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Troubleshooting


Dell™ SX2210T Flat Panel Monitor

  Self-Test

  Common Problems

  Product-Specific Problems

  Universal Serial Bus Specific Problems

  Dell Soundbar Problems

  Camera Problems

  Dell TouchCam Problems

  Facial Recognition (FastAccess) Problems

  Touch Screen Problems

 

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the Safety Instructions.

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 the HDMI, Digital (white connector), and the Analog (blue connector) cables from the back of the computer or monitor.
  3. Turn on the monitor.

    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    
       

     

  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.

NOTE: You can run the built-in diagnostics only when the video cable is unplugged and the monitor is in self-test mode.

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, press and hold the shortcut key 1 and shortcut key 4 keys on the front panel, simultaneously for 2 seconds.
    4. A gray screen appears.

  1. Carefully inspect the screen for abnormalities.
  2. Press the shortcut key 4 key on the front panel again. The color of the screen changes to red.
  3. Inspect the display for any abnormalities.
  4. 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, press 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
  • Ensure that the video cable connecting the monitor and the computer is properly connected and secure.
  • Verify that the power outlet is functioning properly using any other electrical equipment.
No Video/Power LED on No picture or no brightness
  • Increase brightness & contrast controls via OSD.
  • Perform monitor self-test feature check.
  • Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.
  • Press Shortcut key 4 to call out the Input Select Source OSD menu. Select the correct input source.
  • Run the built-in diagnostics.
Poor Focus Picture is fuzzy, blurry, or ghosting
  • Perform Auto Adjust via OSD.
  • Adjust the Phase and Pixel Clock controls via OSD.
  • Eliminate video extension cables.
  • Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.
  • Change the video resolution to the correct aspect ratio (16:9).
Shaky/Jittery Video Wavy picture or fine movement
  • Perform Auto Adjust via OSD.
  • Adjust the Phase and Pixel Clock controls via OSD.
  • Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.
  • Check environmental factors.
  • Relocate the monitor and test in another room.
Missing Pixels LCD screen has spots
  • Cycle power on-off.
  • Pixel that is permanently off is a natural defect that can occur in LCD technology.
  • Run the built-in diagnostics
Stuck-on Pixels LCD screen has bright spots
  • Cycle power on-off.
  • Pixel that is permanently off is a natural defect that can occur in LCD technology.
  • Run the built-in diagnostics
Brightness Problems Picture is too dim or too bright
  • Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.
  • Auto Adjust via OSD.
  • Adjust brightness & contrast controls via OSD.
Geometric Distortion Screen is not centered correctly
  • Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.
  • Auto Adjust via OSD.
  • 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
  • Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.
  • Perform Auto Adjust via OSD.
  • Adjust Phase and Pixel Clock controls via OSD.
  • Perform monitor self-test feature check and determine if these lines are also in self-test mode.
  • Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.
  • Run the built-in diagnostics
NOTE: When using 'DVI-D' or 'HDMI', the Pixel Clock and Phase adjustments are not available.
Synchronization Problems Screen is scrambled or appears torn
  • Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.
  • Perform Auto Adjust via OSD.
  • Adjust Phase and Pixel Clock controls via OSD.
  • Perform monitor self-test feature check to determine if the scrambled screen appears in self-test mode.
  • Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.
  • Restart the computer in the safe mode.
Safety Related Issues Visible signs of smoke or sparks
  • Do not perform any troubleshooting steps.
  • Contact Dell immediately.
Intermittent Problems Monitor malfunctions on & off
  • Ensure that the video cable connecting the monitor to the computer is connected properly and is secure.
  • Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.
  • Perform monitor self-test feature check to determine if the intermittent problem occurs in self-test mode.
Missing Color Picture lacks color
  • Perform monitor self-test feature check.
  • Ensure that the video cable connecting the monitor to the computer is connected properly and is secure.
  • Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.
  • Run the built-in diagnostics
Wrong Color Picture color not good
  • Change the Color Setting Mode in the Color Settings OSD to Graphics or Video depending on the application.
  • Try a different Color Preset Setting in Color Settings OSD. Adjust R/G/B value in Color Settings OSD if the Color Management is turned off.
  • Change the Input Color Format to PC RGB or YPbPr in the Advance Setting OSD.
  • 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
  • Use the Power Management feature to turn off the monitor at all times when not in use (for more information, see Power Management Modes).
  • Alternatively, use a dynamically changing screensaver.

