http://www.isochroma.com/Testfiles/Misc/AVS/rgb_closeup.jpg (http://www.isochroma.com/Testfiles/Misc/AVS/cutaway.jpg) http://www.isochroma.com/Testfiles/Misc/AVS/ciechart_thumb.jpg (http://www.isochroma.com/Testfiles/Misc/AVS/ciechart.jpg)
Luxeon LEDs for LCD backlighting (http://www.lumileds.com/solutions/solution.cfm?id=2)


This thread is for news about technological advancements in LCD TVs and LCD technology in general. It will be regularly updated with relevant news about leading-edge advancements in such areas as:

▪ Backlighting
▪ Contrast Ratio / Black Level
▪ Resolution
▪ Size
▪ Response Speed
▪ Chipset & I/O Design
In particular, this thread is intended to become an ongoing record of the state of the art in LCD technology.

Other threads in this group on the AVS Forum:

▪ LCD TVs: Fab News Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7715141#post7715141)
▪ LCD TVs: Market Price Stats Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=681034)

▪ Plasma TVs: Market Decline Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10272649)

▪ OLED TVs: Technology Advancements Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7714953#post7714953)
▪ TDEL TVs: Technology Advancements Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7837136#post7837136)
--------------------------------------

SAMSUNG Launches Largest LCD On The Market; Lights The Way For Next-Gen Displays With First-Ever LCD HDTV With An LED Back Light (http://www.samsung.com/PressCenter/PressRelease/PressRelease.asp?seq=20050106_0000090601)
6 January 2005


http://www.hdtvexpert.com/images/Figure%203a%20CES%202005.jpg

[/URL]
57” LNR570D is Largest Built-in HDTV LCD Available Today; CES Innovations Awards Honor LNR460D Widescreen HDTV LCD with LED Back Light and LNR409D Widescreen HDTV LCD with Flat Fluorescent Lamp

Las Vegas, NV - Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a world leader in display technology and innovation, launches the LCD market to the next level with its most ambitious LCD TV line ever. Anchored by the world's largest high-definition LCD TV, the 1080p 57” LNR570D Widescreen LCD HDTV, the new line also features two CES Innovations Award-winning products: the 46” LNR460D, which employs the very first LCD HDTV LED backlight, and the 40” LNR409D, the first LCD to feature a Flat Fluorescent Lamp. Samsung's not-to-be-missed LCD TV line will be on display during CES 2005 in the Samsung booth, #11024 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 6th - 9th.

“Samsung is known for it's LCD innovation, and the advanced production techniques at our world's-first Generation 7 LCD fabrication facility have produced a line of LCDs that are unparalleled in performance,” said Jonas Tanenbaum, Senior Marketing Manager of Flat Panel and Direct View Products for Samsung Electronics America. “Samsung is taking a lead in not only making large LCD screens more affordable, but in pushing the size and technology envelopes to give consumers to the best performing, most enhanced picture solutions available today.”

The 57” LNR570D Widescreen LCD HDTV reinforces Samsung's technology leadership with a host of features that make the set a must-have for the A/V elite. The largest consumer LCD HDTV on the market, the LNR570D features a built-in ATSC Tuner, Cable CARD and state-of-the-art video reproduction capabilities. True high resolution with 1920 x 1080 progressive scanning displays today's digital video in stunning 6.2-million pixel clarity. With high brightness (600cd), a high response time (faster than 8ms) and a contrast ratio greater than 1000:1, the top-of-the-line LCD HDTV offers matchless color precision and video playback that is smooth without blurring.

The outstanding 176 degree H/V viewing angle ensures picture perfect entertainment from anywhere in the room. For added performance and convenience, the LNR570D features Samsung's patented, proprietary DNIe technology for superior picture and Samsung AnyNet for home networking. A sleek, modern design makes the set the ideal centerpiece in any setting requiring ultra-high resolution, from the living room to the boardroom. The LNR570D Widescreen LCD HDTV will be available in June 2005 for an MSRP of $15,999.

The 46” LNR460D Widescreen LCD HDTV with LED Back Light cements Samsung's status at the forefront of the high-end home theater market. An Innovations Award Honoree, the LNR460D is the world's first LCD HDTV to feature the LED back light unit. This innovation provides outstanding color reproduction beyond that of a conventional LCD panel. Samsung's new screen technology results in a significantly increased NTSC color gamut (105%, compared with 72% for typical fluorescent backlit LCD TVs.) This expanded color range along with high brightness (500cd), a high contrast ratio (greater than 1000:1) and the ultimate resolution (1920 x 1080p) provide show-stopping image vividness and stunning detail. A large 170-degree H/V viewing angle makes the LNR460D a true home-theater masterpiece. The LNR460D Widescreen LCD HDTV with LED Back Light will be available in May 2005 for an MSRP of $12,999.

