TCO Development

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.

CFCs (freons)

The relevant TCO'99 requirement states that neither CFCs nor HCFCs may be used during the manufacture and assembly of the product. CFCs (freons) are sometimes used for washing printed circuit boards. CFCs break down ozone and thereby damage the ozone layer in the stratosphere, causing increased reception on earth of ultraviolet light with e.g. increased risks of skin cancer (malignant melanoma) as a consequence.

Lead**

Lead can be found in picture tubes, display screens, solders and capacitors. Lead damages the nervous system and in higher doses, causes lead poisoning. The relevant TCO'99 requirement permits the inclusion of lead since no replacement has yet been developed.

TCO'03-Ecological requirements for personal computers (TCO'03 applied model only)

Congratulations!

The display you have just purchased carries the TCO’03 Displays label. This means that your display is designed, manufactured and tested according to some of the strictest quality and environmental requirements in the world. This makes for a high performance product, designed with the user in focus that also minimizes the impact on our natural environment.

Some of the features of the TCO’03 Display requirements:

Page 62
Image 62
Samsung 171N manual TCO Development, Environmental requirements Flame retardants

171N specifications

The Samsung 171N is a notable display monitor that draws attention for its blend of performance and functionality. Launched as part of Samsung's line-up, this monitor is designed to cater to both home and office environments, making it a versatile choice for users with varying needs.

One of the standout features of the Samsung 171N is its 17-inch screen, which strikes a perfect balance between size and usability. Its display utilizes a standard LCD panel with a native resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels. This resolution provides sharp image quality while maintaining a comfortable viewing experience for tasks such as word processing, browsing, and even light gaming.

The monitor offers a standard brightness level of around 250 cd/m², ensuring that images remain visible and clear under various lighting conditions. It boasts a 700:1 contrast ratio, which helps to deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks, enhancing multimedia content and gaming visuals.

In terms of connectivity, the Samsung 171N is equipped with a VGA port, allowing compatibility with a wide range of desktop computers and laptops. This makes it an easy plug-and-play solution for users who need a reliable secondary monitor or an upgrade from older CRT displays.

Ergonomics is another key aspect of the Samsung 171N, as it features tilt functionality that enables users to adjust the angle of the screen for optimal viewing. Though it lacks advanced height adjustment capabilities, the tilt feature helps reduce glare and improve overall comfort during extended use.

The monitor adheres to energy-efficient standards, contributing to lower operational costs. The Samsung 171N is designed with eco-friendliness in mind, often coming with Energy Star certification. This ensures that it not only meets but exceeds minimum energy efficiency guidelines.

In summary, the Samsung 171N is characterized by its compact size, reliable performance, and energy-efficient design. With solid image quality, versatile connectivity, and ergonomic features, it remains a viable option for users in search of a dependable everyday monitor that meets their various computing requirements. Whether for professional use in an office setting or casual use at home, the Samsung 171N stands as a noteworthy addition to the monitor landscape.