I've just got a new Mac Pro (8-core 2.8GHz, 2600XT) and a pair of Dell E207WFP (DVI-D) displays.
When the Pro has booted up there's a noticeable problem with both displays. They exhibit a wave of diagonal moving lines, and there is a pinstripe/Venetian blind effect. Both are particularly visible in the darker parts of the image. (The wallpaper, incidentally, is the Leopard standard space thing.) The diagonal wave is like interference you'd get from a loose connection on a TV, and the Venetian blind effect is like a pixel and a half of slightly darker, pixel and a half of slightly lighter, etc. running all the way up the display (more visible in the darker bits).
So, I figured the problem was one of three things: the monitor, the DVI cable or the ATI 2600XT video card. I figured three tests would tell me which one it was. First I'd change the DVI cable (keeping the 2600XT and E207WFP the same). Second test: change the display (keeping the 2600XT and going back to the original DVI cable). Third test: change the video card (E207WFP and original DVI cable).
Here are the results:
So, Test 1 suggests it wasn't the DVI cable; Test 2 suggests it wasn't the 2600XT; and Test 3 suggests it wasn't the display... So what the hell was it?!
I sat down and scratched my chin and had a think, and the only thing I can conclude is that there is some compatibility issue between the 2600XT (perhaps just the Mac version) and the Dell E207WFP. I did a little Googling, but got bored on eighth page of nothing but retailers trying to sell me an E207WFP.
I didn't need any drivers for my MacBook (as I'd expect with a Mac), and I've had it running off Tiger on my MacBook and Leopard on my dad's. And in the 'Displays' System Preferences I get a Dell E207WFP colour profile.
Or is it something I haven't thought of?
Any help would be appreciated. Actually, I appreciate anyone who's got this far down, irrespective of whether you reply or not. I also have a Bluetooth issue, but I'll leave that for another post and another day...
When the Pro has booted up there's a noticeable problem with both displays. They exhibit a wave of diagonal moving lines, and there is a pinstripe/Venetian blind effect. Both are particularly visible in the darker parts of the image. (The wallpaper, incidentally, is the Leopard standard space thing.) The diagonal wave is like interference you'd get from a loose connection on a TV, and the Venetian blind effect is like a pixel and a half of slightly darker, pixel and a half of slightly lighter, etc. running all the way up the display (more visible in the darker bits).
So, I figured the problem was one of three things: the monitor, the DVI cable or the ATI 2600XT video card. I figured three tests would tell me which one it was. First I'd change the DVI cable (keeping the 2600XT and E207WFP the same). Second test: change the display (keeping the 2600XT and going back to the original DVI cable). Third test: change the video card (E207WFP and original DVI cable).
Here are the results:
- Test 1: Mac Pro 2600XT > new DVI > Dell E207WFP problem visible.
- Test 2: Mac Pro 2600XT > original DVI > HP LP2480zx no problem.
- Test 3: MacBook GMA950 > original DVI (via miniDVI-DVI adapter) > Dell E207WFP no problem.
So, Test 1 suggests it wasn't the DVI cable; Test 2 suggests it wasn't the 2600XT; and Test 3 suggests it wasn't the display... So what the hell was it?!
I sat down and scratched my chin and had a think, and the only thing I can conclude is that there is some compatibility issue between the 2600XT (perhaps just the Mac version) and the Dell E207WFP. I did a little Googling, but got bored on eighth page of nothing but retailers trying to sell me an E207WFP.
I didn't need any drivers for my MacBook (as I'd expect with a Mac), and I've had it running off Tiger on my MacBook and Leopard on my dad's. And in the 'Displays' System Preferences I get a Dell E207WFP colour profile.
Or is it something I haven't thought of?
Any help would be appreciated. Actually, I appreciate anyone who's got this far down, irrespective of whether you reply or not. I also have a Bluetooth issue, but I'll leave that for another post and another day...