TCO Development

User’s Manual 58

Information

The requirements cover a wide range of issuse: environment, ergonomics, usability, reduction of electric and magnetic fields, energy consumption and electrical safet

Why do we have environmentally labelled computers?

In many countries, environmental labelling has become an established method for encouraging the adaptation of goods and services to the environment. The main problem, as far as computers and other electronics equipment are concerned, is that environmentally harmful substances are used both in the products and during their manufacture. Since it is not so far possible to satisfactorily recycle the majority of electronics equipment, most of these potentially damaging substances sooner or later enter nature.

There are also other characteristics of a computer, such as energy consumption levels, that are important from the viewpoints of both the work (internal) and natural (external) environments. Since all methods of electricity generation have a negative effect on the environment (e.g. acidic and climate-influencing emissions, radioactive waste), it is vital to save energy. Electronics equipment in offices is often left running continuously and thereby consumes a lot of energy.

What does labelling involve?

The environmental demands has been developed by Svenska Naturskyddsforeningen (The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation). These demands impose restrictions on the presence and use of heavy metals, brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, CFCs(freons)and chlorinated solvents, among other things. The product must be prepared for recycling and the manufacturer is obliged to have an environmental policy which must be adhered to in each country where the company implements its operational policy.

The energy requirements include a demand that the computer and/or display, after a certain period of inactivity, shall reduce its power consumption to a lower level in one or more stages. The length of time to reactivate the computer shall be reasonable for the user.

Below you will find a brief summary of the environmental requirements met by this product. The complete environmental criteria document may be ordered from:

SE-114 94 Stockholm, Sweden

Fax: +46 8 782 92 07

Email (Internet): development@tco.se

Current information regarding TCO'99 approved and labelled products may also be obtained via the Internet, using the address: http://www.tco-info.com/

Environmental requirements

Flame retardants

Flame retardants are present in printed circuit boards, cables, wires, casings and housings. Their purpose is to prevent, or at least to delay the spread of fire. Up to 30% of the plastic in a computer casing can consist of flame retardant substances. Most flame retardants contain bromine or chloride, and those flame retardants are chemically related to another group of environmental toxins, PCBs. Both the flame retardants containing bromine or chloride and the PCBs are suspected of giving rise to severe health effects, including reproductive damage in fish-eating birds and mammals, due to the bio-accumulative* processes. Flame retardants have been found in human blood and researchers fear that disturbances in foetus development may occur.

The relevant TCO'99 demand requires that plastic components weighing more than 25 grams must not contain flame retardants with organically bound bromine or chlorine. Flame retardants are allowed in the printed circuit boards since no substitutes are available.

Cadmium**

Cadmium is present in rechargeable batteries and in the colour-generating layers of certain computer displays. Cadmium damages the nervous system and is toxic in high doses. The relevant TCO'99 requirement states that batteries, the colour-generating layers of display screens and the electrical or electronics components must not contain any cadmium.

Mercury**

Mercury is sometimes found in batteries, relays and switches. It damages the nervous system and is toxic in high doses. The relevant TCO'99 requirement states that batteries may not contain any mercury. It also demands that mercury is not present in any of the electrical or electronics components associated with the labelled unit. There is however one exception. Mercury is, for the time being, permitted in the back light system of flat panel monitors as today there is no commercially available alternative. TCO aims on removing this exception when a Mercury free alternative is available.

DFX, 755DFX specifications

The Samsung 755DFX is a high-performance CRT monitor that gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s among professionals and gamers due to its exceptional display qualities and advanced features. As a part of Samsung's lineup of displays, the 755DFX showcased a commitment to technological excellence, with specifications that appealed to a wide range of users.

One of the standout features of the Samsung 755DFX is its 17-inch screen size, providing a generous display area for various applications. With a maximum resolution of 1280 x 1024 at a refresh rate of up to 85Hz, it delivered sharp and clear images, making it suitable for both productivity tasks and immersive gaming experiences. The monitor's dot pitch of 0.25 mm contributed to fine detail reproduction, ideal for graphic design and video editing.

The 755DFX utilized advanced PureFlat technology. This innovative flat screen design reduced distortion and glare, resulting in more accurate color representation and improved viewing angles compared to traditional curved CRT monitors. This feature was particularly appreciated by professionals who needed precise color and detail in their visual projects.

Samsung also equipped the 755DFX with a host of image-adjustment features, including geometry correction, contrast, and brightness controls. These adjustments allowed users to customize their viewing experience, ensuring optimal performance under various lighting conditions. The inclusion of an on-screen display (OSD) menu further streamlined the process of calibrating the monitor to personal preferences.

In terms of connectivity, the Samsung 755DFX offered VGA and DVI inputs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices and systems. This versatility made it a preferred choice for many computer users of the time.

Durability and reliability were also hallmarks of the Samsung 755DFX. Its robust design featured sturdy construction, which was typical of CRT monitors, making it a long-lasting investment for both home and office users.

In summary, the Samsung 755DFX stood out in the CRT monitor market for its superior display technology, user-centric features, and reliable performance. With its focus on image quality and adaptability, it carved a niche for itself among users seeking a dependable display solution during its era.