How LCD and Laptop manufacturers have got it wrong with 'Shiny' (glossy) screens
Introduction
In recent years (from 2008 onwards), display and laptop manufacturers have started to sell products with a 'shiny' glossy LCD panels. Their claim is the glossiness increases the contrast ratio of the panel.
Their claims
Manufaturers claim that glossy panels give more contrast. However, this is only due to the perception of the human eye. A shiny surface gives the impression of higher quality and refinement - and thus, the image displayed on the screen is 'uplifted'. Compared to the 'reflected' light off the shiny surface, the colours on the displayed image is perceived to be more vibrant.
The issue with these shiny displays is they do not offer any more contrast or colour vibrancy than an equivalent non-glossy display panel.
Problems
The problems with these glossy panels are obvious - reflections and glare from nearby light sources interfere with the display picture. In some conditions, it is as bad as staring into a mirror.
The only way of significantly reducing the glare is to use the display in a very dark environment. However, as most people will discover, even in the darkest of conditions, the reflection of the viewer's face will still persist.
The high reflectivity and glare from these screens are not conducive to an ergonomic working environment. If you find yourself sitting at a peculiar angle to avoid the reflections, you'll know exactly what this means.
Boycott shiny LCDs
Send manufacturers a message - Glossy LCD panels are not ergonomic!
Don't buy LCD displays or laptops with glossy screens. Once manufacturers realise that sales of glossy-screened products is less, they will reduce production, which in turn will benefit consumers.