Samsung's 40” LNR409D Widescreen LCD HDTV, also an Innovations Award Honoree, makes history as the first LCD to feature a Flat Fluorescent Lamp (FFL) Back Light Unit. Developed in a joint effort between Samsung and Corning Ltd., the FFL enhances brightness and light uniformity. Featuring a new 40” S-PVA (Super Patterned Vertical Alignment) panel, the LNR409D provides a best-in-class 3000:1 contrast ratio and the widest gradation of colors available in an LCD (3.2 billion) to deliver a breathtaking picture over a wide color range. A built-in ATSC digital TV tuner and a cable card slot render along with Samsung's AnyNetä technology provides convenient home theater networking. The LNR409D Widescreen LCD HDTV with Flat Fluorescent Lamp will be available in May 2005 for an MSRP of $5,999.

Samsung completes its line of high-end LCD televisions with the 40” LNR408D LCD HDTV and the 32” LNR328W Widescreen LCD HDTV Monitor. Both models feature 3000:1 dynamic contrast ratios (the highest available in an LCD) and a fast response time (12ms) for superb picture playback and color vibrancy on a 16:9 screen. The LNR408D Widescreen LCD HDTV will be available in July 2005 for an MSRP of $5,499. The LNR328W Widescreen LCD HDTV Monitor will be available in May 2005 for an MSRP of $2,999.

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[URL=http://www.infoworld.com/article/05/09/21/HNledbacklights_1.html?PERIPHERALS]Top LCD maker bets research on LED backlights (http://www.extremetech.com/slideshow/0,1206,l=&s=1021&a=142390,00.asp)
21 September 2005

AU Optronics, the world's third largest maker of LCD (liquid crystal display) screens, is aiming most of its research dollars at LED (light emitting diode) technology for its sharper contrasts and brighter colors, an executive at the company said Tuesday.

The Taiwanese company is already providing 23-inch LCD screens with LED backlights to a major Japanese customer for the LCD-TV market. Backlighting helps create contrast on LCD screens by illuminating the background so that the foreground appears sharper.

“We have worked very diligently with LED makers on these television displays,” said Po-Yen Lu, an executive vice president at AU, during a meeting with news media.

Although LED backlighting costs a bit more than mainstream backlighting, Lu said its better contrast and motion picture color quality has won it a following among some customers. The backlight technology probably won't become widespread until the company is able to double its production capacity and slash the price per screen by half, he said.

The company is also working with OLED (organic LED) screens for smaller devices, mainly mobile phones and digital cameras. The company is already marketing 2-inch and 2.4-inch OLED screens for mobile phones, as well as a 2-inch screen for digital still cameras.

AU has no current plans to research carbon nanotubes because it will take a long time for the technology to become commercialized, Lu said.

OLED technology competes with LCD technology in many markets, but mainly in smaller devices since OLED screens use less power, enabling batteries to last longer.

During the second quarter, shipments of OLED panels grew 82 percent compared to last year to 14.2 million units and revenue hit US$124.8 million, according to market researcher DisplaySearch. The popularity of MP3 players is boosting OLEDs the most, the company said.

By contrast, LCD maintained its huge lead on other display technologies in the second quarter, as LCD monitor revenue alone rose to US$7.7 billion in the second quarter, DisplaySearch said.

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Westinghouse Digital Showcases First Ultra High Resolution 56-inch LCD at CES 2006 (https://www.westinghousedigital.com/t-Press_Release_56inchLCD-01-05-06.aspx)
5 January 2006


http://www.engadget.com/media/2006/01/west.jpg


CES 2006, LVCC South Hall, Booth #26430 – Westinghouse Digital Electronics, one of the top five LCD TV manufacturers in the U.S.*, will demonstrate the world’s largest ultra high resolution LCD, a 56-inch LCD featuring eight million pixels with a resolution of 3840x2160—four times the highest HDTV resolution currently available—as well as showcase its latest product innovations in the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, booth #26430, Jan. 5-8, 2006.
The 56-inch panel features:
? 3840x2160 resolution, four times 1080p—the highest resolution currently available for HDTV—or eight million pixels.

? Industry-leading 8-millisecond response time delivers clear images for fast action in motion video games, movies and sports.

? Ultra-bright 600-nit display and 1000:1 contrast ratio deliver vivid colors and bright images even in harsh lighting conditions.

? Advanced color gamut to display the broadest possible range of color.
Westinghouse Digital will be the first to commercially introduce an LCD with this resolution in the U.S. It will enable high-end applications in fields including government, military, aerospace, medical and digital content creation. Other high-end applications include multifunction home entertainment systems, connection to high quality digital still and video cameras, and high-end specialty uses for high-resolution graphic displays such as medical video cameras or satellite picture displays.

