[net.cog-eng] VDT screen color

mel@houxm.UUCP (08/19/83)

I have been working daily at CRT's for 16 years or so (graphics and
alpha), and have had to use just about every color combination for
long periods.  I find the single colors very hard on the eyes.  A
pure green or blue gives me a headache almost instantly if I have to
really read what is presented (not just watching a demo).  I have the
same trouble with lighted advertising signs - a pure green or blue
seems to send the focus nerves off-scale.  A mixed phospher screen
seems to be much better (the usual "white" or the newer "yellow"
screens [although, I suppose either could also be made with a single
wave-length phospher, too.]).  From a health point of view, I suppose
that the single color phospher takes more energy (X-rays, ultra-violet,
and all that good for you stuff) to produce the same perceived contrast.
Does anyone have a data on this?  For the same reason, I would advocate
never using the dark letters on a lighted (radiating) background; but
wouldn't do that anyway because of the annoying dark border (and on most
screens, the 1st characters being right on the edge).
  Mel Haas  ,  houxm!mel