Specifications

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Chapter 15 Video Hardware
Table 15.25 Continued
Device Type Problem Solutions
All devices Video capture is jerky. Frame rate is too low. Increasing it might require
capturing video in a smaller window; use fastest
parallel port setting you can; use faster CPU and
increase RAM to improve results.
All devices Video playback has Hard disk might be pausing for thermal
pauses, dropped frames. recalibration; use AV-rated SCSI hard drives
or UDMA EIDE drives; install correct busmastering
EIDE drivers for motherboard chipset to improve
speed. Reinstall video playback software.
USB devices Device can’t be detected Use Windows 98/Me/2000/XP; late versions
or doesn’t work properly. of Windows 95 have USB drivers, but they often
don’t work. If you use a USB hub, be sure it’s
self-powered.
Interface cards Card can’t be detected Check for IRQ conflicts in Windows Device
(all types) or doesn’t work. Manager; move card to different slot if possible.
IEEE 1394 cards Card can’t be detected Make sure power connector is attached to card
or doesn’t work. if card has 4-pin power jack. Make sure correct
drivers are installed.
All devices Capture or installation Use the newest drivers available; check manufac-
problems turers’ Web site for updates, FAQs, and so on.
Adapter and Display Troubleshooting
Solving most graphics adapter and monitor problems is fairly simple, although costly, because replac-
ing the adapter or display is the normal procedure. However, before you take this step, be sure that
you have exhausted all your other options. One embarrassingly obvious fix to monitor display prob-
lems that is often overlooked by many users is to adjust the controls on the monitor, such as contrast
and brightness. Although most monitors today have a control panel on the front of the unit, other
adjustments might be possible as well.
Some NEC monitors, for example, have a focus adjustment screw on the left side of the unit. Because
the screw is deep inside the case, the only evidence of its existence is a hole in the plastic grillwork on
top of it. To adjust the monitor’s focus, you must stick a long-shanked screwdriver about 2'' into the hole
and feel around for the screw head. This type of adjustment can save you both an expensive repair bill
and the humiliation of being ridiculed by the repair technician. Always examine the monitor case,
documentation, and manufacturer’s Web site or other online services for the locations of adjustment
controls. Most recent CRT and LCD monitors use front-mounted controls with onscreen display (OSD).
A defective or dysfunctional adapter or display usually is replaced as a single unit rather than being
repaired. Except for specialized CAD or graphics workstation–oriented adapters, virtually all of today’s
adapters cost more to service than to replace, and the documentation required to service the hardware
properly is not always available. You usually can’t get schematic diagrams, parts lists, wiring diagrams, and
other documents for most adapters or monitors. Also, virtually all adapters now are constructed with
surface-mount technology that requires a substantial investment in a rework station before you can
remove and replace these components by hand. You can’t use a $25 pencil-type soldering iron on
these boards!
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