Our native mobile app has a new name: Fora Communities. Learn more.

VGA connection help (Dell 2405 FPW)

2304 Views 32 Replies 11 Participants Last post by Pratt75, Jan 23, 2006

ceb-02

Discussion Starter · Dec 18, 2005

Ok, so I've been trying to make the X-Box 360 work on my new Dell 2405 FPW which is, unfortunately, the only gaming TV I will have at my disposal. I can't for my the life of me get the picture to look right. When I use the component cables I get vibrant colors but horrible jaggies and an extremely dark and virtually unplayable (in some games) image. I've been told this jaggies are there because the monitor cannot do high-def through component cables. When I use the VGA cable everything is sharp but the colors are really washed out (DULL).

Is there any way to get the colors of the component connection with the sharpness of VGA? Does the problems with the VGA cable come from the cable itself, the monitor, or the 360? Is there any way of "bringing out the color" on this monitor maybe through settings or something? I've tried playing around with contrast/brightness to no success. The colors still look really dull. I've seen quite a few comments made about washed out colors using VGA and I'm hoping there is some way to fix this problem.

Status: Not open for further replies.

1 - 20 of 33 Posts

ceb-02

Discussion Starter · #2 · Dec 18, 2005

My biggest question is what is causing the lack of coloration using VGA? I originally had my monitor connected by this input with no problems. Is it coming from the system and therefore a problem that will never go away or is it a problem with the cable they released (and I can eventually buy a better one).

Would it be possible to buy an adapter for component to VGA and would that give me a better image? Is there some way to bring out the colors using VGA by tinkering with the settings? I can change the green, red, blue, brightness, or contrast that I know of. I haven't found a way to make the colors more vibrant yet, though.

dfriend

· #3 · Dec 18, 2005

I lowered brightness and increased contrast on mine. Still probably not perfect as I didn't do a full calibration, but it was better.

calv1n

· #4 · Dec 18, 2005

Couple things to try. One is try the component cables (if you have) as the LCD can use that connection as well. The other thing I've read on these forums is to use a calibration disk (AVIA or similiar) and that can help alot from reading some of the other posts.

Final note is the native rez of teh 2405 is 1900x 1200 not perfect for the 360's 1280 x 720 so I don't think the picture will every be really perfectly clear as it will distort somewhat to "downgrade" to the 360's output (same as it does for any PC game that you play at a different rez then the 1900x1200 native on that LCD).

Hope that helps.

Cheers

Calv1n

ceb-02

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 18, 2005

Yeah, I've tried the component cables but 360 is really "jaggie" with them in. I believe I'm only running at 480p instead of 720p with component as this monitor doesn't support high-def on component.

My only concern is the washed out colors. Kameo, for instance, should look really vibrant and colorful but on the monitor it looks really dull, like the colors are completely subdued is the only way I know how to explain it. Everything else about the picture is perfect.

Is this due to a limitation on the 360 that is causing this or is it just the cable? I'd like to know before I start purchasing new VGA cables trying to find one that works. I know it isn't my monitor either as VGA colors look fine when my monitor is plugged into it instead of DVI.

If I were to purchase a component to VGA adapter would that possibly work? So I'm running the component cables, which have awesome color, through the VGA monitor input (which supports high-def)?

jaybird0613

· #6 · Dec 24, 2005

Im having the exact same problem with my xbox 360 and 2405FPW. I even tried the VGA cable with an older 18" dell LCD I have and the colours were still washed out.

Did you have any luck correcting this?

Also, where did you hear/read that the component input can only do 420p?

chris5977

· #7 · Dec 24, 2005

The Dell DOES support HD through component. Set your Xbox to 720p or 1080i and it should look awesome.

ceb-02

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jan 5, 2006

Ok, so still no real progress made as to fixing the problem. However, I have determined that brightness is playing a part in this whole thing. When brightness was lowered to 0 and contrast raised to 65, the picture looks considerably better, although still washed out.

There isn't any way to lower the brightness beyond 0 is there? If anyone is running this monitor and the 360 through component cables I could use your settings for brightness, contrast, and color settings as well. Thanks in advance.

ceb-02

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jan 5, 2006

Ok, so I picked up Dead or Alive 4 about an hour ago and I think that brightness is in fact the problem, or at least the majority of it.

