Acer AL2216W (CCFL) Repair

Note: This monitor uses a TN panel. It does not support IPS.

This monitor may have problems with color accuracy in Mac OS X. On the Device page author's test setup, the original calibration was off enough calibration was required (running MacOS 10.6 at the time).

This did not reoccur in 10.9, but the colors were corrected before upgrading my operating system. Since it is likely yours will also be off in some cases, you will need to make a judgment call on if you want to calibrate or not. Every copy of this monitor will have different weak points, so it is impossible to give references for your calibration profile, or a reference ICC profile.

Note: This does not work over a digital connection (Ex: DVI, HDMI, DP). VGA only.

This can be done as a primary or supplemental fix. This will further improve color accuracy when combined with a corrected ICC profile but is not required.

DVI or DVI>HDMI fix. As auto-adjust does not work on a "digital" connection, this is the only fix if you do not want to use VGA or a hardware calibrator.

If you are using a digital connection like DVI, the only way to correct the color is through calibration (software or hardware). There are paid and free utilities that can be used and both will work equally well for quick and dirty color correction if you want to improve the color accuracy, without concern for color-critical work.

On a Mac, this can be done with the Apple Calibration utility. There are better options, but for most users correcting a bad profile, this is likely sufficient.

TIP: For best results, shoot for a 2.2 color gamut; this may need further adjustment but as a base target 2.2 works well on most low-end TN displays like the AL2216W. The final number will be unique to your monitor (and can't be shared with another AL2216W). If the 2.2 color gamut works, this is often sufficient to clean up poor color reproduction issues for general usage.

This option is the most expensive and may not be worth the cost for a "TN" class monitor, as these are all entry-level. However, if you are sensitive to minor calibration inaccuracies, it will still produce the best results.
This option is only recommended if your monitor is in really good condition with low panel hours. Furthermore, the calibrator MUST support TN panels. For most users, the color gamut offered by TN makes it such it is best to do this in software outside of fringe cases. The RGB range on TN is terrible.

• Aspect ratio:
  • 16:10
• Resolution:
  • 1680x1050
• Panel size:
  • 22"
• Input:
  • DVI (HDCP)
  • VGA
• Power supply:
  • AC 120-240V