Hi nerv,
As with everything, it seems, there are two sides to the issue of CRT
safety. I?ve included links to both sides. It is certain that CRTs
emit some kind of radiation, in varying amounts. The much debated
issue is, is it dangerous? As the jury appears to be out, I would err
on the side of caution, and choose a good TFT LCD monitor.
I believe the CRT color, clarity and resolution issues are now moot
with the arrival of the newest generation of LCD monitors, especially
one of good quality. (I use an NEC MultiSync LCD 1700V, which is not a
top of the line TFT LCD, and was not my first choice, but which has
turned out to be more than satisfactory for viewing my digital
photos). As you will see in a review I have included below, high end
TFT LCD monitors now rival CRT monitors!
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency
(ARPANSA) conducted studies on 70 different makes and models of
monitors and determined that:
-radiofrequency radiation was detected, but at levels which were low
compared to recommended exposure limits,
-no microwave radiation was detected,
-ultraviolet radiation was detected, but at levels which were very
much lower than recommended exposure limits, and
-no X-ray emission was detected?
http://www.arpansa.gov.au/is_vdt.htm
According to Tweak News ?TFT LCD technology virtually eliminates
radiation which is emitted from normal CRT monitor and can promote a
healthier computing environment for your children at home and/or your
work environment.? Note: Radiation from CRT monitors is not the same
kind of radiation that x-rays and nuclear power plants emit. CRTs
produce ELF, Extremely Low Frequency.
http://www.tweaknews.net/reviews/samsung241mp/
and
ArtsWeb
http://artsweb.bham.ac.uk/artsit/Info/TFT.htm
EMF-Bioshield
?CRTs (Video Display Terminals) emit various EMF (Electro - Magnetic
Field) frequencies. The specific frequencies vary for each CRT type.
Emissions generally consist of pulsed VLF (Very Low Frequencies)
electric and magnetic fields from 10kHz to 30kHz and pulsed ELF
(Extremely Low Frequencies) electric and magnetic fields from 60Hz to
75Hz. Scientific observation has led some to believe that the ELF
magnetic field is the dominant wave form given off by CRTs and that
ELF magnetic fields are CRTs' most dangerous radiation?
http://www.emf-bioshield.com/emf/faqs2.html#1
This Health Canada report states ?The scientific evidence to date
shows that VDTs are not a health hazard. This conclusion is in
agreement with a review conducted by the World Health Organization.?
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/iyh/products/vdt.html
IBM?s take on CRT radiation ?In fact, the ionizing radiation a person
absorbs from the rocks, masonry and construction materials in many
buildings is generally orders of magnitude greater than any emissions
from a VDT (Video data terminal, or CRT monitor)?
http://www.pc.ibm.com/ww/healthycomputing/vdt14.html
A source in which I place a lot of trust is Tech Republic. (They send
out very informative newsletters too!) Tech Republic says "Did you
know that CRT monitors hold a dangerous electrical charge even after
they?re turned off? The charge can actually last up to several years
and be hazardous and even deadly to anyone who opens a CRT monitor
casing. Then there is the additional danger of radiation. Did you know
that a metal shield behind the glass of your monitor protects your
body from a flood of radiation? CRT monitors have also been known to
cause fires due to electrical malfunctions and excessive heat if the
ventilation holes are accidentally covered up.?
http://techrepublic.com.com/5100-6255-1040686-1-1.html
The term LCD is often used interchangeably with TFT monitors. TFT
(Thin-film transistors) monitors are a kind of LCD monitors, and are
usually more expensive than LCD monitors. TFT LCD monitors present a
more readable text, and are usually brighter, with more vibrant
colors. Another difference between TFT and LCD is
size. The viewing area of a 17? TFT monitor really IS 17?, while the
viewing area of a 17? LCD monitor is measured at 16?.
http://www.tweaknews.net/reviews/samsung241mp/
Pros and Cons of TFT LCD Monitors
Pros:
-TFT LCDs produce crisp images, comparable to high end CRTs.
-TFT LCDs produce minimal heat, no radiation.
-TFT LCDs have a very small footprint, conserving precious desk space.
-CRT monitors use a phosphor gun to refresh the screen, producing
radiation, and causing screen flicker. TFT LCD monitors do not.
-TFT LCD screens do not ever suffer from phosphor screen burn in.
-LCD monitors are not affected by magnetic interference. Magnets in
speakers too close to CRT monitors can distort the picture.
