Philips Lightframe

PARTICIPATING in modern life means spending a lot of time staring at a computer monitor each day, whether in the office or at home.

This practice, especially if it is part of work, is unavoidable and often results in eyestrain and occasional headaches.

Philips has come up with a solution to these health risks in the shape of the Lightframe LCD monitor.

What sets this screen apart from its competitors is the frame around the screen that emits light.

That so-called Lightframe was developed by Philips and is designed to create a subtle blue glow around the display area of the monitor. According to Philips, the Lightframe softens the edges of the display and therefore reduces the strain on the eyes.

By radiating blue light, the frame replicates the colour of the summer sky that has been proven to make people feel more energetic.

It is the same concept used to treat those suffering Seasonal Affective Disorder: a depressive state commonly called the winter blues.
Blue light triggers photo receptors in the eye, which transport signals to help with the increase in brain activity. But those interested in the screen will be pleased to know the 22in monitor provides more than just a fancy light show.

It has a resolution of 1680x1050 and a 16:10 aspect ratio along with a smart response time of two milliseconds, which means the picture will be smooth, whether you are playing a computer game, surfing the web or watching a movie.

Picture quality is improved thanks to another piece of Philips technology called SmartImage, which can adjust and optimise the contrast and colour on the screen in real time by analysing the content being displayed.

And because monitors are used by graphic designers and artists, who value colour accuracy, Philips has developed a technology called TrueVision.

TrueVision ensures display performance compliance even before the monitors leave the factory thanks to fine-tuning and rigorous testing.

The 30,000:1 contrast ratio also assures respectable and vibrant colours along with deep blacks and bright whites.

The Philips Lightframe screen has analogue VGA and digital DVI connections, in addition to a USB 2.0 port to give users one extra connection for a digital camera, USB memory stick, printer or to add a USB hub for even more connections.

So will this screen stop your eyestrain? It depends on how long you look at its blue hues.