12.1" Screen Power Issue?

Glad you got it working. At least you know it wasnt a faulty screen :)

I have my screen set at contrast 80 and brightness 80 (everything else default) I wouldn't say it was dim looking.

Can you post a pic of the screen with some examples in games etc to compare?

One thing to note is that I put these settings in the /boot/config.txt file beforehand. (on the advice of someone else that has this screen)

1. Uncomment hdmi_force_hotplug=1 (This forces HDMI Display for use)
2. ADD disable_audio_dither=1 (removes static at high volumes)
3. Uncomment config_hdmi_boost=4 (Provides more power to display)
4. ADD max_usb_current=1 (disables power restrictions on USB so the display can work)

The screen is actually a samsung panel:

Panel Brand :
SAMSUNG

Panel Model :
LTN121XL01-N03

Panel Type :

               a-Si TFT-LCD                   , Panel

Panel Size :
12.1 inch

                  Resolution : 
                  1024(RGB)×768 , XGA

Display Mode :
PLS, Normally Black, Transmissive

                                                      
         Active Area : 
                 245.76×184.32 mm
      
                      
         Outline : 
                 257.3×199.1 mm

Surface :
Antiglare (Haze 25%), Hard coating (3H)

Brightness :
300 cd/m² (Typ.)

Contrast Ratio :
700:1 (Typ.)

Display Colors :
262K
(6-bit)

Response Time :
30 (Typ.)(Tr+Td)

Viewing Angle :
80/80/80/80 (Typ.)(CR≥10) (L/R/U/D)

Frequency :
60Hz

Lamp Type :
9S4P WLED

Signal Interface :
LVDS (1 ch, 6-bit)

Input Voltage :
3.3V (Typ.)