost prohibitive.

My Samsung used to be on the laptop but because it seemed fuzzy or not quite right, I moved it to the digital card and put the new Viewsonic in front of my face.

Is it showing signs of old age or is something else going on?

FWIW - I'm a computer consultant - have both monitors on their correct settings.

Thanks,

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Dani AI

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A short expert note building on the thread: described a long‑used SyncMaster whose whites look gray compared with a newer panel, and pointed at aging components. The next steps are simple, non‑destructive checks that reliably separate an ageing backlight, an inverter/power problem, a panel/controller fault, or simply a calibration/profile issue — so the repair choice is clear.

  1. Open full‑screen test images (pure white, 50% gray, pure black). Compare uniformity and color cast across monitors.
  2. Flashlight test in a dim room: with a white image on screen, shine a bright flashlight at an angle. If the image becomes clearly visible but dim, the backlight is failing; if nothing appears, the panel/controller is suspect.
  3. Swap sources and cables (different computer, DVI/VGA swap) and reset the monitor OSD to factory defaults to rule out signal or color‑profile problems.
  4. Watch/hear for inverter signs: intermittent flicker, high‑pitched whine, or brightness that changes when the case is gently tapped point toward power/inverter issues rather than the LCD matrix.

Interpretation and next actions: a failing backlight often shows an overall dim, yellowish/gray white and improves under flashlight; inverter failures commonly produce flicker or complete blackouts. Panel/controller faults usually leave no visible image when the backlight is off. Opening the case is hazardous (high voltages and charged capacitors); prefer an authorized shop for internal work. When seeking a quote, request which part will be replaced (CCFL tubes, inverter board, controller board), whether OEM parts are used, and a parts warranty — and ask to see the screen operating correctly before final payment. Calibration will only help if the hardware is healthy.

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Member Avatar for jbennet

Maybe the inverter or backlight is wearing out.

Member Avatar for Member #227351

What is involved in replacing it? This is a 21" pivot monitor. I guess a fair question would how much do you figure it would cost assuming it is a large monitor?

What is the average lifespan of a LCD?

Member Avatar for jbennet

Under 5 years for most people. At least 2 provided its not on 24/7. Nearer 3-4 if you use it a lot.

You can buy new inverters , backlights etc... and do it yourself but i dont reccomend it (tricky and opening a monitor is not a good idea)

LCD monitors are fairly cheap these days anyway.

Member Avatar for Member #227351

Thailand is not the USA so replacing the backlight might be easier than finding another 21" pivot. It's my third monitor and looking at webpages with 21" up and down is delightful.

No wasted space.

What is the average price of a backlight for this monitor - if you know.

Also how do I know what to replace - inverter or backlight?

Member Avatar for jbennet

under $100, maybe $50 i think.

You should take it to a professional though, to make sure it is actually the problem, and see which (if any) of the inverter or backlight needs replacing.

Member Avatar for Member #227351

Turns out there is a Samsung Repair Facility here in Pattaya Thailand. Dropped my monitor there for an estimate and repair. Using it for all those years I had no idea how bad it had become. Putting it side by side with a new monitor was a shock. Hopefully they won't charge too much to repair it.

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