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Headaches from LCD Monitor (Dell) and LCD Television (Sony)
by yudansha - 12/20/06 1:10 PMGreetings. I have been a full-time computer user for over twenty years now, and my eyes, admittedly, have suffered from it. Recently, I've noticed that my lcd screens (a Dell computer monitor and a Sony 40" television) flicker in such a way that I get headaches. The Sony is the worst offender, in that I get an eyestrain headache very soon after starting to watch it.
For a long time, I couldn't find any confirmation that LCD flicker even existed, but I have recently found several articles referring to it (including here: http://www.intersil.com/data/an/an1208.pdf and here: http://www.cloanto.com/users/mcb/19960719lcd.html). The second link relates to a guy who experienced exactly what I have experienced, and his quest to find out the cause.
My questions: Is the flickering truly related to the backlight source? Is there anything I can do, or have done, to my tv to reduce the flicker (note that I already use hdmi connections)? And last, would CNet editors investigate this problem and let us know if there are any lcd screens that resolve the problem?
Thank you!
Well for the computer monitor.
by jcrobso - 12/20/06 2:15 PM In reply to: Headaches from LCD Monitor (Dell) and LCD Television (Sony) by yudanshaThis is for Windows.
Right click on the desktop.
Click proprieties, click settings, click advanced, click monitor, click refresh rate( windows default is 60hz) change to a higher rate, mine is set at 75hz.
With the Sony your stuck with 60hz. John
Do not change your refresh rate from 60Hz for LCD monitors
by mirkwood07 - 12/22/06 1:44 PM In reply to: Well for the computer monitor. by jcrobsoNo, the above is incorrect. Do not change your refresh rate for your LCD monitor to anything other than 60Hz. LCD monitors are made to work at a certain frequency, trying to drive them at a higher frequency will result in more flicker and poor picture quality.
Thanks
by yudansha - 1/2/07 10:16 AM In reply to: Do not change your refresh rate from 60Hz for LCD monitors by mirkwood07Thanks for the suggestions. As I mentioned, I've been a computer user for neigh on twenty years. I know all about different refresh rate settings, and generally I agree that upping the refresh rate wouldn't alter the flicker in a lcd screen, because the flicker is due (most likely) to the type of backlight rather than the lcds themselves.
My issue is more with the backlight source ... which is generally flourescent (unless I'm mistaken). So, staring at a lcd screen can be like staring at a flourescent light fixture, with all the intendent flickering that appears there. Now, you might argue that flourescent lighting technology has improved dramatically, minimizing any preceived flicker. And I'd agree with you.
Thus my question, where does there appear to be a sizeable minority of folk (including me) who get headaches from watching an lcd television like my Sony Bravia KDL-V40XBR1? Yes, there is a flicker. It is very fast, but it is there. Is this due to a flaw in my backlight? Or is it a power supply issue, or is it inherent to all lcds?
Again, I'd like to direct your attention to this discussion: http://www.cloanto.com/users/mcb/19960719lcd.html .
Thanks!
Time to think about alternatives?
by Kees Bakker
- 12/23/06 8:34 AM
In reply to: Headaches from LCD Monitor (Dell) and LCD Television (Sony) by yudansha
For the PC, that's the good old CRT. Nothing wrong with it, I'd say, although a bit bulky and not very energy-efficient. But it supports the lower resolution your eyes might need.
For the TV that's CRT (but not as big as you've got now) or plasma.
It might be interesting to read through this recent poll discussion: http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7810_102-0.html?forumID=77&threadID=223283&messageID=2346614
Kees
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