b
User’s Guide
Compaq TFT1701 Flat Panel Monitor
Document Part Number: 304323-001
August 2002
Product Features
Safety and Maintenance Guidelines
Rear Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–3
Adjusting Screen Quality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–13
User Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–14
Troubleshooting
Solving Common Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A–1
Using the Worldwide Web. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A–3
Preparing to Call Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A–3
User’s Guide
3
Contents
Specifications
Compaq TFT1701 Flat Panel Monitor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B–1
Display Resolutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B–2
Canadian Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C–3
Japanese Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C–4
TCO ‘99
What does labelling involve?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D–2
Environmental Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D–4
Flame Retardants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D–4
Cadmium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D–5
Mercury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D–5
CFCs (Freons) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D–6
Lead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D–6
4
User’s Guide
1
Product Features
Your flat panel monitor has an active matrix, thin-film transistor
(TFT), liquid crystal display (LCD). The monitor features
include:
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17-inch (43.18 cm) viewable area display.
1280 x 1024 resolution, plus full-screen support for lower
resolutions.
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Wide viewing angle to allow viewing from a sitting or
standing position, or moving side-to-side.
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Removable base for flexible mounting solutions.
Plug and play capability if supported by your system.
On-Screen Display (OSD) adjustments in seven different
languages: English, French, German, Italian, Russian,
Swedish and Spanish for ease of set-up and screen
optimization.
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Software and Reference Library CD that comes with your
monitor and contains an information file (INF), Image Color
Matching file (ICM) and Auto-adjustment software.
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Energy Saver feature for Energy Star compliance.
Compliant with the following regulated specifications:
❏
❏
❏
❏
EPA ENERGY STAR
European Union CE Directives
Swedish MPR II 1990
Swedish TCO '99
User’s Guide
1–1
2
Safety and Maintenance
Guidelines
Important Safety Information
A power cord is included with your monitor. If another cord is
used, use only a power source and connection appropriate for this
monitor. For information on the correct power cord set to use with
your monitor, refer to the “Power Cord Set Requirements” section
in Appendix C of this guide.
ÅWARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to your
equipment, do not disable the power cord grounding feature. This
equipment is designed to be connected to a grounded (earthed)
power outlet that is easily accessible to the operator. The grounding
plug is an important safety feature.
ÅWARNING: For your safety, be sure that the power outlet you plug
the power cord into is easily accessible and located as close to the
equipment as possible. When you need to disconnect the power to
the equipment, unplug the power cord from the power outlet by
grasping the plug firmly. Never pull on the cord.
ÄCAUTION: For the protection of your monitor, as well as your
computer, connect all power cords for your computer and its
peripheral devices (such as a monitor, printer, scanner) to some
form of surge protection device such as a power strip or
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). Not all power strips provide
surge protection; the power strips must be specifically labeled as
having this ability. Use a power strip whose manufacturer offers a
Damage Replacement Policy so you can replace your equipment if
surge protection fails.
User’s Guide
2–1
Safety and Maintenance Guidelines
Maintenance Guidelines
To enhance the performance and extend the life of your monitor:
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Do not open your monitor cabinet or attempt to service this
product yourself. Adjust only those controls that are covered
in the operating instructions. If your monitor is not operating
properly or has been dropped or damaged, contact your HP
authorized dealer, reseller, or service provider.
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Adjust only those controls that are discussed in the operating
instructions.
Place your monitor at least 3 inches (76 mm) away from
walls or other enclosures.
Use only a power source and connection appropriate for this
monitor, as indicated on the label/back plate of the monitor.
Be sure the total ampere rating of the products connected to
the outlet does not exceed the current rating of the electrical
outlet, and the total ampere rating of the products connected
to the cord does not exceed the rating of the cord. Look on the
power label to determine the ampere rating (AMPS or A) for
each device.
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Install your monitor near an outlet that you can easily reach.
Disconnect the monitor by grasping the plug firmly and
pulling it from the outlet. Never disconnect the monitor by
pulling the cord.
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Turn your monitor off when not in use. You can substantially
increase the life expectancy of your monitor by using a screen
saver program and turning off monitor when not in use.
Unplug your monitor from the wall outlet before cleaning.
Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp
cloth for cleaning. If the screen requires additional cleaning,
use an antistatic screen cleaner.
