Monitor going bad?

Hello I have a Gateway LCD monitor ( FD1775W TFT LCD Monitor)

I got this monitor around a little over 5 years ago with a new desktop i bought at that time.

The monitor always operated fine but after about 2 years of use i would notice it sometimes ( rarely) that it would change colors a bit ( would go from being ''normal'' bright to a little darker). The problem would fix itself within seconds and usually it would not happen again until months later.

So to be honest i sort of just ignored it since it was not too big of a deal for me. And eventually it stopped doing that all together for about 1.5 years.

Recently though these past 6 months it seems to do it more often ( like every 3rd day) i did mention all it does it just change flicker a bit and change brightness for about 10 seconds then it goes back to normal.

But this past week whenever when I turn it on and use it , it begins to flicker again, change colors, and now some horizontal lines appear across the screen ( again this only lasts 10 seconds and then goes back to normal). For the past week it has done this every day now and sometimes it does it about 3-5 times in a single day.

For example i turned on my monitor and pc about 2 hrs ago the screen began to do what i described then it went back to normal, about 30 minutes later it did it again and once again went back to normal. For the past hr it has not done this but i expect maybe in around another 2 or 3 it might do it again ( i won't be able to check for sure since sometimes i just leave my pc on and go do other things).

What is the issue here? It would be odd that my monitors life would be coming to an end since i mentioned it did this ( not as frequently) 2 years after i bought it but then it has lasted 3+ more years. The fact that its doing this more often worries me that there could be something wrong with it.

I would appreciate some help regarding this matter as if i would be in need of a new monitor i would like to plan ahead to already buy one or save some money to do so before my current goes out ( if that's the case).

 

It sounds like either the backlight or inverter panel is going bad.

Start saving for a new one. ASUS and Samsung are two of the better brands; you should be able to find a 19" new for around $100 at Newegg.com or Directron.com. It will cost just as much (if not more) to repair the old one.

Hope this helps.

 

How long would you say this monitor has if you had to estimate a time frame?

Would there be any side effects to anything other than to the monitor itself if i let it die completely before swapping in a new one?

 

Unfortunately, how long it will last before dying totally is anyone's guess. It could last anywhere from a few days to several months.

It's unlikely you'll have any "side effects" other than some eye strain from using the old monitor until it gives out. If this is attached to a PC you use a lot, I'd replace ASAP. If you order one online, it could take 3-5 days for it to ship and arrive.

 

It is indeed attached to my main PC i use

I do have like 2 old monitors ( non lcd) that i could use in case it gives out and i need to wait until a new one ships.

I guess i am sort of hoping this issue goes away like its done before , because i really wish to use those $100+ for something like my bills.

I am not sure but last time i ordered from new egg i believe they charged me sales tax and that recycling fee, does everyone charge the recycling fees?

What is your opinion on buying a refurbished or used one? I think i can save around 40% but then there is the cases of where they may or will have scratches, dinks and other cosmetic wear.

 

The sales tax is based on where you live. If you live in CA or a few other states where Newegg has a warehouse, they will charge you sales tax (same thing with Amazon, Tiger Direct, etc.).

I think the only state that charges a recycling fee is California.

Try www.directron.com. They're located in Houston, TX and I have purchased over 30 monitors there for my clients over the past few years without any problems. If you live outside of Texas, you shouldn't be charged tax or recycling fees.

I'd avoid used/refurb. monitors. New ASUS and Samsung models come with a three year mfr. warranty; the longest warranty I've ever seen on a used/refurb. model is 90 days.

 

Another thing you might look into (will only cost you time at first) is to search the internet for the make and model of the monitor in question, and see if the symptoms you are having are common for that type, and what component might commonly be causing it. At times you can find parts for the more popular monitors and LCD tv's on-line and do a repair yourself.

Now, I used to design and build circuit boards in school and out (albeit simple ones), so mucking about inside a monitor is not intimidating to me. I just recently repaired a 26" HD LCD tv of mine I have been using as a PC monitor. It started cutting out, dimming, and freezing. Little research and I was able to effect a repair for $75.00 . . . which beat the replacement cost of the tv by $200.00. I also repaired an HP monitor a while back (replaced some blown capacitors).

Just something to think about if you are comfortable with such work. Bear in mind that even when an LCD monitor is unplugged, the larger capacitors can still give you a dangerous shock.