Question about Monitor for Security System

[newbie2wood]

I posted the following problem on a security forum but have not gotten any response:

I have an old Samsung SyncMaster 152N monitor that I want to connect to a new security DVR, but I'm getting a black screen with the message "video mode not supported" and the monitor is not allowing me to play with any settings. The monitor is connected to the DVR by a VGA cable. When I connect the DVR to my newer PC monitor using the same cable, it works fine.

FYI, the DVR has no brand name and was purchased off Ebay. The spec indicates that it supports VGA output up to 1440 x 900.


Is there any way to adjust the DVR or the old monitor to make it work?

[LCHIEN]

not supported means just that, it won't work.

Check your DVR to see if it has a lower resolution output mode. (not likely). Check your DVR to see what resolution it requires of the monitor.

you should be able to pick up newer used CRT monitors at Goodwill or someplaces for a song. People are throwing out perfectly good ones. Bring your DVR to test compatibility B4 you buy.

[gerti]

1440 x 900

That's you problem: according to the web your SyncMaster 152N only supports 1024x768. So unless you have a way to reduce the resolution of the DVR (not very likely) that monitor will not work out for this.

[dbhost]

Toss that old Syncmaster and pick up a cheap flat panel from Walmart. Dell 20" screens are going for about $125.00 at Walmart...

[JSUPreston]

That's you problem: according to the web your SyncMaster 152N only supports 1024x768. So unless you have a way to reduce the resolution of the DVR (not very likely) that monitor will not work out for this.

Yep, that's the problem. I looked up the monitor, and as soon as I saw the pic, I knew the resolution wasn't supported.

You'll either need some sort of widescreen monitor or TV for it to work, unless you can change the resolution on the DVR.

[newbie2wood]

Thanks for the answers. They have been quite helpful.

I thought the problem may have to do with the resolution or driver but I was not totally sure. I did purchase a new 20" monitor for my PC and was hoping to use the old 15" PC monitor, the Samsung, for the DVR. Looks like I need to buy another monitor.

[RAV2]

I have a similar situation - used a 'free' monitor on my system at the box because I generally remote access in from anywhere.

I just dropped the resolution to a compatible level for the monitor and deal with the annoying message box that moves around when I am doing maintenance.

[JSUPreston]

Thanks for the answers. They have been quite helpful.

I thought the problem may have to do with the resolution or driver but I was not totally sure. I did purchase a new 20" monitor for my PC and was hoping to use the old 15" PC monitor, the Samsung, for the DVR. Looks like I need to buy another monitor.

How about a KVM? It may be cheaper than another monitor, and wouldn't take up as much desk space.