ÄCAUTION: Do not use benzene, thinner, ammonia, or any other
volatile substances to clean your monitor or the screen. These
chemicals may damage the cabinet finish as well as the screen.
2–2
User’s Guide
Safety and Maintenance Guidelines
I
Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation.
These openings must not be blocked or covered. Never push
objects of any kind into cabinet slots or other openings.
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Do not drop your monitor or place it on an unstable surface.
Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not walk
on the cord.
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Keep your monitor in a well-ventilated area, away from
excessive light, heat or moisture. Keep your monitor away
from high-capacity transformers, electric motors, and other
devices with strong magnetic fields.
User’s Guide
2–3
3
Setting Up the Monitor
Before setting up the monitor, ensure that power is turned off to
the monitor, computer system, and other attached devices, then
follow these steps:
1. Place the monitor in a convenient, well ventilated location
near your computer.
2. Connect the power cord 1for your monitor to the power port
on the rear of the monitor. Plug the power cord for the
monitor into a nearby electrical outlet.
3. Connect the monitor signal cable 2to the 15-pin, D-sub
connector on the back of your monitor.
4. Connect the other end of the signal cable 3to your
computer’s video port, video board, video card or
graphics card.
User’s Guide
3–1
Setting Up the Monitor
5. Connect the computer’s power cable to an electrical outlet.
6. Turn on your computer and monitor. If your monitor displays
an image, installation is complete.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to your
equipment:
Å
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Do not disable the power cord grounding plug. The grounding
plug is an important safety feature.
Plug the power cord into a grounded (earthed) electrical outlet
that is easily accessible at all times.
Disconnect power from the monitor by unplugging the power
cord from the electrical outlet.
Do not place anything on power cords or cables. Arrange them
so that no one may accidentally step on or trip over them. Do
not pull on a cord or cable. When unplugging from the electrical
outlet, grasp the cord by the plug.
After you turn on the monitor and computer equipment, refer to
“Installing Information Files” in chapter 4 to install the software
contained on the CD that is included with your monitor. Use the
on-screen instructions to adjust the picture quality of your
monitor.
✎
Always activate a screen saver program or turn off the monitor
when it is not in use for a prolonged period of time. All LCD
monitors that display the same static image on screen for a
prolonged period of time may exhibit screen image retention.
Note that image retention is not a permanent condition and will
fade over a period of time. Image retention is a condition that may
occur on all LCD screens.
3–2
User’s Guide
Setting Up the Monitor
Removing the Monitor Base
The monitor base is removable, which allows flexible mounting
solutions. If you choose to mount the monitor onto a swing arm
or other mounting fixture, use the following steps to remove the
base from the monitor.
CAUTION: Before beginning to disassemble the monitor, be sure
the monitor is turned off and the power and signal cables are both
disconnected.
Ä
1. Lay the monitor face-down on a flat surface with a cushion
beneath it to protect the screen.
2. Remove the four screws from the back of the monitor then
remove the base from the monitor.
User’s Guide
3–3
Setting Up the Monitor
Attaching a Wall-Mount Base
This monitor accepts a 100 mm x 100 mm VESA-compliant
mounting interface pad.
✎
1. Remove the monitor base. Refer to “Removing the Monitor
Base” steps in the previous section.
2. Align the mounting interface pad with the holes in the rear
cover mounting pad.
3. Secure the rear cover mounting pad with the four screws
that came with the arm-type base, wall mount hanger or
other base.
3–4
User’s Guide
4
Operating the Monitor
Installing Information Files
The Software and Reference Library CD-ROM included with
your monitor contains two information files to be installed onto
your computer; an .INF file and an .ICM file.
The .INF file defines monitor resources and provides
specifications used by most operating systems to install support
software for certain hardware devices. The .INF file ensures
monitor compatibility and optimization with your computer’s
graphics adapter. The .INF files are also downloadable from the
your monitor model.
The .ICM file provides color matching consistency from monitor
screen to printer and is activated from within graphics programs
that have this feature.
To install these files on your computer:
1. Insert the Software and Reference Library CD-ROM in your
computer's optical drive.
2. When the CD-ROM menu launches, select Install INF and
ICM Files and follow the on-screen instructions.
To get the latest .INF and .ICM files, download them from the HP
to download the appropriate files.
✎
3. Install the Auto-Adjustment software and follow the
on-screen instructions.
