[NTLUG:Discuss] Monitor Unsync [might be OT]

[Darin W. Smith]

On Thu, 5 Jun 2003 09:31:11 -0600, Kyle Davenport 
<Kyle_Davenport at compusa.com> wrote:

>
> I have a Dell Ultrasharp 20" LCD (1600x1200 DVI - quite a deal at $900),
> and I have to agree the refresh rate (which must be 60 Hz for LCD's, 
> IIRC)
> below 75 does not apply.   The LCD is much easier on the eyes.  It is 
> also
> noticably sharper and clearer than any CRT I've seen, including my
> Viewsonic P815.
>
> Kyle
>

Sharpness will be related to the pixel spacing (dot pitch).  I agree that 
the refresh rate is not a problem with LCDs.  I've been quite happy with 
mine.

One thing that is very helpful with LCD's is sub-pixel anti-aliasing of 
fonts.  If you aren't using this and you run on an LCD display (whether a 
notebook or stand-alone), you definitely should try it out.  M$ calls their 
implementation of this "ClearType" but the X font server can do something 
similar.  Basically, it takes advantage of the fact that the sub-pixels 
make up a pixel in one of two ways on any LCD screen: RGB or BGR alignment, 
and this fact can be used to effectively triple horizontal resolution for 
the anti-aliasing algorithm.  It works to best effect with black-on-white 
or white-on-black (high contrast)...but fortunately, that is what you are 
dealing with most of the time with fonts.

>From the XFree86 FAQ:

Use the following in your XftConfig to anti-alias only fonts of specific 
sizes:

 match any size > 8 any size < 15 edit antialias = false;

I have a LCD screen, can I use subpixel hinting instead of normal anti- 
aliasing?

Yes you can. Subpixel hinting uses colors instead of gray pixels to do the 
AA.  Try:

 match edit rgba=bgr;
    or use rgb if you have a different type of monitor. For vertical AA you 
can try vbgr and vbgr.


BTW, only use vertical AA if your pixels are oriented vertically...like if 
you have a portrait layout LCD.  Most everyone will need horizontal AA.

You'll have to play with the range of font sizes you want to antialias to 
decide what works best for your eyes.  It can make the edges blurry and 
cause eye strain, since your eyes try to adapt and focus, but can't.

-- 
D!
Darin W. Smith
AIM: JediGrover