 

Product-Specific Problems

Specific Symptoms What You See Possible Solutions
Screen image is too small Image is centered on screen, but does not fill entire viewing area
  • Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.
Cannot adjust the monitor with the keys on the front panel OSD does not appear on the screen
  • Turn off the monitor, unplug the power cord, plug back, and then turn on the monitor.
No Input Signal when user controls are pressed

No picture, the LED light is white. When you press "up", "down" or "Menu" key, the message appears
  • Check the signal source. Ensure that the Computer is not in the power saving mode by moving the mouse or pressing any key on the keyboard.
  • Check whether the signal cable is plugged in properly. Re-plug the signal cable if necessary.
  • 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
  • Due to different video formats (aspect ratio) of DVDs, the monitor may display in full screen.
  • Run the built-in diagnostics

NOTE: When choosing DVI-D or HDMI mode, the Auto Adjust  function is not available.


Universal Serial Bus (USB) Specific Problems

Specific Symptoms What You See Possible Solutions
USB interface is not working USB peripherals are not working
  • Check that your monitor is turned ON.
  • Reconnect the upstream cable to your computer.
  • Reconnect the USB peripherals (downstream connector). 
  • Switch off and then turn on the monitor again.
  • Reboot the computer.
  • 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
  • Check that your computer is USB 2.0-capable.
  • Some computers have both USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 ports. Ensure that the correct USB port is used. 
  • Reconnect the upstream cable to your computer.
  • Reconnect the USB peripherals (downstream connector). 
  • Reboot the computer.

 

Dell™ Soundbar Problems

Common Symptoms

What You See

Possible Solutions
No Sound Soundbar has power - power indicator is on
  • Plug the audio line-in cable into the computer's audio out jack.
  • Set all volume controls to their maximum and ensure that the mute option is not enabled.
  • Play some audio content on the computer (example, audio CD, or MP3).
  • Turn the Power/Volume knob on the Soundbar clockwise to a higher volume setting.
  • Clean and reseat the audio line-in plug.
  • Test the Soundbar using another audio source (For example: portable CD player, MP3 player).
Distorted Sound Computer's sound card is used as the audio source
  • Clear any obstructions between the Soundbar and the user.
  • Confirm that the audio line-in plug is completely inserted into the jack of the sound card.
  • Set all Windows volume controls to their midpoints.
  • Decrease the volume of the audio application.
  • Turn the Power/Volume knob on the Soundbar counter-clockwise to a lower volume setting.
  • Clean and reseat the audio line-in plug.
  • Troubleshoot the computer's sound card.
  • Test the Soundbar using another audio source (For example: portable CD player, MP3 player).
  • Avoid using an audio cable extension or audio jack converter.
Distorted Sound Other audio source is used
  • Clear any obstructions between the Soundbar and the user.
  • Confirm that the audio line-in plug is completely inserted into the jack of the audio source.
  • Decrease the volume of the audio source.
  • Turn the Power/Volume knob on the Soundbar counter-clockwise to a lower volume setting.
  • Clean and reseat the audio line-in plug.
Unbalanced Sound Output Sound from only one side of Soundbar
  • Clear any obstructions between the Soundbar and the user.
  • Confirm that the audio line-in plug is completely inserted into the jack of the sound card or audio source.
  • Set all Windows audio balance controls (L-R) to their midpoints.
  • Clean and reseat the audio line-in plug.
  • Troubleshoot the computer's sound card.
  • Test the Soundbar using another audio source (For example: portable CD player, MP3 player).
Low Volume Volume is too low
  • Clear any obstructions between the Soundbar and the user.
  • Turn the Power/Volume knob on the Soundbar clockwise to the maximum volume setting.
  • Set all Windows volume controls to their maximum.
  • Increase the volume of the audio application.
  • Test the Soundbar using another audio source (For example: portable CD player, MP3 player).

 

Camera Problems

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 SX2210T 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 TouchCam Software. See installing the Dell TouchCam Software for more information.
Poor Focus The camera captures fuzzy or unclear videos and pictures
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 TouchCam Software. 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 TouchCam.

In Dell TouchCam, go to SettingsàDisplay tabàAdvanced Settings, reset to webcam defaults by clicking the Default button.

Adjust the camera color settings through Dell Webcam Central.

In Dell TouchCam, go to SettingsàDisplay tabàAdvanced Settings, make adjustment to webcam properties.
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 TouchCam.

In Dell TouchCam, go to SettingsàDisplay tabàAdvanced Settings, reset to webcam defaults by clicking the Default button.

Adjust the contrast levels using the Dell TouchCam. 

In Dell TouchCam, go to SettingsàDisplay tab, make contrast adjustment using the horizontal slide bar.
Restart Windows operating system and 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 is a resource intensive task, try adjusting Capture quality to experiment with video capture outputs.

In Dell TouchCam, go to Settings, make adjustment to Capture quality box.
Install the latest DirectX.
Audio and video is not synchronized The captured video and audio are not synchronized

The video capture is a resource intensive task, try adjusting Capture quality to experiment with video capture outputs.

