Hi, I have a Philips 107S monitor (CRT). It's a fairly old monitor, and there were several years where I wasn't using it, so I can't remember if this problem has always existed or if it's new. The problem is it's extremely dark, even with the brightness and contrast turned all the way up. I used Adobe's gamma correction to try to fix it but it still looks absolutely horrible. I don't think there are any software solutions that could fix this. What I'd like to know is (1) Is it possible to get this fixed? If so, how much would it cost? And (2) Is it even worth fixing or should I get a new monitor? Thanks for any input!

Most, not all monitors, have an adjustment inside the case for this and i have often had to tweak it up a bit on old monitors. Of course the adjustment needs to be made while its on so you can see the result, a very slight movement of the screw makes a big difference. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS INSIDE THE CASE , many thousands of volts to make the CRT work. This is more a type of job for a TV repair man, as opposed to computer technician. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS IN THERE - IT CAN KILL YOU. In most, not all, cases the monitor is not scrap, it just needs the adjustment inside. (I know what you mean about the gamma correction , it just looks bright and washed out colours)

i have no idea what someone would charge. The longest bit is getting the plastic casing off, some come off very easily, maybe 4 screws, some also need prising the plastic in various places and you dont know where to prise it unless you've seen one of that model apart before. Once the case is off, and screen all connected up, it takes about 10 seconds. So it should not cost much.

There isn't a tech out there who will repair a CRT monitor for less than it would cost you to pick up a working second hand unit. You aren't paying for the 10 minutes it might take him to do the job. It's the 10 or 20 years training & experience that you are paying for. Heed the warnings above. Opening a CRT monitor or TV is not for the untrained. I used to have a signature but it disappeared and I just couldn't be bothered writing another so please feel free to ingore this.

As cliffpage mentioned, it's dangerous fiddling around in the case, especially with it powered on. But if you do try it, the adjustment is on the flyback transformer. It's the thing in one of the rear corners of the board. It has the big red wire that attaches to the top of the CRT. Anyway, on the side of the flyback there'll be two phillips head (usually) adjusting screws. One will be labeled 'screen' and the other, 'focus'. (With some of the larger monitors there'll be 2 screws for focus adjustment.) It's the one labeled 'screen' that you want to adjust. I usually set the brightness knob (or OSD bright setting) about halfway. Then with the monitor on and connected to a PC I go to a dos screen. Then I adjust the screw until the dark screen background starts to lighten. At that point it's 'too much'. The best screen brightness is just before the background starts to lighten. The screws usually will have a drop of glue on them so normal vibrations or movements won't alter them. You may have to use a bit of pressure with the screwdriver to break the glue bond. Then the screw turns easily. As cliffpage says, you'll only need to move the screw slightly. As long as you don't touch anything inside the monitor you should be OK. It's probably best to use a plastic screwdriver to make the adjustment, although you may initially need a metal one to break the glue.

Thank you all very much for the quick responses! It sounds like a very intimidating task. I work a lot inside computers, but I've never dealt with the inside of a monitor, so I may call in a tech to help me out. But at least I have some idea of what's involved and so forth. Thanks again!

It is very simple (and it can be very dangerous) - as well,you can only adjust them 'so much' with desirable results - some are beyond correction. Crank up the brightness and you begin to lose contrast. Sometimes it's worth the effort (just be careful) ... the interests and rights of some individuals take precedence over the interests and rights of others