Monitor Resolution Problem

[cjw3131]

I used to own a Sony VAIO VGN-N320E and had it set up with a second monitor (a Sceptre X24). The picture on the sceptre was perfect and crystal clear. I just purchased a new Sony VAIO E series and hooked it up to the same monitor. However, the image on the sceptre monitor is now fuzzy and a little distorted. Both computers use windows7 (32bit for the old, 64 for the new). I've gone to the screen resolution settings and made sure that both monitors are at their recommended and optimal resolutions. The resolution for the sceptre is 1920 x 1080, which it was set to for both computers. It is very frustrating that my new computer is not producing a clear image, despite having much better graphics capabilities. It's difficult even reading text its so fuzzy. I've fooled around with the monitor settings which did not help. I can switch the vga cable back and forth between the old vaio and the new vaio, but the image is always perfect for the old and distorted for the new. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions to fix this?

[MonMotha]

Use DVI (or HDMI - basically the same thing) if possible.  The LCD monitor has to recover pixel timing information from the analog VGA signal by basically "guessing".  This often works pretty well, but sometimes doesn't and results in a pretty blurry image, especially at higher resolutions like 1920x1080.  DVI has this information built in to the signal, so no guessing is required by the monitor.

[cjw3131]

When I use the second monitor, I extend the image rather than duplicate.  Is this possible to do with an hdmi or dvi?  Also, my laptop only has vga and hdmi ports. I thought hdmi only allowed you to duplicate the image of the laptop screen. 

[MonMotha]

Most laptops will let you do whatever you want in terms of extending/duplicating the desktop since the external outputs are independent from the internal panel.  So yes, you should be able to use the HDMI output to do what you want.

If you haven't already tried it, whack the "auto adjust" button on your LCD when it's blurry.  Sometimes they don't notice the change and will continue to use the old clock settings.

[cjw3131]

Just bought an HDMI cable and hooked it up and it looks BEAUTIFUL.  Thanks a lot Monmotha