User’s Guide
4–1
Operating the Monitor
Front Panel Components
No.
Component
Function
Auto button
Use to start Auto-adjustment of the
screen image.
1
Exit button
Use to close the active menu or the
On-screen display (OSD) menu.
2
Adjust buttons
Use to highlight and adjust items in
the menu.
3
4
Menu button
Power button
Use to open the OSD and activate a
highlighted menu item.
5
6
Use to turn the monitor on and off. The
power light Illuminates green during
normal operation and blinks green when
the monitor is in sleep mode.
For energy conservation, turn your monitor off when it is not
needed or when leaving it unattended for long periods. Refer to
your computer manual for instructions on setting energy saver
features (sometimes called power management features).
4–2
User’s Guide
Operating the Monitor
Using the On-Screen Display
No.
Button
Function
Exit
Use the Exit button to close the
active menu or the OSD.
1
+ and -
Use the adjustment buttons to
highlight and adjust items using
the OSD. These buttons are also
direct access buttons for the
brightness feature.
2
3
Menu
Use the Menu button to open the
OSD and activate a highlighted
menu item.
4
4–4
User’s Guide
Operating the Monitor
The On-Screen Display (OSD) adjusts the screen image based on
your viewing preferences. To access the OSD:
1. Press the Power button to turn on the monitor, if the monitor
is not already on.
2. Press the Menu button to display the On-Screen Display
menu.
3. To move to a function, press the + or - Adjust button until the
function is highlighted and press the Menu button to select
the item.
When the item menu is displayed, press the + or - Adjust
button to change an item to your preferred setting.
4. Press the Exit button to close the active menu or OSD.
User’s Guide
4–5
Operating the Monitor
Using the OSD Menu
Your OSD menu has the following feature settings. Use the + or -
buttons to adjusts the OSD menu functions.
Menu
Function
Brightness
Adjusts the screen brightness. When the
OSD is not on the screen, press the + or -
button to adjust brightness.
Contrast
Adjusts the screen contrast.
4–6
User’s Guide
Operating the Monitor
Menu
Function
Image Lock
Use to fine tune and get the best image by
removing noises that create unstable
images with jitters and shimmers. If
satisfactory results are not obtained using
the Fine adjustment, select the Coarse
adjustment, and then the Fine adjustment
again.
Position
Use to change the horizontal or vertical
position of the monitor’s entire display.
User’s Guide
4–7
Operating the Monitor
Menu
Function
Reset
Use to reset the geometry and color
parameters. These parameters are
replaced with the factory default values. If
you don’t want to reset your monitor, use
the - adjust button to select No.
Color Temperature Use to adjust the color temperature and
color control.
4–8
User’s Guide
Operating the Monitor
Menu
Function
Color Control
Use to individually adjust to the red, green,
and blue screen colors of the display.
Language
Use to change the language used in the
menu. You can choose one of seven
languages: English, French, German,
Italian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish.
The language chosen affects only the
✎
language of the OSD. It has no effect
on any software running on the
computer.
User’s Guide
4–9
Operating the Monitor
Menu
Function
Menu Halftone
Use to make the OSD menus transparent.
Menu Position
Use to change to the horizontal or vertical
position where the OSD menu appears on
your monitor.
4–10
User’s Guide
Operating the Monitor
Menu
Function
Menu Display Time Use to set the amount of time the OSD
menu will wait before turning off if no
adjustments are made.
Display Mode
Use to see the frequency, the polarity of
the operational signals and the resolution
level.
User’s Guide
4–11
Operating the Monitor
Menu
Function
Auto Adjustment
Allows the monitor to self-adjust to the
incoming video signal. The values of fine,
coarse and position are adjusted
automatically.
Monitor Messages
Special messages will appear on the monitor screen to identify
the following monitor conditions:
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Video mode not supported - If there is something wrong with
the input signal, a message appears on the screen or the
screen goes blank although the power indicator light is still
on. This message indicates the monitor is out of scan range or
that you need to check the signal cable.
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No Connection, check signal cable - Indicates the video cable
may not be plugged into the computer or the computer may
not be turned on.
4–12
User’s Guide
Operating the Monitor
Energy Saver Feature
When the monitor is in its normal operating mode, the monitor
utilizes less than 40 watts of power and the Power light is green.
