2007WFP experiencing severe banding on gradients?

It's difficult at this point to tell precisely how many people are experiencing the issue due to the intense echo chamber that are internet forums, but a number of Dell customers have begun complaining about severe color banding issues on their new 2007WFP. The banding, as mocked up above using a screen shot of the issue, apparently makes normal color gradients impossible, kind of like knocking your monitor back down to 256 colors after all these years. There a number of Anandtech (1, 2, 3) and Dell forums (linked below) threads on the topic; one user blamed the LG panel, as the issue has seemingly cropped up in some shipments of the L2000c, their 20-inch widescreen presumably based on the same panel, while others are claiming it's the DVI input. Anyone here seen this issue themselves, care to share your experiences?

[Thanks, Ciber]

[(Unverified) Posted May 30th 2006 1:19PM]

I have updated the link to the community forum, as it has changed.

We have received feedback from some customers regarding our 2007FP, 2007WFP and 2407WFP monitors regarding uneven color bands on some images. This effect is known as "banding.” It is due to the Adaptive Color and Contrast™ (ACC) and Active Color Management™ (ACM) feature of the Faroudja video processing chip. For general usage, ACC and ACM technology found in this chip is known for delivering impressive picture details and optimal image quality across a multitude of monitor usage modes.

Dell has a tested a firmware update that adjusts the ACC & ACM features, eliminating the banding issue when using the DVI input in Desktop mode. All of these monitors have three display modes: Desktop, Multimedia and Gaming. The firmware turns off Faroudja video processing in Desktop mode. It remains enabled in the other two modes. Essentially, the updated firmware allows users to choose whether they want the Faroudja video processing feature on or off.

Starting today, we have updated units with the new firmware to ship out on an ongoing basis, and will look to fulfill customer requests as quickly as possible. For details on how to proceed, you have two options: email me directly at [e-mail], or visit the Dell Community Forum.
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_monitor&message.id=57101

Sincerely,

Geoff
Dell Customer Advocate
[e-mail]

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 3rd 2006 5:17PM]

I wanted to reiterate the fix for the banding issue and give everyone an update.

Dell has a 2007FP, 2007WFP, 2407 firmware update (A02) that switches off the Faroudja video processing ACC (Adaptive Color and Contrast) & ACM (Active Color Management) features. This eliminates the banding issue when using the Desktop mode only (not in Multimedia Mode or Gaming Mode) using 1680 x 1050 at 60 Hz for the 2007FP/WFP and 1920 x 1200 at 60 Hz for the 2407. The factory has been working overtime to flash the monitors to the A02 firmware. This flash can't be done at your home.

The firmware flashed A02 monitors will be in place at our hubs by July 5th. At that time, you can use the normal Dell Support channels to initiate an Exchange for a fixed A02 monitor. Contact us either by Chat, Email, or Phone. Tell the representative that you have an A00 or A01 (2007FP, 2007WFP, 2407) monitor with the banding issue and that you need an Exchange to a monitor with the A02 firmware.

For specific Dell support contact information please see the following post in the Dell Community Forum:

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_monitor&message.id=60479

Sincerely,

Geoff
Dell Customer Advocate
[e-mail]

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 15th 2006 3:10PM]

I just got a 2407FPW (rev.A02) and the banding in gradients is very strong. I am a designer so this is quite upsetting as I bought this for my work. The display also messes up on text as it has fuzzy edges to it and introduces artifacts into it. Things that never happened with my Dell 21" CRT.

Ridiculous for a 900 bucks display. I'm asking Dell for a refund.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 19th 2009 4:10AM]

Put the settings into desktop mode and it will clear the banding. I work with animations and found the mulitmedia and gaming settings experienced heavy banding.

Desktop mode works beautifully.