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How to Use and Troubleshoot the Dell S2216M & Dell S2216H Monitor

Summary: Learn how to setup and use Dell S2216M & Dell S2216H monitor. Find troubleshooting instructions for common video or display issues.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Symptoms

This article has information on How to Use and Troubleshoot the Dell S2216M and Dell S2216H Monitor

Table of Contents

Key Features

The Dell S2216M and Dell S2216H flat panel displays has an active matrix, Thin-Film Transistor (TFT), Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), and LED backlight. Some of the key features of this monitor are:

  • Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution.
  • Ultra-wide viewing angle at 178°/178° with Ultra-Thin bezel.
  • VGA and HDMI connectivity makes it simple and easy to connect with legacy and new systems.
  • High Dynamic Contrast Ratio (8,000,000:1).
  • Energy Saver feature for Energy Star compliance.
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Specifications

This section provides some specifications of the Dell S2216M and Dell S2216H Monitor. For more information about the Dell S2216M and Dell S2216H Monitor, refer to the User Guide at Dell Support website.

Feature S2216M S2216H
Maximum Resolution Full HD 1920 x 1080 at 60 Hz Full HD 1920 x 1080 at 60 Hz
Aspect Ratio 16:9 16:9
Brightness 250 cd/m² 250 cd/m²
Dynamic Contrast Ratio 8 million:1 8 million:1
Integrated Speakers No Speakers 2 x 3W (S2316H only)
Connectors VGA & DVI VGA & HDMI

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Setting Up Your Monitor

This section provides information on How to Setup Your Monitor.
  • Connecting the Stand - Refer to the User's Guide on Connecting the Stand to your Dell S2216M and Dell S2216H Monitor.
  • Connecting the Monitor - Refer to the knowledge base article How to Connect a Monitor to a Computer? for more information. Alternatively, you can also refer to the User's Guide for the Dell S2216M and Dell S2216H Monitor.
  • Connecting the Audio Cable - Intergrated speakers are available only on the Dell S2216H Monitor. To know more on How to Connect the Audio Cable on a Dell S2216H Monitor, refer to the User's Guide on Dell Support website.
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Dell LCD Monitor Pixel Guidelines

For more information refer to Dell LCD Monitor Pixel Guidelines knowledge base article.

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Using the On-Screen Display (OSD) Menu

For more information on Using the On-Screen Display (OSD) Menu, refer to the User Guide for Dell S2216M or Dell S2216H Monitor.

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Reset to Factory Settings

For more information on How to Reset your Dell S2216M or Dell S2216H Monitor, refer to the User Guide for Dell S2216M or Dell S2216H Monitor.

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Troubleshooting

This section contains troubleshooting information for your Dell S2216M and Dell S2216H Monitor.
  • Self-Test - Steps to perform Self-Test to check whether the monitor is functioning properly.
  • Built-In Diagnostics - Diagnostic tool to determine if the screen abnormality is an inherent problem with the monitor or with the computer and video card.
  • Common Problems - General information about common monitor problems and possible solutions.

Self-Test

Your monitor provides a self-test feature that allows you to check whether the monitor is functioning properly. If the monitor and computer are properly connected but the monitor screen remains dark, run the monitor self-test by performing the following steps:

  1. Turn off both your computer and the monitor.
  2. Disconnect the video cable from the back of the computer. To ensure proper Self-Test operation, remove all digital and analog cables from the back of monitor.
  3. Turn on the monitor.
    If the monitor is working correctly, it detects that there is no signal and one of the following message (Figure 1,2 & 3) appears. While in self-test mode, the power LED remains white.
    SLN298122_en_US__1I_S2216_S2316_SelfTest_VGA_TM_V1
    Figure 1: Self-Test Feature when VGA Cable is connected.

    SLN298122_en_US__2I_S2216_S2316_SelfTest_DVI_TM_V1
    Figure 2: Self-Test Feature when DVI Cable is connected.

    SLN298122_en_US__3I_S2216_S2316_SelfTest_DisplayPort_TM_V1
    Figure 3: Self-Test Feature when DisplayPort Cable is connected.
     
    This box also appears during normal system operation if the video cable becomes disconnected or damaged. The monitor will enter Power Save Mode after five minutes if left in this state.
  4. Turn off your monitor and reconnect the video cable; then turn on both your computer and the monitor.
    If your monitor screen remains blank after using the previous procedure, check the video controller and computer, because the monitor is functioning properly.

Built-In Diagnostics

Your monitor has a built-in diagnostic tool that helps to determine if the screen abnormality you are experiencing is a problem with the monitor, the computer or video card.
You can run the built-in diagnostics only when the video cable is unplugged and the monitor is in self-test mode.

