Check the default settings for filters.
Some monitors, by default, add so much edge enhancement that it could be characterized as "grainy" by some people. Don't forget that a sharpness control, in general, can only add noise to make things "appear" sharper.... generally, you're best off not having it higher then 1/3 up on a CRT.
Frequently, turning off the enhancements and sharpness cause the picture to appear soft at first, but generally you become accustomed and if you then turn up the sharpness, it appears artificial and less "film-like".
