Philips displays Brilliance with low-power monitors

The Brilliance monitors sense when a user has stepped away from the screen

Display vendor MMD has released a new line of Philips-branded monitors which the company claims can reduce power consumption by up to 70 per cent.

MMD said that the new Brilliance line of monitors will boost energy efficiency through the use of a new system which automatically powers down the monitor when the user steps away.

The monitors will be equipped with the company's PowerSensor infrared units. The sensors record when a user has stepped away from the screen and automatically place the screen into a sleep state. The monitor returns to its active state on sensing a user in front of the screen.

MMD hopes that the new system will help to dramatically reduce the overall power consumption for users, pointing out that monitors account for nearly half of the energy use for most PC systems.

"This technological breakthrough, combined with its ergonomic design, makes the monitor ideal for professionals working in monitor-intensive fields such as graphic design, architecture or publishing," said Thomas Schade, MMD's European vice president.

"Not only do these monitors help them to effortlessly conserve energy, but they help to avoid neck strain and eye fatigue at work."

The company said that pricing for the new line of LCDs will start at £209 for UK customers.