The monitor also supports a reduced power state. The reduced
power state will initiate if the monitor detects the absence of
either the horizontal sync signal and/or the vertical sync signal.
Upon detecting the absence of these signals, the monitor screen is
blanked, the backlight is turned off, and the power light flashes
green. When the monitor is in the reduced power state, the
monitor will utilize less than 3 watts of power. There is a brief
warm up period before the monitor will return to its normal
operating mode.
Refer to your computer manual for instructions on setting energy
saver features (sometimes called power management features).
The above energy saver feature only works when connected to
computers that have energy saver features.
✎
Adjusting Screen Quality
The Auto Adjustment feature allows the monitor to self-adjust to
the incoming video signal. To adjust, press the Auto button on the
front panel of the monitor. To improve the results of
auto-adjustment, run the Auto Adjustment software, contained on
the CD included with your monitor, before pressing the Auto
button.
User’s Guide
4–13
Operating the Monitor
User Modes
The video controller signal may occasionally require a mode that
is not preset if:
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You are not using a Compaq standard graphics adapter.
You are not using a preset mode.
If this occurs, you may need to readjust the parameters of the
monitor screen by using the on-screen display. User changes can
be made to any or all of these modes and saved in memory. The
monitor automatically stores the new setting, then recognizes the
new mode just as it does a preset mode. In addition to the 15
factory preset modes, there are 15 user modes that can be entered
and stored.
4–14
User’s Guide
A
Troubleshooting
Solving Common Problems
The following table lists possible problems, the possible cause of
each problem, and the recommended solutions.
Problem
Possible Cause
Solution
Screen is blank.
Power cord is
disconnected.
Connect the
power cord.
Power switch is off.
Turn on power.
Video cable is
improperly connected.
Connect video cable
properly.
Screen blanking utility is
active.
Depress any key on the
keyboard or move the
mouse.
Image appears
blurred, indistinct, or
too dark.
Brightness and contrast
are too low.
Press the Menu button
to access the OSD
menu. Select the
Brightness or Contrast
menu and adjust the
screen as needed.
User’s Guide
A–1
Troubleshooting
Problem
Possible Cause
Solution
Image is not
centered.
Position may need
adjustment.
Press the Menu button
to access the OSD
menu. Select Position to
adjust the horizontal or
vertical position of the
image.
“Check Signal
Cable” is displayed
on screen.
Monitor video cable is
disconnected.
Connect the 15-pin
monitor video cable to
the computer. Be sure
that the computer power
is on.
“Video Mode Not
Supported” is
displayed on screen. higher than what your
monitor supports.
Video resolution and/or
refresh rate are set
Restart your computer
and enter Safe Mode.
Change your settings to
a supported setting (see
“Technical
Specifications”). Restart
your computer so that
the new settings take
effect.
Monitor is
overheating.
There is not enough air
space to allow proper
ventilation.
Leave at least 3 inches
(76 mm) of ventilation
space around the
monitor.
A–2
User’s Guide
Troubleshooting
Using the Worldwide Web
Before contacting customer services, refer to the support web site
Preparing to Call Technical Support
If you cannot solve a problem using the troubleshooting tips in
this section, you may need to call technical support. Have the
following information available when you call:
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The monitor
Monitor model number
Serial number for the monitor
Purchase date on invoice
Conditions under which the problem occurred
Error messages received
Hardware configuration
Hardware and software you are using
User’s Guide
A–3
B
Specifications
Compaq TFT1701 Flat Panel Monitor
Technical Specifications
Display
17 inches
43.18 cm
43.18 cm
Type
a-si flat panel, active
matrix-TFT LCD
Viewable Image Size
Face Treatment
17 inch diagonal
3H hardness coating with
antiglare treatment
Maximum Weight
12.79 lb
5.8 kg
(Unpacked)
Dimensions
Height
17.9 in
8.2 in
457 mm
208.8 mm
414 mm
Depth
Width
17.4 in
Maximum Graphics
Resolution
1280 x 1024 60Hz refresh rate
720 x 400
Text Mode
Dot Pitch
0.297 mm
Horizontal Frequency
Vertical Frequency
30 to 81 kHz
56 to 76 Hz
User’s Guide
B–1
Specifications
Technical Specifications (Continued)
Environmental
Requirements
Temperature
(Independent of Altitude)
o
o
Operating Temperature
Storage Temperature
50 to 104
F
o
5 to 35
C
o
-04 to +113
F
-20 to +60 C
Humidity
(Noncondensing)
Operating
20 to 80%
5 to 90%
Nonoperating
Power Source
100 - 240VAC, 50/60 +/- 3Hz
40 watts
Power Consumption
Input Terminals
15-pin D-type connector with cable included
Display Resolutions
The display resolutions listed below are the most commonly used
modes and are set as factory defaults. This monitor automatically
recognizes these preset modes and they will appear properly sized
and centered on the screen.
