TV TOPICS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29554, 1 July 1961, Page 12

TV TOPICS

QUESTION: The other evening I was invited to sec a TV programme at mg neighbour's but was disappointed at the quality of the viewing. and ended up with a bad headache.

There was no lighting in the room other than from the screen and 1 understand there should have been. Coidd this have been the trouble! "E..“ Riccarton. ANSWER: Most probably also other contributing factors could have been the quality of the picture on 'he screen, and the position where you were viewing from. Television is an excellent medium of entertainment but if insufficient attention is given to the viewing of it. disappointment can easily result. Perfection is easy to achieve and a few moments snent ensuring the comfort of the viewer is well rewarded. Be would explain LIGHTING —Never view Television with the room in darkness as the eyes will become very tired and strained after a short period watching a bright screen against a dark background. A small light (not shining on the screen) will make ail the difference. Also, glance around the room occasionally as this will rest the eyes and reduce any strain of prolonged viewing. VIEWING POSITION. This will depend on the size of room, screen size and position of the Receiver. The picture should be able to be seen quite comfortably and clearly from ir. front of the Set and at eye level. Viewing can vary between individual persons so no specific distance can be given for any Set. Incorrect viewing position can be likened to the front 'or back rows or the extreme sides of a picture theatre, where sometimes a certain amount of discomfort and straining is caused.

THE PICTURE. As the eye is more sensitive than the ear. the picture must always be as near perfect M possible. The aerial and Installat’on must be correct and the controls of the set. especially brilliance and contrast. must be adjusted to the comfort of the viewer.

On occasions other factors have to be considered

For instance, a feu, persons. usually in the older ape group, may have to wear special glasses when viewing television. An optician can advise on this. Aho. where it is desired to cut down the whiteness on the screen and have less contrast a specially designed plastic screen cover can be fitted. Another factor we have found which brings discomfort to some of the viewers is that an owner of a set will invite a host of friends and neighbours into a small living room "to see our TV." Although possibly improving his prestige, it does not impress the poor fellow who has to sit on a hard stool at the back of a crowd. Briefly, there is no reason to suppose that watching TV will cause eye strain if the simple precautions mentioned are observed. When thinking of TV always consult a specialist. Cotter’s do all their own installations and servicing and are equipped to solve all your TV problems. Inspect the following leading brands and arrange for a demonstration Admiral. Autocrat, A. W.A.. Clipper. La Gloria. Philco. Philips.