Differences in technology between displays

Green_Manelishi · 11-20-2009, 18:57

For the hardware gurus. Is there a difference in the technology between the display that a laptop uses and that of a flat-screen desk-top PC monitor?

I am trying to determine the cause of an dramatic increase in the number of migraines I am experiencing. I started to use a desktop PC and flatscreen monitor a few weeks ago, after years of laptop or "big box monitor" use, and am wondering if there is something about the way the flatscreen PC display works that is triggering the migraines.

CitizenOfDreams · 11-20-2009, 19:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green_Manelishi

For the hardware gurus. Is there a difference in the technology between the display that a laptop uses and that of a flat-screen desk-top PC monitor?

I am trying to determine the cause of an dramatic increase in the number of migraines I am experiencing.

Can't think of any technological difference between desktop and laptop monitors that could cause migraine.
Could it be caused by eye strain due to different viewing distance?

CitizenOfDreams · 11-20-2009, 19:47

P.S. Are you using your new desktop monitor in its native resolution? If not, resizing artifacts (blurry fonts etc.) can cause eye fatigue as well.

Green_Manelishi · 11-20-2009, 19:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by CitizenOfDreams

Can't think of any technological difference between desktop and laptop monitors that could cause migraine.
Could it be caused by eye strain due to different viewing distance?

My guess is, probably not.

I think it more likely due to the "way" the light is being created. That is to say, sunlight and flourescent lights are a known trigger, but regular incandescent lights don't bother my eyes. Similarly, some sounds (beeping terminals, etc. even if not that loud) are known triggers but other noises have no effect.

Green_Manelishi · 11-20-2009, 20:03

Is it possible to adjust the "frequency" of the display? I found some information (google) indicating that at least one migraineur eliminated display-triggered migraines by adjusting the display frequency/flicker frequency.

CitizenOfDreams · 11-20-2009, 20:07

Hmmm... It's possible that your monitors use different type of backlight (most LCD screens use fluorescent tubes, but there are some models that use LEDs). Still can't see how that would make a difference though.
On the other hand, I'm not a doctor (although I did have some bad headaches in my school years).

CitizenOfDreams · 11-20-2009, 20:21

Flicker was an issue with CRT monitors (I personally cannot stand looking at a 60Hz CRT monitor for more than ten seconds; it hurts my eyes).

LCD monitors do not exhibit vertical scan rate flicker (they are simply too slow for that). The only "flicker" you could possibly see in an LCD monitor is the backlight... and its frequency is way beyond what a human eye can see (thousands of cycles per second).

All laptop screens (as far as I know) and most desktop LCD monitors work at 60Hz. You can increase the scan rate at lower resolutions (such as 800x600), but not at higher ones (such as 1920x1200). Such increase will not make any visible difference (except for loss of image quality if the monitor is connected via an analog VGA cable).

***Medic721*** · 11-20-2009, 20:33

What is the height of the new monitor vs the old? posture and ergonomics can make a big difference. raising the monitor can sometimes make a big difference especially for those of us that are taller.

-Mike.

Green_Manelishi · 11-21-2009, 12:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medic721

What is the height of the new monitor vs the old? posture and ergonomics can make a big difference. raising the monitor can sometimes make a big difference especially for those of us that are taller.

-Mike.

I will be very surprised if the height of the monitor is relevant. Not to insult, but migraine is not a tension headache; it's a nervous system reaction to one or more trigger stimuli. Chronic migraine has been treated with anti-seizure drugs such as Dilantin. I am typing this on a Mac and it is not bothering my eyes. I note that the display is not even close to the sheer "brightness" and glare of the Asus monitor. I might make a search for an add-on "anti-glare screen for the Asus.

bobsmith21 · 11-22-2009, 15:43

Most lcd monitors max out at 60 hz, so I think increasing the freq won't help, could be the monitor quality in general. What kind is it? I have gaming rig with an ATI 4870 video card but it reports the max refresh rate of my 40" sony 1080p is 60hz. If I had a newer 120hz 1080p I can drive it at 120hz with my card, but I don't notice any problems at 60hz. Monitor quality varies greatly, even if you have a good brand yours in particular could create some kind of trigger because of a slight problem with the fluorescent back light creating an undetectable flicker due to age or barely passing QC. You need to definitely be using a digital connection, ie DVI or HDMI and native res.

Green_Manelishi · 11-22-2009, 17:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobsmith21

Most lcd monitors max out at 60 hz, so I think increasing the freq won't help, could be the monitor quality in general. What kind is it? I have gaming rig with an ATI 4870 video card but it reports the max refresh rate of my 40" sony 1080p is 60hz. If I had a newer 120hz 1080p I can drive it at 120hz with my card, but I don't notice any problems at 60hz. Monitor quality varies greatly, even if you have a good brand yours in particular could create some kind of trigger because of a slight problem with the fluorescent back light creating an undetectable flicker due to age or barely passing QC. You need to definitely be using a digital connection, ie DVI or HDMI and native res.

It's an Asus VH203T.

1600 x 900 res.

10000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio.

Inputs are VGA, DVI-D w/ HDCP.

MavsX · 11-23-2009, 06:00

it is too bright??, maybe try to turn the brightness down a bit. my dell 2408 used to hurt my eyes when if first got it, like last year...i turned the brightness down from 100% to like 30%...much better on my eyes

Green_Manelishi · 12-07-2009, 17:36

I downloaded the monitor manual. It uses fluorescent lights. Damn. Now what are my not-very-expensive options?