Dell Sp2309w Users Guide

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Troubleshooting  
 
SP2309W  Flat Panel Monitor  
   Self - Test  
   Common Problems  
   Product Specific Problems  
   Universal Serial Bus Specific Problems  
   Dell Soundbar Problems  
   Camera Problems  
   
Self - Test  
Your monitor provides a self - test feature that allows you to check whether your monitor is functioning properly. If your monitor and computer are properly 
connected but the monitor screen remains dark, run the monitor self - test by performing the following steps:   
1. Turn off both your computer and the monitor.   
2. Unplug the video cable from the back of the computer or monitor. To ensure proper Self - Test operation, remove HDMI, Digital (white connector), and the 
Analog (blue connector) cables from the back of the computer or monitor.   
3. Turn on the monitor. 
   
4. This box also appears during normal system operation, if the video cable becomes disconnected or damaged.   
5. Turn off your monitor and reconnect the video cable; then turn on both your computer and the monitor.   
If your monitor screen remains blank after you use the previous procedure, check your video controller and computer, because your monitor is functioning 
properly.  
Built - in Diagnostics  
Your monitor has a built - in diagnostic tool that helps you determine if the screen abnormality you are experiencing is an inherent problem with your monitor, or 
with your computer system and graphic card.  
To run the built - in diagnostics:  
1. Ensure that the screen is clean (no dust particles on the surface of the screen).   
2. Unplug the video cable(s) from the back of the computer or monitor. The monitor then goes into the self - test mode.    
3. On the front panel, touch and hold the  shortcut key 1  and  shortcut key 4  keys on the front panel, simultaneously for 2 seconds.  A gray screen 
appears.   CAUTION:  Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the  Safety Instructions .  
The floating dialog box should appear on - screen (against a black background) if the monitor cannot sense a video signal and is working correctly. 
While in self - test mode, the power LED remains white. Also, depending upon the selected input, one of the dialogs shown below will continuously 
scroll through the screen. 
  or   
or    
   
NOTE:  You can run the built - in diagnostics only when the video cable is unplugged and the monitor is in  self - test mode .  
						

							 
4. Carefully inspect the screen for abnormalities.   
5. Touch the  shortcut key 4  key on the front panel again. The color of the screen changes to red.   
6. Inspect the display for any abnormalities.    
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 to inspect the display in green, blue, and white colored screens.    
The test is complete when the white screen appears. To exit, touch the  shortcut key 4  key again.    
If you do not detect any screen abnormalities upon using the built - in diagnostic tool, the monitor is functioning properly. Check the video card and computer.  
Common Problems  
The following table contains general information about common monitor problems you might encounter and the possible solutions.   
Common Symptoms   What You See   Possible Solutions  
No Video/Power LED 
off No picture l Ensure that the video cable connecting the monitor and the computer is properly connected and secure.    
l Verify that the power outlet is functioning properly using any other electrical equipment.    
l The power on/off control is a capacitive touch sensitive sensor, pressing it may or may not power on the 
monitor, lightly touch on the power on/off icon to try again.   
No Video/Power LED 
on No picture or no 
brightness l Increase brightness & contrast controls via OSD.    
l Perform monitor self - test feature check.    
l Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.    
l Run the built - in diagnostics.   
Poor Focus Picture is fuzzy, 
blurry, or ghosting l Perform Auto Adjust via OSD.    
l Adjust the Phase and Pixel Clock controls via OSD.    
l Eliminate video extension cables.    
l R eset the monitor to Factory Settings.    
l Change the video resolution to the correct aspect ratio (16:9).    
Shaky/Jittery Video Wavy picture or fine 
movement l Perform Auto Adjust via OSD.    
l Adjust the Phase and Pixel Clock controls via OSD.    
l R eset the monitor to Factory Settings.    
l Check environmental factors.    
l Relocate the monitor and test in another room.    
Missing Pixels LCD screen has 
spots l Cycle power on - off.    
l Pixel that is permanently off is a natural defect that can occur in LCD technology .    
l Run the built - in diagnostics   
Stuck - on Pixels LCD screen has 
bright spots l Cycle power on - off.    
l Pixel that is permanently off is a natural defect that can occur in LCD technology .    
l Run the built - in diagnostics   
Brightness Problems Picture too dim or too 
bright l Reset the monitor to  Factory Settings .    
l Auto Adjust via OSD.    
l Adjust brightness & contrast controls via OSD.    
Geometric Distortion Screen not centered 
correctly l Reset the  monitor to Factory Settings.    
l Auto Adjust via OSD.    
l Adjust brightness & contrast controls via OSD.    
NOTE:  When using DVI - D or HDMI, the positioning adjustments are not available.  
Horizontal/Vertical 
Lines Screen has one or 
more lines l Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.    
l Perform Auto Adjust via OSD.    
l Adjust Phase and Pixel Clock controls via OSD.    
l Perform monitor self - test feature check and determine if these lines are also in self - test mode.    
l Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.    
l Run the built - in diagnostics   
NOTE:  When using DVI - Dor HDMI, the Pixel Clock and Phase adjustments are not available.  
Synchronization 
Problems Screen is scrambled 
or appears torn l Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.    
l Perform Auto Adjust via OSD.    
l Adjust Phase and Pixel Clock controls via OSD.      
						

