External monitor dims sporadically

I have my Macbook Pro running clamshelled and connected to a 23" LG monitor via HDMI and always running under AC power. Frequently the external monitor will dim briefly and then return to the normal brightness level. It seems to happen most frequently when navigating web pages.
I did not have this problem earlier with OS 1.8 and a different, but identical, LG monitor, although I usually ran non clamshelled with the laptop monitor on.
Any ideas?

I did not have this problem earlier with OS 1.8 and a different, but identical, LG monitor, although I usually ran non clamshelled with the laptop monitor on.
The stop running it closed.
It may be getting too hot and slowing down and dimming to slow heat generation.

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