WORLD FIRST AS VIEWSONIC MONITORS ACHIEVE TCO '99

Display technology expert ViewSonic is among the first monitor specialists in the world to achieve TCO '99 - recognised as the most stringent international standard for computer safety, environmental awareness and energy consumption.

The coveted standard has been given to two monitors in ViewSonic's top of the range Professional Series.

Certification applies to both the P817, a 21" shadow mask CRT and the PT795, a 19" aperture grille screen.

TCO '99 is a revision of TCO '95 and TCO '92 and recognises greater commitment to ergonomics, emissions, energy consumption and recycling.

For monitor users it assures:

• Flicker free viewing at even higher image refresh rates
• Reduced reflection from the display casing and new limits on the variation of colour temperature.
• Massive reductions in magnetic and electrical fields
• Reduced heat emissions

For the environment it means:

• Reduced energy consumption
• Reduced spread of pollution from bromides, freons, mercury and cadmium
• Easier material recycling due to thoughtful construction

Businesses benefit too from:

• Reduced running costs due to energy efficient features
• Reduced sickness/injuries thanks to better ergonomics
• Improved working environments

Mary Morrison-Paton, ViewSonic's Marketing Communications Manager in Northern Europe, said: "Many of the requirements needed for TCO '99 certification have been followed by ViewSonic for some time. For example, the elimination of CFC, HCFC and chlorinated solvents. Efforts made to achieve TCO '99 certification have added further focus to this endeavour.

"In addition the ViewSonic monitors use the same resin for plastic casings, from the bezel to the pedestal. This way recycling opportunities are enhanced. Also the energy consumption of a screen in stand-by mode has been reduced from 8 watts to 5 watts."

ViewSonic Europe Managing Director, Michael Kommer, added: "Once again ViewSonic is leading the world in having some of the first products ready for TCO '99 certification.

"This is just one indication of the company's commitment to environmentally friendly practices which contributed to the achievement of ISO 14001 accreditation earlier this year.

"Initially, our objective is to achieve TCO '99 across our extensive Professional Range of monitors which includes shadow mask and aperture grille CRT technology, as well as space-saving short depth models. Ultimately, we aim to have the Graphics Range meet the same criteria.

"Along with our free three-year Express Exchange^TM 24-hour swap out warranty, the achievement of TCO '99 means our customers, distributors and resellers can be sure of top quality feature-packed products."

Notes to Editors:

ViewSonic Europe's Quality Manager Azhar Hashim will join ViewSonic Northern Europe's Marketing Communications Manager; Mary Morrison-Paton at TCO's Stockholm headquarters at 3pm on Thursday, October 29 to receive certification on the P817 and PT795. A photograph showing the presentation ceremony and including a model of the P817 will be available in ISDN format from the ViewSonic Press Office on 0181 781 1856 from 3pm on October 29. Alternatively colour prints will be available on request from the ViewSonic Press Office from Friday October 30.

ViewSonic Europe is a subsidiary of ViewSonic Corporation, one of the USA's fastest growing companies.

Established as a major player in the Display Technology^TM market, ViewSonic Europe offers a range of award-winning and price/performance leading products.

ViewSonic's products are arranged across five specific series: LCD, Professional, Graphics, Economy and Presentation.

ViewSonic Europe is based at ViewSonic House, Fleming Way, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 2GA, Tel 01293 643900 Fax: 01293 643910 Website: http://www.viewsonic.com/europe

VIEWSONIC - TCO '99

FACTSHEET

Introduction

TCO (The Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees) is the leading environmental standards organisation for computer equipment. TCO Development sets strict standards for ergonomics and emissions including energy consumption and environmental considerations. TCO '99 approved equipment brings users and companies many benefits, including better working conditions, cost savings, environmental protection and reduced health risks. TCO '99 is a revision of TCO '95.

Summary of TCO '99 Improvements and CRT Monitor Requirements

   Major         :: Stricter requirements for luminance uniformity, contrast
   Improvement      and new demands on colour displays.
                 :: Revised standards of emissions testing.
                 :: The introduction of mandatory precautions to protect
                    screens from external magnetic fields.

   Visual        :: Display flicker reduction. The minimum refresh rate
   Ergonomics       has been increased from 75Hz to 85Hz to reduce eyestrain.
                 :: Reduction of image jitter for ease of viewing.
                 :: Reduction of reflections from casing for a clear image.
                 :: Restrictions on colour temperature variation and
                    increased colour uniformity.

   Emissions     :: Electrostatic field reduction including alternating
                    electric and magnetic fields.
                 :: Reduced heat emissions.

   Energy-       :: Significant reductions in power consumption.
   Saving

   Ecological    :: Heavy metal content reduction - cadmium removed from the
   Requirements     phosphor layer in the display glass.
                 :: Elimination of halogen-based flame-retardants in
                    plastics. TCO '99 does not accept brominated or
                    chlorinated flame-retardants.

   Recycling and :: No mixing of plastics, restrictions on painting and a
   Disposal         prohibition on metallising plastic components to increase
                    recycling options.

For more information visit the TCO website, http://www.tco-info.com

SOURCE ViewSonic