In Dell TouchCam, go to Settings, make adjustment to Capture quality box.
Microphone is not working The webcam captures video but not sound Speak from closer to the microphone.
The integrated microphone is designed to have a wider reception area for recording. But 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 StartàControl PanelàSound and Audio Devices.
2. Click to uncheck the box next to Mute.
Set the correct audio source in Dell TouchCam Software. To select the correct audio source:

1. In the Dell TouchCam, navigate to configure settings by clicking on the Settings button.
2. Select Monitor Webcam in the Audio Device box.
3. Make sure Capture with audio is checked.
Test the microphone. Try testing the microphone using an application other than the Dell TouchCam Software. To test the microphone,
1.Click StartàControl PanelàSound and Audio Devices.
2.Click the Voice tab.
3.Click the Test Hardware button and follow the instructions.
If the recording is successful, reset the camera defaults or reinstall the Dell TouchCam Software. See Using the Camera for more information.

 

Dell TouchCam Problems

Common Symptoms

Possible Solutions

Unable to upload videos to YouTube
  • You will need to register a YouTube account before you are able to upload a video to YouTube. You must adhere to all copyright terms as specified by YouTube. You are advised to check the copyright status of the video, and any included music, that you are about to upload to YouTube. Neither YouTube nor Dell will be responsible for the video content you uploaded to YouTube.

Unable to see my webcam video on Dell TouchCam
  • Please close all applications that may use the webcam before you use Dell TouchCam, and check to see if it has been setup properly on your PC. You must choose "Dell Web Camera Filter" from your instant messaging software setting.

No sound when using Dell TouchCam with my instant messaging software
  • Navigate to the Volume Control by clicking StartàProgramsàAccessoriesàEntertainmentàVolume Control. In the Volume Control window, please check that the system volume is not muted. Also make sure that the volume is set to the correct levels, for both the Master Volume, as well as the Wave volume.

PowerPoint image is backwards when I use TouchCam share file function
  • This is due to the default setting in MSN is to set the webcam image as a mirror image. Please check the following steps to solve this problem.
  • In the Windows Live Messenger main window, select ToolsàAudio video setup.
  • In the Audio and Video Setup wizard, uncheck Mirror my image
  • Click the Finish button to save your changes and enable Dell TouchCam.

The Avatar function is not tracking me correctly
  • Dell TouchCam's facial tracking ability for avatars may decline when you move rapidly or move out of the webcam frame. When the facial tracking result is lost (the avatar's actions does not sync with your actions), please calibrate by placing your face in the center of the webcam video frame and then look straight at the webcam. Dell TouchCam will automatically re-calibrate the facial tracking.

Where to download additional effects
  • After installing Dell TouchCam you can download additional free Emotion effects from DirectorZone site, which were carefully designed to enhance fun video effects during video communication.
    http://directorzone.cyberlink.com/

Unable to record video higher than 640x480
  • Dell TouchCam supports video recording up to video size of 640x480 only.

Unable to use TouchCam with instant messaging software
  • Windows Live Messenger
    1. In the Windows Live Messenger main window, select ToolsàAudio video setup.
    2. In Step 3 of the Audio and Video Setup wizard, select Dell Web Camera Filter from the select webcam drop-down menu.
    3. Click the Finish button to save your changes
  • Yahoo! Messenger
    1. In the Yahoo Messenger main window, select ActionsàInvite to View My webcam
    2. My WebCamàPreferencesàWebCamàCamera SourceàIn this page, select Dell Web Camera Filter from the select webcam drop-down menu.
    3. Click the Finish button to save your changes
  • Skype
    1. In the Skype main window, select PrivacyàCallsàVideo Settings
    2. In this page, select Dell Web Camera Filter from the select webcam drop-down menu.
    3. Click the Finish button to save your changes
  • AOL Instant Messenger
    1. In the AOL Instant Messenger main window, select EditàSettingsàEnhanced IMàVideo àIn this page, select Dell Web Camera Filter from the select webcam drop-down menu.
    2. Click the Finish button to save your changes

NOTE: Depending on the type of instant messaging software you are using, the procedure to enable Dell TouchCam will be different. Please consult the help for the instant messaging software you are using and see the section on selecting webcam or something similar.