I cranked the monitor brightness to zero and the game brightness to negative 20 and oh my goodness the difference it made. I haven't been able to compare it with the component cables yet but I'm quite happy with the way color looks in this game.

It's so ridiculous about the limited control over brightness this monitor gives you...if I could lower the stupid thing another 20 I'd probably be happy with the VGA cables.

ceb-02

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jan 5, 2006

I called up Dell about this issue and their first response was that it was a "compatibility issue" between the monitor and the X-Box. Because I have a 4-year warranty on it they now want me to send it in for "repairs" or whatever which seems completely retarded to me. Is everyone that owns a 2405 running into the same brightness control limitations? If I send this stupid thing in am I going to run into the same problems. I'm seriously considering returning this monitor as half the reason I bought it is for the 360.

NizZ8

· #11 · Jan 5, 2006

Sorry to hear the prob's ceb-02. I've got this exact same setup 2405 - xb360 - 720p over component and am not having any problems.

ceb-02

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jan 5, 2006

NizZ8,

Can I ask what your settings (brightness, contrast, and colors) are over 720p component? Like did you have to make any changes to get the picture right? I'm more than willing to give up on VGA if I can get component working I suppose.

DaGamePimp

· #13 · Jan 5, 2006

VGA out on the 360 is sending different RGB levels than what your display considers normal for a VGA connection . If the display does not have a Levels (Video/PC) setting for the VGA input then you would be best suited to return to Component IMO .

--------- Jason

ceb-02

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jan 5, 2006

Shouldn't it still be possible to adjust the picture to match the way video mode would look should it be supported? It is possible to change the color settings (RGB I think) through the monitor, I just have no idea how to adjust them for X-Box games as DVDs run at a lower resolution than the games would be.

Also, I checked for a videomode under settings and it does exist, although it's grayed out when using VGA.

ceb-02

Discussion Starter · #15 · Jan 11, 2006

So, does anybody out there have component connection settings?

calv1n

· #16 · Jan 12, 2006

I will fiddle with my Dell and the 360 with component and let you know when I get a chance. I have it hooked up to a Panny 900 atm but it's a small thing to move it upstairs and see how the Dell looks and let you know what I have settings on. I'll run it through my new calbration disk and let you know what I thought looked best. I'll be home in a couple of days and will update you to my findings Friday or Saturday.

Cheers

Calvin

ceb-02

Discussion Starter · #17 · Jan 18, 2006

Well, Dell sent me another monitor and of course it has the same problems. I'm tempted to buy one of those component to vga things as I've heard online that it might fix my problem.

I could still use those component settings if you're able to provide them. Thanks a ton.

NizZ8

· #18 · Jan 18, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by ceb-02
NizZ8,

Can I ask what your settings (brightness, contrast, and colors) are over 720p component? Like did you have to make any changes to get the picture right? I'm more than willing to give up on VGA if I can get component working I suppose.

missed this post.. I'm just running it @ the default settings.

ceb-02

Discussion Starter · #19 · Jan 20, 2006

Funny thing. I've decided there's two versions of the 2405 out there; one supports high-def through component and one doesn't. I have two 2405s in my possession at the moment, one that is getting sent back to Dell. The "new" one (refurbished) that they sent as a replacement looks freaking awesome through component cables on 720p. Only thing I had to change was turning videomode off and setting the ratio to aspect.

The other monitor is darker and looks far more "jaggie" on component cables with identical settings. VGA still looks like crap regardless of which monitor I'm using. On the up-side, now I have a functional monitor and 360 looks amazing.

NizZ8

· #20 · Jan 20, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by ceb-02
Funny thing. I've decided there's two versions of the 2405 out there; one supports high-def through component and one doesn't. I have two 2405s in my possession at the moment, one that is getting sent back to Dell. The "new" one (refurbished) that they sent as a replacement looks freaking awesome through component cables on 720p. Only thing I had to change was turning videomode off and setting the ratio to aspect.

The other monitor is darker and looks far more "jaggie" on component cables with identical settings. VGA still looks like crap regardless of which monitor I'm using. On the up-side, now I have a functional monitor and 360 looks amazing.

wow.. it's about time they sent you the right one

... Sucks you had to deal w/ two lemons!

1 - 20 of 33 Posts

Status: Not open for further replies.