Pixelation Effects on Monitors
Various software, hardware and configuration problems can produce pixelation effects on computer monitors. Such effects most frequently arise from improper configuration of the operating system, but issues with video cards, computer software and image files also cause pixelation. Some combinations of video cards, operating systems and monitors simply cannot be used together without heavy pixelation.
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OS Resolution
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Most operating systems let users set the screen resolution levels for their monitors, using a "Control Panel" or "Setup" utility. This determines how many pixels simultaneously appear on the screen. If the resolution remains set too low for the monitor size and type, it will create pixelation effects. To correct this, increase the OS resolution without exceeding the maximum settings for the monitor or video card.
Program Resolution
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Some programs override the operating system's screen resolution and use their own level, especially older programs and applications that operate in full-screen mode. Although it's sometimes possible to change a program-specific resolution to eliminate pixelation effects, such applications typically implement a fixed resolution level. Generally, the only way to prevent this type of pixelation is to use a smaller monitor.
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Image Resolution
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Individual photos and other images may contain pixelation effects that will appear regardless of the monitors and software in use. Taking photographs with a very low-resolution digital camera or a digital camera with weak batteries may produce pixelation, especially if the camera is set to a low picture quality mode. Saving JPEG images at low quality rates also generates pixelation.
Web Accelerators
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Internet accelerator programs typically speed up graphical webpages by downloading low-quality versions of images, usually containing pixelation effects. With some accelerators, you may obtain the normal image by right-clicking it and selecting an option such as "Reload Image in Full Quality." Computer Technologies, Inc., indicates that different rates of compression produce varying image quality and pixelation. It's possible to change the compression rate used by a Web accelerator service to initially download images.
Hardware Issues
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Problems with the computer hardware are less likely to cause pixelation effects on monitors, but still have the potential to do this. The wrong video card driver or a problem with the card itself can create pixelation, according to Avid Technology, Inc. The company suggests removing and reinstalling the video card or trying a different card. Some older cards cannot reach a high resolution, regardless of the monitor. Many LCD monitors only display well at a certain resolution level; see the owner's manual for specifics.
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References
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