							   
Product Specific Problems  
 
 
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Specific Problems  
   
 Problems   l Perform monitor self - test feature check to determine if the scrambled screen appears in self - test mode.    
l Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.    
l Restart the computer  in the  safe mode .    
Safety Related 
Issues Visible signs of 
smoke or sparks l Do not perform any troubleshooting steps.   
l Contact Dell immediately.   
Intermittent 
Problems Monitor malfunctions 
on & off l Ensure that the video cable connecting the monitor to the computer is connected properly and is secure.    
l Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.    
l Perform monitor self - test feature check to determine if the intermittent problem occurs in self - test mode.    
Missing Color Picture missing color l Perform monitor  self - test  feature check.    
l Ensure that the video cable connecting the monitor to the computer is connected properly and is secure.    
l Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.    
l Run the built - in diagnostics   
Wrong Color Picture color not 
good l Change the Color Setting Mode in the  Color Settings OSD  to Graphics or Video depending on the 
application.   
l Try different Color Preset Settings in Color Settings OSD. Adjust R/G/B value in Color Settings OSD if the 
Color Management is turned off.   
l Change the Input Color Format to PC RGB or YPbPr in the Advance Setting OSD.   
l Run the built - in diagnostics   
Image retention from 
a static image left on 
the monitor for a 
long period of time Faint shadow from 
the static image 
displayed appears on 
the screen l Use the Power Management feature to turn off the monitor at all times when not in use  (for more 
information, see  Power Management Modes ).   
l Alternatively, use a dynamically changing screensaver.    
Specific Symptoms What You See Possible Solutions
Screen image is too small Image is centered on screen, 
but does not fill entire viewing 
area l Check the Display settings in  Zoom Setting  OSD   
l R eset the monitor to Factory Settings .   
Cannot adjust the monitor with 
the keys on the front panel OSD does not appear on the 
screen l Turn off the monitor, unplug the power cord, plug back, and then turn on the monitor .   
No Input Signal when user 
controls are touched No picture, the LED light is 
white. When you touch up, 
down or Menu key, the 
message appears   l Check the signal source. Ensure the Computer is not in the power saving mode by 
moving the mouse or pressing any key on the keyboard.    
l Check whether the signal cable is plugged in properly. Re - plug the signal cable if 
necessary.    
l Reset the computer or video player.    
The picture does not fill the 
entire screen. The picture cannot fill the 
height or width of the screen l Due to different video formats (aspect ratio) of DVDs, the monitor may display in full 
screen.   
l Run the built - in diagnostics   
NOTE:  When choosing DVI - D or HDMI mode ,   the  Auto Adjust    function  is not available.  
Specific Symptoms What You See Possible Solutions
USB interface is not working USB peripherals are not 
working l Check that your monitor is turned ON.    
l Reconnect the upstream cable to your computer.    
l Reconnect the USB peripherals (downstream connectoryf     
l Switch off and then turn on the monitor again.    
l Reboot the computer.    
l Some USB devices like external portable HDD require higher electric current; connect the 
device directly to the computer system.   
High Speed USB 2.0 interface is 
slow. High Speed USB 2.0 
peripherals working slowly or 
not working at all l Check that your computer is USB 2.0 - capable.    
l Some computers have both USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 ports. Ensure that the correct USB port 
is used.    
l Reconnect the upstream cable to your computer.    
l Reconnect the USB peripherals (downstream connectoryf     
l Reboot the computer.    
Common Symptoms   What You See   Possible Solutions  
No Sound Soundbar has power  -  power 
indicator is on l Plug the audio line - in cable into the computers audio out jack.   
l Set all volume controls to their maximum and ensure that the mute option is not 
enabled.   
l Play some audio content on the computer (example, audio CD, or MP3).     
						

