Big problem with backgrounds not shading correctly.

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Bluestrike · #1 Post by **Bluestrike** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 3:28 am

Hello all.
I use a thinkpad R51 at work, I am coding websites and suddenly my thinkpad acts weird with backgrounds.

I hope someone can help me with this problem, because I have to get it fixed to be able to see how my work looks.

I have installed the newest Gfx driver from IBM/Lenovo for my Radeon Mobility 9000.
The date on it is: 22-03-2005

A few samples of the problem:

Images are not from sites I have worked on, but the problem should be clear on the samples.

Puppy · #2 Post by **Puppy** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 4:24 am

What display do you have (XGA or SXGA+) ? Make sure the color depth is 32bit. In case of XGA it might be limited by its technology - TN which has bad color representation.

Bluestrike · #3 Post by **Bluestrike** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 4:33 am

I have had the machine for more than 1 year now, and I have had no problems what so ever until I booted the machine this morning.

Just checked, the machine is running at 32bit.

Where can I read if its a XGA or SXGA+??

Bluestrike · #4 Post by **Bluestrike** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 4:20 am

Does noone have any idears about what is causing this problem.

It is a real problem with my line of work.

Davie · #5 Post by **Davie** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 4:54 am

I had the same issue, but it was just my colour depth that was the problem. I set it to 32 bit and all was well.

What about refresh rate? Mine is 60Hz.

Bluestrike · #6 Post by **Bluestrike** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 5:23 am

Resolution: 1400x1050
Colour depth: 32bit
Refresh rate: 60hz

Davie · #7 Post by **Davie** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 5:24 am

massive resolution, what about lowering it to 1280x768 for the purpose of testing?

Bluestrike · #8 Post by **Bluestrike** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 5:26 am

Just tryed 1280x1024 and 1024x768, the problem is still there.

Puppy · #9 Post by **Puppy** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 5:30 am

Do you run on batteries or AC power ?

Davie · #10 Post by **Davie** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 6:04 am

Can't see how the power input would make a difference. Could be wrong though.

You said you have upgraded your drivers. Have you tried rolling them back to rule out any driver issues?

What about adjusting the colour properties with the application?

Bluestrike · #11 Post by **Bluestrike** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 6:14 am

I was running on AC power, I pulled out the plug and the problem was still there.

Then I put the plug back in and the problem allmost disapered.

If I look really close, I can still see it a little bit, but nowhere as much as before, any idear what has happened??

When I pull out the plug and run on battery mode then it still there, has it somthing to do with a power saving option which the Pc somehow had forgotten to switch off.

Davie · #12 Post by **Davie** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 6:22 am

I stand corrected. The only thing i can thinnk of is that by switching the power has dimmed the screen, and brightened it back up again my switching it on.

you 're-booted' your screen, lol!

Puppy · #13 Post by **Puppy** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 6:46 am

That was my guess. The display runs in a "power saving" mode running on batteries. I noticed the same on my R51 (15" SXGA+ IPS).

Bluestrike · #14 Post by **Bluestrike** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 6:49 am

Well it saved my day

Thanks for your help everyone.

Puppy · #15 Post by **Puppy** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 7:07 am

Actually I haven't found any setting to correct it. Even setting to use normal brightness when switching from ac to batteries didn't help. But at least you are not alone

BTW could you try this http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=18618 ? I have R51 1829-L7G model.

Bluestrike · #16 Post by **Bluestrike** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 7:14 am

Im at work atm, but ill try it as soon as I get a few minutes spare time.

dsigma6 · #17 Post by **dsigma6** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 7:21 am

when you click desktop properties, settings, advanced- is there an ATI tab? there is something about color reduction that may be a part of this.

Bluestrike · #18 Post by **Bluestrike** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 8:09 am

I found out what it was.

It was a part of the ATI options.
It has an option to run with POWERPLAY on, and the powerplay makes the backgrounds become like on the photos.

dsigma6 · #19 Post by **dsigma6** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 8:12 am

its so good to finally be right! did you notice the difference if you enable powerplay, but disable automatic color reduction?

Bluestrike · #20 Post by **Bluestrike** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 8:16 am

I can not see much of a difference if the color correction is on or off...
what should be the difference?

dsigma6 · #21 Post by **dsigma6** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 8:18 am

what should be the difference?

thats what i was asking you!

i disable auto color reduction- the only problems ive had with the screen not looking right has been with the resolution. i keep powerplay enabled though to save battery. glad things are back to normal.

Bluestrike · #22 Post by **Bluestrike** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 8:22 am

So am I

I am very happy with my Thinkpad, so would really have been sad if this had been an issue which was not easy to resolve.

But once again, thank you for all your help.

Big problem with backgrounds not shading correctly.

Big problem with backgrounds not shading correctly.

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