Con:
-While graphics colors are very sharp, the angle of view the graphics
are seen at may affect the viewed color. (You will need to look
straight at the monitor for the most accurate color representation)
See an illustration of viewing angles here (on the lower half of the screen):
Touch Screens
http://www.touchscreens.com/intro-displaytech.html
-Some still feel that colors are more accurate on a CRT
-If you intend to use your monitor for gaming, you may notice some
streaking on lower end models with low response time. Response time is
not important for viewing stills.
-TFT LCD monitors are far more expensive
-Pixel death. On rare occasions, a pixel producing transistor can
?die?, leaving a small black spot on your screen. Some warranties
cover this, so check this when making a purchase. Apparently the newer
models are more resistant to pixel death than older models.
http://www.cheap-lcd-monitor.com/lcd-vs-crt-monitors.htm
http://www.ergotech.com.tw/english/support2.htm
Finally, if I can?t convince you that you will be pleased with a TFT
LCD monitor, maybe this article, by a professional photographer at
Photographic Age will!
http://www.photographicage.com/content/issues/volume_02/issue_03/review_1.htm?results=review_txt_1.htm
This website allows you to write with questions!
http://www.photographicage.com/content/need_more.htm
Flat Panel Monitor Reviews:
-----------------------------------
I?ve had my eye on this monitor myself for some time, and have
included some reviews to share my enthusiasm! This is MY dream
monitor! This BenQ fits in your budget, and it?s good looking to boot!
BenQ FP991
?Test Center engineers are always impressed with BenQ displays, as
they tend to be a cut above average. With a native resolution of 1,280
x 1,024 pixels and near-perfect image quality, BenQ expects that the
FP991 LCD monitor will be the LCD of choice for graphic designers,
engineers and architects?
CRN
http://www.crn.com/sections/TestCenter/TCnews.asp?ArticleID=43856
and
Monitor Outlet
http://www.monitoroutlet.com/960818.html
and
?Vivid images and crisp displays sum up the FP991. With 300 nits of
high brightness and a super high contrast ratio of 700: 1, the FP991
is destined to be your viewing station for video, television, games
and movies. Its 1280x1024 pixels display and SXGA high-resolution add
vivid, crisp and ultra-sharp images to your viewing enjoyment.
Combined with an ultra-wide viewing angle and fast signal response
time of 25ms, it provides smooth yet dynamic screen motion and that is
worthy for broadcasting full screen motion video.?
Kello Computing
http://computing.kelkoo.co.uk/b/a/ps_1290518/114401.html
In case the BenQ is not what you like, you can find other monitor reviews here:
http://www.epinions.com/cmhd-Monitors-All/submitted_form_~ultrafinder/ultrafinder_submitted_~%20Go%20/skp_~1/search_string_~TFT%20monitors/linkin_id_~/sp_~/search_vertical_~all
Additional Information:
Cnet.com has a great explanation about the differences between CRT and
LCD monitors.
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-7610_7-5084364-3.html?tag=tnav
If you?d really like to know all the technical details of TFT LCD
monitors, visit this web site, Plasma.com
http://www.plasma.com/classroom/what_is_tft_lcd.htm
A tongue-in-cheek obituary for CRTs:
BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1459817.stm
Hope this helps you decide on a monitor! If any part of my answer is
unclear, please request an Answer Clarification, before rating. This
will allow me to assist you further, if possible.
Regards,
crabcakes
Search Terms
radiation CRT TFT monitors
monitors used by photographers
safety CRT LCD monitors |
Clarification of Answer by
crabcakes-ga
on
19 Mar 2004 15:09 PST
Hi there nerv,
I'd say that any LCD monitor that states they meet the TCO'99 standard
would be safe! I've listed some recommended monitors below.
(Recommended by photography sites). The explanation of the TCO
standard follows:
?The majority of monitors are certified as "low emission" since they
meet standards like MPR II or TCO. These guidelines were developed in
Sweden (the acronyms are Swedish too) by a number of organizations to
set limits for electric and magnetic field emissions. The newer TCO
standards are the strictest. So if you're concerned about emissions
look for MPR II or TCO certification, not just the words "low
emission."?
http://www.lcdtvbuyingguide.com/lcdtv-crt.shtml
When checking for radiation in a monitor, you want it to meet the
TC0?99 emission specifications. ?New monitors that comply with the
TCO?99 specification are low-radiation models. TCO?99 is an
independent organization that tests and certifies monitors that score
well in the areas of health, ecology, ergonomics, and energy
conservation.?
http://www.edigitalphoto.com/eReviews/0101edp_agood/
What is TCO?