To initiate the Built-In Diagnostics:

  1. Unplug the video cable(s) from the back of the computer or monitor. The monitor will go into the self-test mode.
  2. On the front panel, press and hold Button 1 and Button 4 simultaneously for two seconds (Figure 4). A gray screen appears.
  3. Carefully inspect the screen for abnormalities.
  4. Press Button 4 on the front panel again. The color of the screen changes to red.
  5. Inspect the display for any abnormalities.
  6. Repeat step 5 and step 6 to inspect the display in green, blue, black, white, and text screens.
  7. The test is complete when the white screen appears. To exit, press the Button 4 again.
SLN298122_en_US__4I_S2216_S2316_Built-in_Diagnostics_TM_V2
Figure 4: Power & Menu Buttons
 

Common Problems

Common Problem What User Experiences Possible Solution
No Video - Power LED Off No picture
  • Make sure that the power cable connecting the monitor is properly connected and secure.
  • Verify that the power outlet is functioning properly using any other electrical equipment.
  • Make sure that the power button is depressed fully.
  • Test with known good cable and known good system if possible.
No Video - Power LED On No picture or no brightness.
  • Increase the brightness and contrast of the monitor through On-Screen Display Menu (OSD).
  • Perform monitor self-test feature check.
  • Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.
  • Reseat both ends of video cable.
  • Try with known good video cable.
  • Run the built-in diagnostics.
  • Make sure that the correct input source is selected via the Input Source Select button.
  • Test monitor with known good system if available.
Poor Focus Picture is fuzzy, blurry or ghosting.
Shaky/Jittery Video Wavy picture or fine movement.
Missing Pixels LCD screen has spots.
  • Cycle power on-off.
  • Pixel that is permanently off is a natural defect that can occur in LCD technology.
  • Run the built-in diagnostics.
Stuck-On/Off Pixels LCD screen has bright spot.
  • Cycle power on-off.
  • A few permanently bright or dark pixels are considered normal by industry standards. The exact number of pixels allowed varies depending on the monitor. Refer to Monitor Quality and Pixel Policy for more details.
  • Run the built-in diagnostics.
Brightness Problems Picture too dim or too bright.
Geometric Distortion Screen not centered correctly.
When using DisplayPort input, the positioning adjustments are not available.
Horizontal/Vertical Lines Screen has one or more lines.
When using DisplayPort input, the positioning adjustments are not available.
Synchronization Problems Screen is scrambled or appears torn.
  • Reset the monitor to the Factory Settings.
  • Perform Auto Adjust via On-Screen Display Menu (OSD).
  • Adjust Phase and Pixel Clock controls via On-Screen Display Menu (OSD).
  • Perform monitor self-test feature check to determine if the scrambled screen appears in self-test mode.
  • Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.
  • Restart the computer in the power safe mode.
Safety-Related Issues Visible signs of smoke or sparks.
  • Do not perform any troubleshooting steps.
  • Contact Dell Technical Support immediately.
Intermittent Problems Monitor malfunctions on and off.
  • Make sure that the video cable is connected properly with the monitor and the computer.
  • Reset the monitor to the Factory Settings.
  • Run the self-test feature and determine if the intermittent problem occurs in the self-test mode.
Missing Color Picture does not have color.
  • Run the monitor self-test feature check.
  • Make sure that the video cable connecting the monitor to the computer is connected properly and is secure.
  • Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.
Wrong Color Picture color is not good.
  • Change the color-setting mode in the Color Settings On-Screen Display Menu (OSD) to Graphics or Video, depending on the application.
  • Try a different color preset setting in the Color Settings On-Screen Display Menu (OSD).
  • Adjust the R, G, B value in the Color Settings OSD, if Color Management is turned off.
  • Change the input color format to PC RGB or YPbPr in the Color Settings On-Screen Display Menu (OSD).
  • Run the built-in diagnostic tool.
Image Retention from a Static Image Left on the Monitor for a Long Period Faint shadow from the static image appears on the screen.
  • Use the Power Management feature to turn off the monitor when it is not in use.
  • Alternatively, use a dynamically changing screensaver.
  • Use LCD Conditioning feature under Other Settings to eliminate image retention.

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Documentation

To view or download the User's Guide or Manuals for your Dell S2216M or Dell S2216H Monitor, follow these instructions:
  1. Visit the Dell Manuals website.
  2. Click View Products button under Browse for a Product.
  3. Select Monitors & Projectors and then Select Monitors.
  4. From the list, click on Dell S2216M Monitor or Dell S2216H Monitor.
  5. Click on PDF next to the required document.
    • Click on More Languages to view the list of available language options.
    • Click on PDF next to the preferred choice of language.
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Cause

Not applicable.

Resolution

Not applicable.

Affected Products

Dell S2216H, Dell S2216M
Article Properties
Article Number: 000136486
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 06 Aug 2024
Version:  4
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