Factory Preset Display Modes
Horz
Freq
(kHz)
Vert
Freq
(Hz)
Pixel
Clk
(MHz)
Pre-
set
Pixel
Format
Horz
Polarity
Vert
Polarity
Source
VGA
1
2
3
4
5
640 x 480
640 x 480
640 x 480
720 x 400
800 x 600
31.469
37.861
37.500
31.469
35.156
-
-
59.940
72.809
75.00
-
-
25.175
31.500
31.500
28.322
36.000
VESA
VESA
VGA
-
-
-
70.087
56.250
-
+,-
+,-
VESA
B–2
User’s Guide
Specifications
Factory Preset Display Modes (Continued)
Horz
Freq
(kHz)
Vert
Freq
(Hz)
Pixel
Clk
(MHz)
Pre-
set
Pixel
Format
Horz
Polarity
Vert
Polarity
Source
VESA
VESA
VESA
MAC
6
7
800 x 600
800 x 600
800 x 600
832 x 600
37.879
48.077
46.875
49.726
48.363
+
+
60.317
72.188
75.000
74.551
60.004
+
+
40.00
50.000
49.500
57.284
65.000
8
+
+
9
+,-
-
+,-
-
10
1024 x
768
VESA
11
12
13
14
15
1024 x
768
56.476
60.023
67.5
-
+
70.069
75.029
75
-
-
75.000
78.750
108.0
VESA
VESA
VESA
VESA
VESA
1024 x
768
1152 x
864
+,-
+
+,-
+
108.000
135.000
1280 x
1024
63.98
79.97
60.02
75.02
1280 x
1024
+
+
User’s Guide
B–3
C
Agency Regulatory Notices
Federal Communications
Commission Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
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Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the
receiver.
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Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio or television
technician for help.
User’s Guide
C–1
Agency Regulatory Notices
Modifications
The FCC requires the user to be notified that any changes or
modifications made to this device that are not expressly approved
by Hewlett-Packard Company may void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
Cables
Connections to this device must be made with shielded cables
with metallic RFI/EMI connector hoods to maintain compliance
with FCC Rules and Regulations.
Declaration of Conformity for Products
Marked with FCC Logo, United States Only
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
For questions regarding your product, contact:
Hewlett-Packard Company
P. O. Box 692000, Mail Stop 530113
Houston, Texas 77269-2000
Or, call - 1-800- 652-6672 (1-800-OK COMPAQ)
For questions regarding this FCC declaration, contact:
Hewlett-Packard Company
P. O. Box 692000, Mail Stop 510101
Houston, Texas 77269-2000
Or, call - (281) 514-3333
To identify this product, refer to the Part, Series, or Model
number found on the product.
C–2
User’s Guide
Agency Regulatory Notices
Canadian Notice
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the
Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Avis Canadien
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les
exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
European Union Notice
Products with the CE Marking comply with both the EMC
Directive (89/336/EEC) and the Low Voltage Directive
(73/23/EEC) issued by the Commission of the European
Community.
Compliance with these directives implies conformity to the
following European norms (in brackets are the equivalent
international standards):
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EN55022 (CISPR 22) - Electromagnetic Interference
EN55024 (IEC61000-4-2,3,4,5,6,8,11) - Electromagnetic
Immunity
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EN61000-3-2 (IEC61000-3-2) - Power Line Harmonics
EN61000-3-3 (IEC61000-3-3) - Power Line Flicker
EN60950 (IEC950) - Product Safety
User’s Guide
C–3
Agency Regulatory Notices
Japanese Notice
Korean Notice
EPA Energy Star Compliance
Monitors that are marked with the Energy Star Logo meet the
requirements of the EPA Energy Star program. As an Energy Star
Partner, Hewlett-Packard Company has determined that this
product meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency.