?TCO sets the world's toughest standards to create environmentally and
employee friendly offices?
http://www.brother.co.uk/our_products/tco99/
About the TCO?99 standard
http://catedra-coitt.euitt.upm.es/web_salud_medioamb/normativas/tco/TCO99.pdf
and
http://www.brother.co.uk/our_products/tco99/
Some links on the above site are broken. I found an archived site for
the Tco, but it too has missing graphics and broken links. You may
want to see what is left of it!
http://web.archive.org/web/20030210161312/http://www.tco.se/eng/index.htm
From GeigerCounters.com
Things in our home that emit radiation are jewelry, potter and
furniture! No mention of monitors!
http://www.geigercounters.com/Houshold.htm
This photographer's site discusses using the Samsung Syncmaster models
of LCD monitors, but more importantly, it displays a color calibrator
device. Eye-One Display from Gretag Macbeth, is intended for CRT or
LCD monitors. Older versions of calibrators could not be used on LCD
scrrens, because they relied on suction to keep them attached to the
screen. This device retails for about $250 USD and checks for color
accuracy!
http://www.rangefindermag.com/magazine/archives/Nov03/digiphot.tml
Here?s the manufacturer?s site
http://www.buygretagmacbeth.com/
Here are sites and prices where you can purchase Eye-on-Display
http://google-cnet.com.com/GretagMacbeth_Eye_One_Display___display_color_calibration_kit/4014-6513_9-30627010.html?part=google-cnet&subj=eye_one_display
Another calibrator is The Spyder
http://www.colorvision.com/news_pr_2003-1030.shtml
and
http://www.inkjetmall.com/store/cm/colorvision-products/monitor_geu103.html
This photographer?s forum addresses monitors and the Eye-on-Display system
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1014&message=7965960
Monitors Used by Photographers:
Says Angus Pady, president and founder of Colour Management.ca ?I
have seen excellent results from the LaCie III, Sony's GDM-F520,
NEC/Mitsubishi?s Diamond Pro 2060u NF, and Viewsonics Graphics series.
Apples Cinema Display is always a good choice if you have the budget.?
http://www.colourmanagement.ca/whatUsee.html
LaCie
http://www.lacie.com/products/range.htm?id=10016
I had a hard time finding LaCie monitors, which are several hundred
dollars over your budget. Here are a few
http://www.nextag.com/buyer/outpdir.jsp?doSearch=y&search=lacie+monitors
LaCie monitors are easier to find in Canada, but still expensive!
http://www.mantek.mb.ca/catalogue/monitors.html
?Are you sure the idea you see is the idea you get? Graphics and
animation professionals need professional performance from a monitor.
Get a perfect reflection of your ideas with the LaCie Electron. Each
monitor features a unique dark blue casing, non-glare tube and
color-enhancing blue hood (black inside) to ensure consistent lighting
conditions throughout the day. Designed to the highest specifications,
Electron monitors deliver high resolutions and crystal-clear images.
The optional blue eye hardware calibrator guarantees the most accurate
and consistent colors. The Electron features the most advanced Natural
Flat Aperture Grille technology for a geometrically perfect picture
and even less reflection.? This site is in the UK.
http://computing.kelkoo.co.uk/b/a/ps_343317/114401.html
View Sonic
This great View Sonic meets the TC0?99 standard. $628 USD
http://www.monitorhq.com/hardware/partinfo-id-52269.html
BenQ
I found that BenQ FP951 meets TC0?99 soecifications for radiation!
http://www.benq.com/display/lcd_fp951_specs.html
CXT
The 19? CXT Flat Screen Monitor has ? Active Matrix TFT LCD (19"
Viewable), "UltraVision" Wide-Viewing Angle, with 700:1 Contrast
ratio, 0.294mm Dot Pitch, a maximum resolution of 1280x1024,
Integrated Speakers , Tilt function, VESA Wall Mount Compliant and
Front Panel and On-Screen Menu Controls.? $659 USD
http://www.directron.com/s962a.html
I hope one of these monitors fills the bill! (I still vote for the BenQ!) ;-)
The BenQ FP991 meets the TCO'99 for emission standards, and: FCC Class
B certified, CE, UL, TUV, TUV GS, VCCI, C-Tick, BSMI, GOST, EPA Energy
Star, FIMKO, ISO 13406-2
http://www.superwarehouse.com/BenQ_FP991_19_LCD_Monitor/FP991/p/319046
Good Luck!
Regards,
crabcakes
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