Q. How can I protect the life of my picture tube?

A. Don't run the brilliance full on- back it off a little. This will save the picture tube

Q. What are the recommended viewing distances for TV's / Monitors?

A. For TV's it is six times the height of the screen. For Computer monitors, the distance is twice the height of the screen.

Q. At what size does flat screen technology start?

A. 14" monitors have slightly curved screens. Flat square technology starts at 15". Desk-top monitors can be as large as 21". Traditionally, larger monitors have been used in graphics and CAD areas but, as people become aware that they have a choice, more and more users are switching to larger monitors.

Q. What is the largest monitor available?

A. 29" and 31" large data monitors are available in the market place today. They are generally used in classrooms or other installations where more than one person needs to see the picture. These monitors are capable of reproducing video pictures as well. A larger screen helps users because the image is larger and therefore easier to read. Obviously this can reduce the errors in your work and reduce your proof reading time. Remember when buying a system the monitor is what you are looking at all of the time . So why not give your eyes some consideration.

Q. What is dot pitch?

A. Dot pitch is the diagonal distance between two phosphors of the same colour. Each pixel on a colour monitor is made up of a group of three phosphor dots. These dots glow red, green and blue (hence RGB) respectively when struck by electrons fired from an electron gun at the back of the tube.

Q. What is the most common dot pitch?

A. While dot pitch can be .31, the most common is .28. Some monitors now boast a dot pitch of .23. By way of comparison your television screen probably has a dot pitch of 1. Sony monitors use a trinitron system Ð vertical phosphor stripes instead of traditional dots. The technical term for this is "stripe pitch"!

Q. What is convergence?

A. Convergence refers to how accurately the electron guns line up with their targets.

Q. Do some monitors have digital control?

A. Some monitors do have digital control Ð also known as microprocessor control - which can be reset or programmed to allow you to lock in your own custom settings for different modes or resolutions. An analog system is where you manipulate buttons and knobs to achieve the settings you want.