Monitor backlighting (Behind the monitor)

[Hoonigan]

I've noticed quite a few people have started to place lamps behind their monitors, so I was wondering, can anyone help me out in picking a decent lamp for behind my monitor?

Are there any thin lamps that would hide well?

What sort of wattage light do you guys use?

I have a 23" 16:9 Samsung monitor so hiding the lamp shouldn't be too much of an issue

Thanks in advance for any help you're willing to offer

[HSK]

Maybe I'd go for led strip lighting, i think that would be cooler than a lamp.

But the guys here will probably have a better idea.

[RRC]

Like the poster above me suggested, you should have a look at Led strip lighting, Ikea sell some called Dioder, they have a few different sizes and also feature a set that you can change the colour of the lights. Placing a light source behind your monitor can help reduce eye strain in low light conditions.

Here is a link - http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/search/?query=dioder+leds

[1stRaven]

That effect was done using a set of 5 30cm led strips off ebay. They all link together to run off a single switch and 13amp plug. Only issues I had was the length of the connecting wires between the strips.

Here is the seller I used - http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Lustrumligh...=p4634.c0.m322

[mycarsavw]

I use(d) these from Maplin. I only paid £24.99 though so it doesn't seem that much of a bargain now

[MadduckUK]

http://hacknmod.com/hack/diy-ambilight-for-your-laptop/

USB Ambilight JUST DO IT

[HSK]

Very funky project!

[Butcher]

That effect was done using a set of 5 30cm led strips off ebay. They all link together to run off a single switch and 13amp plug. Only issues I had was the length of the connecting wires between the strips.

Here is the seller I used - http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Lustrumligh...=p4634.c0.m322

Just grabbed a set of 6 from there, never really thought to try monitor back lighting before, I have a desk lamp pointed at the wall behind the monitor at the mo, this should be a bit better.

[Hoonigan]

LED strips are definitely the way to go by the looks of things, I'm gonna have a good look through that eBay store a few posts up once I get home from work.

Would that ambilight work with a standard monitor?

[MadduckUK]

LED strips are definitely the way to go by the looks of things, I'm gonna have a good look through that eBay store a few posts up once I get home from work.

Would that ambilight work with a standard monitor?

USB ambilight

[ristac]

I am liking that Maplin lighting

[Butcher]

Follow up, my LEDs arrived yesterday (next day shipping from ebay, I'm impressed), got them set up - looking pretty sweet.
Total wattage is 5W, gives about as much light as my desk lamp pointed up (running an 11W energy saver).

[ristac]

Follow up, my LEDs arrived yesterday (next day shipping from ebay, I'm impressed), got them set up - looking pretty sweet.
Total wattage is 5W, gives about as much light as my desk lamp pointed up (running an 11W energy saver).

Any pics?

[Butcher]

My card reader is broken atm, so can't transfer them.

[ristac]

My card reader is broken atm, so can't transfer them.

Thanks anyway, I think I might just be making a purchase soon anyway

[1stRaven]

Follow up, my LEDs arrived yesterday (next day shipping from ebay, I'm impressed), got them set up - looking pretty sweet.
Total wattage is 5W, gives about as much light as my desk lamp pointed up (running an 11W energy saver).

Did you go for cool white or warm white?