							   
Camera Problems   l Turn the Power/Volume knob on the Soundbar clockwise to a higher volume setting.   
l Clean and reseat the audio line - in plug.   
l Test the Soundbar using another audio source (For example: portable CD player, MP3 
player).   
Distorted Sound Computers sound card is used 
as the audio source l Clear any obstructions between the Soundbar and the user.   
l Confirm that the audio line - in plug is completely inserted into the jack of the sound card. 
l Set all Windows volume controls to their midpoints.   
l Decrease the volume of the audio application.   
l Turn the Power/Volume knob on the Soundbar counter - clockwise to a lower volume 
setting.   
l Clean and reseat the audio line - in plug.   
l Troubleshoot the computers sound card.   
l Test the Soundbar using another audio source (For example: portable CD player, MP3 
player).   
l Avoid using an audio cable extension or audio jack converter.   
Distorted Sound Other audio source is used l Clear any obstructions between the Soundbar and the user.   
l Confirm that the audio line - in plug is completely inserted into the jack of the audio 
source.   
l Decrease the volume of the audio source.   
l Turn the Power/Volume knob on the Soundbar counter - clockwise to a lower volume 
setting.   
l Clean and reseat the audio line - in plug.   
Unbalanced Sound Output Sound from only one side of 
Soundbar l Clear any obstructions between the Soundbar and the user.   
l Confirm that the audio line - in plug is completely inserted into the jack of the sound card 
or audio source.   
l Set all Windows audio balance controls (L - R) to their midpoints.   
l Clean and reseat the audio line - in plug.   
l Troubleshoot the computers sound card.   
l Test the Soundbar using another audio source (For example: portable CD player, MP3 
player).   
Low Volume Volume is too low l Clear any obstructions between the Soundbar and the user.   
l Turn the Power/Volume knob on the Soundbar clockwise to the maximum volume 
setting.   
l Set all Windows volume controls to their maximum.   
l Increase the volume of the audio application.   
l Test the Soundbar using another audio source (For example: portable CD player, MP3 
player).   
COMMON 
SYMPTOMS   WHAT YOU 
EXPERIENCE   POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS  
No Power The camera is 
not working 
and the LED is 
off If the monitor has no power, see  Troubleshooting Your Monitor . 
Verify if the camera is detected by Windows.  
Reinstall the camera drives using the Dell SP2309W  Webcam Resource CD . See  Using the Camera  for more information.
Camera is not 
detected  The camera is 
not working 
and the LED is 
on Remove and insert the USB cable. 
Reinstall the  Dell Webcam Software  and drivers. See  installing your  Dell Webcam Software  for more information.
Poor Focus The camera 
captures fuzzy 
or unclear 
videos and 
pictures Verify that the protective film has been removed from the camera and the camera lens is clean.
Clean the camera surface using a damp, soft lint - free cloth.
Increase the available ambient light or change the source of light.
Reset the camera defaults through the  Dell Webcam Central . See  Using the Camera  for more information.
Ensure that the  Color Depth  settings in  Display Properties  is set to   16 - bit color or higher.    
NOTE:  Lower color depth settings result in poor - quality images.   
NOTE:  The integrated webcam operates at a lower resolution than most commercially available digital cameras. Most 
commercial digital cameras are 4 mega pixel or higher. The integrated webcam operates up to 2.0 mega pixel.
Poor quality 
video on the 
Internet The camera 
captures 
grainy images 
while using it 
on the 
Internet Check your internet connection speed. A slow internet connection could cause similar problems with the video. It is 
recommended to use a broadband connection with good throughput.
Color Problem The images 
are tinted red, 
blue, or green Reset the camera defaults through the  Dell Webcam Central . See  Using the Camera   for more information.
Adjust the camera color settings through  Dell Webcam Central . See   Using the Camera   for more information.
No Image Blank screen Increase the available ambient light, change the direction of the camera, or change the source of light.
Reset the camera defaults through the  Dell Webcam Central . See  Using the Camera   for more information.
Adjust the contrast levels using the  Dell Webcam Central .  See  Using the Camera   for more information.
Ensure the camera is detected correctly by the Windows operating system. 
Slow frame 
rate in video 
capture mode The capture 
video is not 
smooth The video capture especially in high resolution is a resource intensive task, reduce the video recording resolution. Select  No 
Compression  for video in the  Video Recording  settings.
Install the latest DirectX and the latest webcam driver.
Audio and  The captured  The video capture, especially in high resolution is a resource intensive task. Reduce the video recording resolution. Select  No   
						

							Back to Contents Page  video is not 
synchronized video and 
audio are not 
synchronized Compression  for video in the  Video Recording  settings.
Microphone is 
not working The webcam 
captures video 
but not sound Speak closer to the microphone. 
The integrated microphone is designed to have a wider reception area for recording. it still has its limits. Try moving closer to 
the microphone or ensure that you are within the recording area for the microphone. 
Check if the volume is muted. To enable sound: 
1. Click  Start ® Control Panel ® Sound and Audio Devices .   
2. Click to uncheck the box next to  Mute .  
Set the correct audio source in  Dell Webcam Central . To select the correct audio source: 
1. In the  Dell Webcam Central , navigate to configure settings by clicking on the  More Options  key.   
2. Select  Monitor Webcam  in the  Microphone  box.  
3. Adjust the  Volume  slider to obtain the desired audio level.   
Test the microphone.   Try testing the microphone using an application other than the  Dell Webcam Central . To test the 
microphone,  
1.Click  Start ® Control Panel ® Sound and Audio Devices .
2.Click the  Voice  tab.   
3.Click the  Test Hardware  key and follow the instructions.  
If the recording is successful, reset the camera defaults or reinstall the  Dell Webcam Software . See  Using the Camera  for 
more information.