User’s Manual

Information

Regulatory

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.

*Bio-accumulative is defined as substances which accumulate within living organisms.

**Lead, Cadmium and Mercury are heavy metals which are Bio-accumulative.

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Samsung 172B, 172T manual TCO Development, Environmental requirements Flame retardants

172T, 172B specifications

The Samsung 172B and 172T monitors represent a notable chapter in the evolution of display technology, catering primarily to the needs of both home and professional users. Released during a time when LCD technology was becoming increasingly mainstream, these monitors offered significant advantages over their CRT counterparts, including reduced footprint, lower power consumption, and improved image quality.

The Samsung 172B, a 17-inch LCD monitor, is designed with a focus on versatility and performance. With a resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels, it provides sharp and vivid imagery, making it suitable for a range of applications, from everyday computing tasks to casual gaming. One of its standout features is the fast response time of 12ms, which minimizes motion blur, ensuring crisp visuals even during fast-paced video playback. The monitor employs DVI-D connectivity, allowing for a straightforward digital connection, while also being compatible with analog VGA inputs.

In terms of design, the 172B boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic, with a slim profile that blends seamlessly into any workspace. Adjustable brightness levels enhance the viewing experience in various lighting conditions, while the anti-glare coating on the screen minimizes reflections, making it comfortable for long durations of use.

On the other hand, the Samsung 172T shares many similarities with the 172B but introduces touch screen capabilities, which adds a new layer of interactivity. This model is particularly well-suited for kiosk applications, educational environments, and other interactive settings where user engagement is critical. It also maintains the same 1280 x 1024 resolution and 12ms response time, ensuring that it does not compromise on visual performance despite its added functionality.

Both models are equipped with Samsung's proprietary technologies that enhance color accuracy and overall image quality. The use of advanced panel technology minimizes color distortion and ensures that colors remain true to life, regardless of the viewing angle. This makes the 172B and 172T ideal choices for graphic design, photo editing, and other tasks that demand precise color representation.

In conclusion, the Samsung 172B and 172T monitors exemplify the advancements in LCD technology during their time. With features tailored for versatility and performance, as well as a focus on enhancing user interaction, these monitors have secured their place in the hearts of users looking for reliable, high-quality display solutions.