Specific details on using the Energy Saving features can be found
in the energy saver or power management section of the computer
manual.
C–4
User’s Guide
Agency Regulatory Notices
Power Cord Set Requirements
The monitor power supply is provided with Automatic Line
Switching (ALS). This feature allows the monitor to operate on
input voltages between 100-120V or 200-240V.
The power cord set (flexible cord or wall plug) received with the
monitor meets the requirements for use in the country where you
purchased the equipment.
If you need to obtain a power cord for a different country, you
should purchase a power cord that is approved for use in that
country.
The power cord must be rated for the product and for the voltage
and current marked on the product's electrical ratings label. The
voltage and current rating of the cord should be greater than the
voltage and current rating marked on the product. In addition, the
cross-sectional area of the wire must be a minimum of 0.75 mm²
or 18AWG, and the length of the cord must be between 6 feet
(1.8 m) and 12 feet (3.6 m). If you have questions about the type
of power cord to use, contact your HP authorized service
provider.
A power cord should be routed so that it is not likely to be walked
on or pinched by items placed upon it or against it. Particular
attention should be paid to the plug, electrical outlet, and the
point where the cord exits from the product.
User’s Guide
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D
TCO ‘99
You have just purchased a TCO'99 approved and labelled
product! Your choice has provided you with a product developed
for professional use. Your purchase has also contributed to
reducing the burden on the environment and also to the further
development of environmentally adapted electronics products.
User’s Guide
D–1
TCO ‘99
Why do we have environmentally
labelled computers?
In many countries, environmental labelling has become an
established method for encouraging the adaptation of goods and
services to the environment. The main problem, as far as
computers and other electronics equipment are concerned, is that
environmentally harmful substances are used both in the products
and during their manufacture. Since it is not so far possible to
satisfactorily recycle the majority of electronics equipment, most
of these potentially damaging substances sooner or later enter
nature.
There are also other characteristics of a computer, such as energy
consumption levels, that are important from the viewpoints of
both the work (internal) and natural (external) environments.
Since all methods of electricity generation have a negative effect
on the environment (e.g. acidic and climate-influencing
emissions, radioactive waste), it is vital to save energy.
Electronics equipment in offices is often left running
continuously and thereby consumes a lot of energy.
What does labelling involve?
This product meets the requirements for the TCO'99 scheme
which provides for international and environmental labelling of
personal computers. The labelling scheme was developed as a
joint effort by the TCO (The Swedish Confederation of
Professional Employees), Svenska Naturskyddsforeningen (The
Swedish Society for Nature Conservation) and Statens
Energimyndighet (The Swedish National Energy
Administration).
Approval requirements cover a wide range of issues:
environment, ergonomics, usability, emission of electric and
magnetic fields, energy consumption and electrical and fire
safety.
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User’s Guide
TCO ‘99
The environmental demands impose restrictions on the presence
and use of heavy metals, brominated and chlorinated flame
retardants, CFCs (freons) and chlorinated solvents, among other
things. The product must be prepared for recycling and the
manufacturer is obliged to have an environmental policy which
must be adhered to in each country where the company
implements its operational policy.
The energy requirements include a demand that the computer
and/or display, after a certain period of inactivity, shall reduce its
power consumption to a lower level in one or more stages. The
length of time to reactivate the computer shall be reasonable for
the user.
Labelled products must meet strict environmental demands, for
example, in respect of the reduction of electric and magnetic
fields, physical and visual ergonomics and good usability.
Below you will find a brief summary of the environmental
requirements met by this product. The complete environmental
criteria document may be ordered from:
TCO Development
SE-114 94 Stockholm, Sweden
Fax: +46 8 782 92 07
Email (Internet): [email protected]
Current information regarding TCO'99 approved and labelled
products may also be obtained via the Internet, using the address:
User’s Guide
D–3
TCO ‘99
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 bioaccumulative*
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.
Bioaccumulative is defined as substances which accumulate
within living organisms.
✎
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User’s Guide
TCO ‘99
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.
Cadmium is a heavy metal that is Bioaccumulative.
✎
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 there today is no commercially available alternative.
TCO aims on removing this exception when a mercury free
alternative is available.
Mercury is a heavy metal that is Bioaccumulative.
✎
User’s Guide
D–5
TCO ‘99
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.
Lead is a heavy metal that is Bioaccumulative.
✎
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User’s Guide
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