A user reports that the image on a desktop LCD monitor has suddenly become very dim, even though the on-screen brightness setting is already at its maximum. After confirming the brightness control is correctly set, what should be the NEXT step in troubleshooting this problem?
Check the monitor's backlight (or inverter, if present)
If a screen is still readable but very dark after brightness has been verified, the hardware most likely at fault is the backlight system (and, on older CCFL-based displays, its inverter). A failing backlight cannot produce sufficient illumination, so checking or replacing these components is the logical next troubleshooting step. Adjusting contrast or disabling eco modes seldom restores full brightness when the backlight has failed, and a faulty video card typically causes distortion or no image rather than a uniformly dim picture.
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What is the backlight in a monitor?
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What role does the inverter play in a monitor's operation?
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How can I tell if the issue is with the monitor or the video card?