Clear Type Power Toy by MS

[eli]

Hello:

I'm wondering if readability can be enhanced by changing system-wide
settings toClear Type and fine tuning this for my system. At present, there
is some degree of blurriness with this setting in some applications and/or
sites.

Microsoft offers a Power Tool to fine tune such clear type settings.

http://www.microsoft.com/typography/ClearTypePowerToy.mspx.

Questions:

1)Would such a tool be of any use with a Dell E770s monitor which I believe
to be CRT type?

2) Once installed, can this program be readily uninstalled ?

3) The instructions read to uninstall any previous versions of this tool.
How can i determine if there are earlier versions of this power toy already
installed? Would they show up on the Add/Remove at the Control Panel?

Thanks in advance:

-Eli

Windows XP Professional Edition SP2

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

Eli

Clear Type applies to any Windows display, however, the changes to a CRT monitor are minimal.

The following article states: "With Windows XP, ClearType delivers improved font display resolution over
traditional anti-aliasing. It improves readability on color LCD monitors with a digital
interface, such as those in laptops and high-quality flat desktop displays. Readability on CRT
screens can also be somewhat improved."
http://www.microsoft.com/typography/cleartype/tuner/Step1.aspx

It can be uninstalled and will be listed in Add or Remove Programs as "ClearType Tuning Control Panel Applet."

 

[RHinNC]

My experience has been positive with an LCD display, and not so good with a
CRT.

 

[Dapper Dan]

Eli
I downloaded and installed CLEAR TYPE from Microsoft on my new 'puter last
winter. There was a noticeably and positive difference in appearance,
however I ended up uninstalling it because it caused some red "ghosting",
primarily on certain vertical letters. I believe this particular problem
would have been specific to the HP Pavilion brand because I have read some
pretty positive reports on Clear Type. Google it and see for yourself.

I believe it was designed for LCD screens. It is easily uninstalled if you
don't like it.

Hope this helps.

Dan

 

[TMitchell]

Thank you for that. I have it installed on my XP laptop and was
wondering why double 'l" letters appeared to have a red background.
Guess it's a small price to pay for the overall benefit though.

 

[eli]

Ronnie Vernon wrote:

<<<<
Clear Type applies to any Windows display, however, the changes to a CRT
monitor are minimal.

This is what I find odd. In my Dell E770--which I assume is a CRT
monitor--[Correct me if I'm wrong on this..] Clear Type has rather dramatic
effects. I first noticed this when IE 7 had Clear Type set in its browser.
Though this wasn't a system-wide setting.

When I tried applying it system-wide, I actually found that it improved
readability in some programs and/or sites, but it made others much too bold
and with somewhat of a blurring efect. I'm trying out different settings
on that Clear Type Power Tool now--so as to hopefully find a happy medium.
Thanks again:

-Eli

**********************************************************************

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

I've seen a wide range of results with CRT monitors. You're lucky that you are getting results like that. Let us know if you find that happy medium.

--

Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

Ronnie Vernon wrote:

<<<<
Clear Type applies to any Windows display, however, the changes to a CRT
monitor are minimal.

This is what I find odd. In my Dell E770--which I assume is a CRT
monitor--[Correct me if I'm wrong on this..] Clear Type has rather dramatic
effects. I first noticed this when IE 7 had Clear Type set in its browser.
Though this wasn't a system-wide setting.

When I tried applying it system-wide, I actually found that it improved
readability in some programs and/or sites, but it made others much too bold
and with somewhat of a blurring efect. I'm trying out different settings
on that Clear Type Power Tool now--so as to hopefully find a happy medium.
Thanks again:

-Eli

**********************************************************************

Thank you for that. I have it installed on my XP laptop and was wondering
why double 'l" letters appeared to have a red background. Guess it's a
small price to pay for the overall benefit though.

 

[Homer J. Simpson]

I've seen a wide range of results with CRT monitors. You're lucky that you

are getting results like that. Let us know if you find that happy medium.

Personally, I *always* enable ClearType, whether I'm using an LCD or a
CRT--no questions asked.

 

[eli]

Ronnie Vernon wrote:

<<<
I've seen a wide range of results with CRT monitors. You're lucky that you
are getting results like that. Let us know if you find that happy medium.
Seems I have. And thanks for the advice.. But there is one application I
use frequently which is much easier to read with Clear Type turned off.
With a Clear Type Power Toy shortcut in the Qick Launch toolbar, it takes
but a few seconds to turn it on and off--or to readjust the settings even
while several programs are running. Doesnt require restart of any kind.

Question:

Is it safe for the PC to make such frequent system-wide changes while
applications are running?

Thanks again...

-Eli

*************************************

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

No, something like initiating clear type should bother any running processes.

Glad you got this sorted. Enjoy.