 

Facial Recognition (FastAccess) problems

Installation

Common Symptoms

What You See

Possible Solutions
FastAccess software will not install The FastAccess installer displays a dialog box with the message "This version cannot install on this computer -3"
  • Ensure that the monitor USB cable is plugged into your computer and that the Dell Monitor Webcam has been installed in the Windows Vista operating system.
FastAccess software will not install The FastAccess installer displays a dialog box with the message "This version cannot install on this computer -2"
  • This version of FastAccess will not install on a computer joined to a Microsoft Domain.  Please install on a non-Domain computer.
FastAccess software will not install The FastAccess installer displays a dialog box with the message "FastAccess cannot be installed on Systems earlier than Windows Vista x86"
  • This version of FastAccess will only install on Windows Vista x86, x64 or Windows 7. XP and Windows 2000 are not supported.

Daily Use

Common Symptoms

What You See

Possible Solutions
Face Recognition is not possible and you must login manually Color Bars are displayed in the FastAccess Video window along with the text "Unable to process Biometric Data, please check camera"
  • Ensure that the monitor USB cable is plugged into your computer and that the Dell Monitor Webcam has been installed in the Windows Vista or Windows 7 operating system.
  • Login to the computer manually and close any applications that might be using the webcam.
  • If you previously manually selected a webcam in the "Camera Selection" screen of the FastAccess Configuration Console, ensure this webcam is installed and available. If not, select another webcam from the list.  Selecting "First Available" will permit FastAccess to connect to any available webcam.
Face Recognition is not possible and you must login manually Color Bars are displayed in the FastAccess Video window along with the text "License key is invalid"
  • Make sure the Dell Monitor's USB cable is plugged into the computer and that the Monitor Webcam is properly installed on this computer.  FastAccess is disabled if the Dell Monitor Webcam is not connected to the computer.
The wrong webcam is connected to FastAccess You have a laptop with a built-in webcam and FastAccess is not using the desired webcam.
  • Open the "Configuration Console" and select the "Advance" button. Click the "Camera Selection" link.  Select the desired webcam. Either reboot your computer or disable and then re-enable FastAccess.
Face Recognition is unavailable FastAccess is missing from the Windows Vista login screen.
  • FastAccess has been disabled.  Open the "Configuration Console" and select a security mode to enable FastAccess.
Video applications such as Skype, IM and others can find the webcam. You are unable to get active video to another application.
  • If FastAccess is enabled, open the video application's camera selection screen. Choose "faCap".
  • If FastAccess is disabled, open the video application's camera selection screen. Choose "Monitor Webcam" or another available webcam.

 

 

Touch Screen problems

Common Symptoms

Possible Solutions
Touch screen does not respond to touches
  • Make sure the USB cable is connected from the monitor to the computer.
  • Make sure the touch screen is connected to a USB port that provides enough power for it (some peripherals, such as keyboards, include USB ports that do not provide sufficient power for some devices). Try connecting the touch screen to a different USB port on the computer.
  • Before changing any settings or drivers, try restarting the computer.

The cursor does not accurately follow your finger when you touch the screen

The cursor moves erratically

  • Make sure there is nothing blocking the optics of the touch screen. There are two sensors in the top corners of the screen that need unobstructed views across the surface of the glass to the bottom and side edges.
  • Clean the glass and edges of the screen. See Maintenance for instructions.
  • If the above remedies do not work, run the diagnostic test that is explained below.

Troubleshooting with Touch Screen Tools

Calibrating the Touch Screen

With a clear desktop on the computer:

  1. Run the Touch Screen Tools by clicking its icon in the system tray or Windows Control Panel.
  2. Make sure the computer desktop is clear.
  3. Click the [Calibrate] button on the Touch Screen Tools. The mouse pointer moves automatically to a position at the top left of the screen.
  4. Touch and hold your finger (or stylus) on the screen at that position until the pointer moves.
  5. The pointer moves to three further positions in sequence—top right, bottom right, bottom left—touch each point in turn until the pointer moves.

This completes the touch screen calibration procedure.

NOTE: When removing your finger, lift it straight off the screen, making sure you don’t drag it across the screen.
NOTE: Test the calibration by moving the mouse pointer around the screen checking that it closely follows your finger.
NOTE: If the calibration is not satisfactory, you can re-calibrate.
NOTE: Make sure your finger is placed accurately at each calibration point.

Diagnostic Test

This option on the Touch Screen Tools runs a diagnostic test on the touch screen and displays one of the following three messages:

Result

Meaning

Action
Pass. Touch screen is working normally.
  • You can use the touch function now.
Touch Screen is not connected, reconnect screen and try again. If problem persists call customer support. There may be possible connection problems.
  • Re-check all cable connections on the monitor and computer and re-run the diagnostic test again.
Please clean the screen and if problem persists call customer support. Screen may be dusty and cause improper detection.
  • Using the cleaning cloth supplied, clean the screen and surrounding area inside the bezel gently taking care to avoid cameras located on the top left and right corners of the screen. Re-run the diagnostic test again after cleaning.

 

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