Weird Laptop Screen Dithering Problem

[telstar1]

I've got a Dell 600m with a 14.1" SXGA screen. I turned it on yesterday to find some strange banding on the monitor. It looks like it's running in 256color mode with a lot of dithering, but I've got it set to the standard 1400x1050 32-bit color (1400x1050 is the native resolution). Video drivers are up to date. Nothing new has been installed as long as I can remember.

Anyone know where to start?

Thank,
telstar

 

[telstar1]

pics

 

[Pex]

seems damaged...any kind of magnet in the proximity?

 

[telstar1]

Nope ... Do magnets affect LCDs?

 

[Bug]

Heh, that happens to my Inspiron 8000. My quick fix is to slam my fist down near the number row.
The proper way to resolve it is to open up the laptop from the back panel so the cover over the number row is removable, and you can re-seat the video cable.