1. What should I look for when monitor shopping?

2. What video card do you recommend for my ViewSonic monitor?

3. Which of your monitors can I use on my workstation?

4. What type of video inputs will your monitors work with?

5. Should I connect my monitor to a UPS (Uniterruptible Power Supply)?

6. Can I use a power strip to power my monitor?

7. Can I use an extension cable on my monitor's video cable?

8. Do I need a Plug & Play video card to use your Plug & Play monitors?

9. Do you have an updated .INF file for Windows '95 or '98?

1. What should I look for when monitor shopping?

The main hardware factors to consider are the screen size, the maximum refresh rate a monitor will support at the resolution you wish to run, your preference of type of screen (FST, Sonictron, Flat Screen CRT or LCD) and the number and type of image adjustment controls provided by the monitor (also look at the simplicity with which the image can be adjusted). With ViewSonic^® you have a choice of our E2^®, Graphics, Multimedia, Professional and ViewPanel^® Series monitors, in screen sizes ranging from 14" to 21".  More advanced models have additional features such as built-in USB hubs and loudspeakers.    Each series offers a unique range of capabilities and features so you can find a monitor that meets your needs and fits your budget.

When buying a monitor there are, in addition, intangible items that should not be overlooked. These include the warranty, and customer support put behind the monitor. ViewSonic carries a three-year warranty (on current production models) and has a highly trained customer support staff who will assist you in getting the most from your ViewSonic product. In addition, we also have our exclusive Express Exchange^® program to minimize your down-time in the event of a product failure.

Health and safety issues should also be considered. Although there is no conclusive evidence of health risks, it is prudent to minimise exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields from your display equipment. All current ViewSonic  monitors comply with MPRII radiation standards, and many models also comply with the stricter TCO '95 & '99 standards. All of our models exceed current safety standards and are CE marked.

2. What video card do you recommend for my ViewSonic monitor?

We do not make specific recommendations for video cards, however, the card you choose should match the capabilities of your monitor to get the most for your money. For instance, if you have a E721, which will support 1024x768 resolution at a maximum refresh rate of 86Hz, you will not want a low-end video card that will not provide at least 75 Hz refresh rate at this resolution.  Note that working at a higher resolution will require more memory on the card to handle high color depths.

As far as compatibility goes, there are set timing parameters agreed to by VESA^® (Video Electronics Standards Association) and other industry norms that both monitor and video card manufacturers adhere to in order to prevent hardware conflicts. All ViewSonic monitors are designed to operate under VESA and Industry standard timings.

3. Which of your monitors can I use on my workstation?

It depends. If you are working on a Sun^® Workstation we do have an adapter available to match Sun's video output. This adapter (part number SW1152) can be ordered directly from ViewSonic. For other workstations, compatibility is dependent upon the timing of the video signal.

4. What type of video inputs will your monitors work with?

All ViewSonic CRT monitors accept analog RGB signals with black at zero volts and white at 0.7 volts. In addition, several models will also operate on a zero to one volt range. The horizontal and vertical synchronization signals may be one of three types: separate, composite or sync-on-green. These timing signals are assumed to be at transistor-transistor logic (TTL) levels (except sync-on-green). All ViewSonic monitors can operate with separate horizontal and vertical synchronization signals. Check your User's Guide or call us to see whether your monitor can also accept a composite or sync-on-green timing signal.

If the video signal from your computer is as described above, the timing of the signal falls within the VESA^® or Industry standard timing patterns, and the horizontal and vertical scanning rates are within the operating range of your monitor, you should not have any compatibility problems. Also look at the output port of the graphics adapter. If it is a 15-pin mini D-Sub connection no other adapter is needed. Otherwise a custom adapter to convert your graphics card output to 15-pin mini D-sub (or BNC if your monitor has the capability) is required. The ViewSonic VPD range of Digital LCD monitors use a 20-pin MDR connector and are DFP (panel link) compliant.

5. Should I connect my monitor to a UPS (Uniterruptible Power Supply)?

Probably. If you have a UPS for your computer, you will only want critical equipment connected to it, to prolong backup time if there is an extended power failure. Typically you will want to connect only the computer and monitor to a UPS. Printers draw a lot of power when they are operating, and for the most part are not critical during a power outage. In addition, a good UPS will protect your monitor from dangerous spikes and drops as well as surges and brown-outs experienced in many residential and commercial power lines. If you choose to use a UPS, be sure to size the unit properly for the load it will be supporting.

6. Can I use a power strip to power my monitor?

Some power strips will protect against most line voltage spikes, but be sure not to run too many devices on the power strip or connect several strips to a single wall outlet. Also, do not use the surge protector as a master switch to turn on your entire system. To avoid possible synchronization problems between your monitor and video card, it is best to turn your monitor on a few seconds before powering up your CPU.

7. Can I use an extension cable on my monitor's video cable?

Maybe. Low-quality extension cables may cause an echo effect resulting in an outline of images on your screen (called a ghosting effect). The reason being, the connector and added cable length increase the impedance seen by the video signal. This increase in impedance creates a mismatch between the signal that the video card sends and what the monitor receives causing a portion of the signal to "bounce" back and forth in the video cable. We do carry a high-quality, shielded, low-impedance extension cable. However, a single-piece cord is a better solution. Image degradation should be expected with cable lengths of twelve feet or more.

8. Do I need a Plug & Play video card to use your Plug & Play monitors?

All ViewSonic monitors are Plug & Play, that is they do produce Data Display Channel (DDC) signal for Plug & Play graphics cards.  If you want to take full advantage of a Plug & Play operating system such as Windows^® '95 or '98, use a Plug & Play card.  It is not required, if you just want a monitor that works and you don't mind configuring your system's video parameters manually.

9. Do you have an updated .INF file for Windows '95 or '98?

Yes. Download the self-extracting file VSINF.EXE from our file area, decompress it, and run the INSTALL.EXE program to update your Windows '95 Monitor .INF file. This program also includes a Display Data Channel test for your monitor and video card.