Computer monitor question

[davew]

I decided to upgrade the monitor on my pc to a larger screen. The one I had was a 15" LCD in 4:3 format.

Today I acquired an LG, 22" widescreen monitor from Argos. £130.

Now I have installed it I'm not impressed. All my photos are distorted (fat people and long helis!). The depth of the screen is little more than the old 15". My wife - who generously bought it for me, says she should take it back.

I've scanned through Currys site and it seems that everything is widescreen (16:9), so I'm assuming that the majority of you are using this format. If so how do you get on with it? Did you just get used to distorted pics? Can I buy a decent sized, and reasonably priced 4:3 screen from somewhere or am I just mising something? How does Phoenix look on widescreen?:(:(:(:(:(:(

Thanks

[Paulo uk]

Take a look at your display settings, what res are you running?

Paul

[Rotorhead]

I've got a similar monitor here, the LG Flatron W2234S, and the res needs setting to 1680x1050, thats the maximum on mine anyway, your version (there are a few) may have a different max res.

[Kozmyk]

You'll need to set your display settings to fit your new aspect ratio of 16:9
Try 1440 x 900 for an example.
Windows has it's display settings and so will your graphics card so you'll need to look at both of them.

p.s.
I run my 24" lcd on 1440 x 900.
I could go to a higher resolution but it all gets too small for my old eyes if I do.

[Planehazza]

As others have said, looks like windows is still outputting a 4:3 image, likely at 1024x768 resolution. The native resolution of a 22" screen is 1680x1050. Change it in the display properties and all will become clear :)

[est1976]

I also have a LG Flatron W2242S and it definitely needs to go in 1680 x 1050 in your display settings.

[LaurenceGough]

Once you have set the correct resolution (make sure it matches the native resolution of the screen) should be in manual/box. If you're still not happy with it take it back and get yourself one of these: [ame=http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002PU9R7K/ref=oss_product]Acer P225HQ 21.5inch Wide LCD, TFT Monitor, 50000:1, 5m, 300/m2, VGA, DVI, Glossy Black: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories[/ame]

It's a really good crisp screen for an amazing price.

[davew]

Thanks everyone, all sorted now. Have set the resolution to 1680 x 1050 and we're back in business.

Interestingly Laurence the Acer screen was the alternative I was considering. For now the LG looks fine and having purchased from Argos I've got 28 days to change my mind, but hopefully all will be OK.

[Mart61]

Glad you got sorted, Dave.

As you quite rightly say, the wide screen format, be it on a TV or a monitor, does not gain much in the height of the display. My 19" wide screen monitors are, if anything, only a little higher than my old 14" display.

I do have two hooked up to my system tho, which is dead handy.

:D