“This is the world’s highest resolution LCD and demonstrates Westinghouse Digital’s leadership in bringing technological innovations to market,” said Richard Houng, CEO of Westinghouse Digital Electronics. “We will be the first to commercialize an LCD display with this resolution.”

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SAMSUNG Electronics Shines A New Light On LCD - Unveils World's First 82" LCD TV With LED Backlight (http://www.samsung.com/PressCenter/PressRelease/PressRelease.asp?seq=20060106_0000223498)
5 January 2006


http://www.engadget.com/media/2006/03/CIMG7329.JPG


LAS VEGAS - January 5, 2006 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the leading producer of televisions worldwide, today unveils a 82" LCD TV with LED backlight - the world's largest of its kind - here at CES 2006. This new model offers dramatically improved performance and viewing angle while decreasing thickness and power usage.

The 82" LCD TV with LED backlight (model LN-S8297DE) enlarges the color reproduction area by more than 33 percent compared to conventional LCD TVs. Dynamic Contrast technology, Samsung's proprietary contrast enhancement technology, allows for a high contrast ratio of 7000:1. In addition, the LN-S8297DE is a next-generation, environment-friendly product that does not use mercury.

This new model provides TV viewers with a clear view from virtually every viewing angle, solving a long-running problem with LCD screens. At the same time, it is thinner and consumes less power than other conventional LCD TVs with LED backlight. Moreover, Samsung's exclusive LCD TV circuit technology eliminates the need for a cooling fan, which can pull dust into the TV and creates noise.

"Samsung's LCD leadership goes beyond our ability to offer the world's largest display panels - we constantly strive to improve every aspect of the home entertainment experience," said Sang-heung Shin, VP of Marketing for Samsung's Visual Display division. "This advanced LCD technology with LED backlight improves viewing angle and color reproduction area, while simultaneously decreasing thickness and power usage. These innovations will help Samsung to strengthen its position as a leader in digital TVs."

Providing the highest visual quality, Samsung's 82" LCD TV with LED backlight supports full HD (1920x1080p) is equipped with Samsung's DNIe chip, which enhances picture quality for the best performance in the industry. This new Samsung LCD TV also has a fast response time of 8ms.

The audio quality of the Samsung 82" LCD TV with LED backlight is unsurpassed. The TV comes with SRS Trusurround XT, reproducing 6.1 channel sound and Dolby Digital.

In addition, the built-in HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) ensures that images and sounds from digital set-top boxes are reproduced without picture quality loss.

Price and availability are not yet determined

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The world’s most advanced LCD TV - 56-inch and 3840 x 2160 pixels (http://www.gizmag.com/go/5257/)
24 February 2006


http://www.zive.sk/Files/Obrazky/art/2006/hardware/LCD/QHDTV-CMO.jpg


Taiwanese Chi Mei Optoelectronics is a name you may not know, despite the company being the third largest LCD TV panel supplier in the world. At CEBIT in Hannover in mid-March, the company will display the world’s first 56-inch LCD TV panel. Perhaps more startling than the size of the mega-telly is the definition which is known as Quad Full High Definition (QFHD) with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels and an astonishing 8.29 million pixels.

The new panel features resolution that is four times that of currently available products (1920 x 1080), and the highest ever achieved. The new panel consists of over 24.8 million units of transistors, with a data transmission speed of over 1.4 gigabytes per second.

To achieve this breakthrough result, the Chi Mei Optoelectronics research and development team overcame a number of significant technical challenges, including the development of special new driver methods and scanning procedures and solving massive heat generation problems caused by the alignment of so many transistors.

The company points out that the technical challenges were not only in developing a larger sized LCD panel, but also in developing the 4x increase in screen resolution.

“In the future, LCD screen size alone will no longer be the technical threshold nor the development focus of display panel makers,” said Chi Mei Optoelectronics President Mr. Jau-Yang Ho. From now on, all LCD manufacturers must shift to increasing the consumer experience on LCD display by using greater screen resolution and more advanced technology,” he said.

Chi Mei Optoelectronics believes that display data load will increase exponentially, due both to technology development and the continuing convergence of 3C (computer, communication and consumer electronics) trends. As a result, demand for displays with high-speed data processing capabilities will also increase dramatically.

Chi Mei Optoelectronics’ new flagship 56-inch LCD panels can be applied in a number of high-end applications. They will be perfect for ultra high-end multi-functional home entertainment systems, in which they can provide consumers the superior performance of digital TV and to connect with high quality digital still and video cameras, to provide consumers with luxurious home theater experience. Alternately, the 56-inch QFHD displays can be applied in high-end specialty uses for high-resolution graphic display such as in medical video camera or satellite picture displays.

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SAMSUNG Develops World’s Largest (82”) Full HDTV TFT-LCD (http://www.samsung.com/PressCenter/PressRelease/PressRelease.asp?seq=20050307_0000101589)
7 March 2005


http://ed-china.com/ARTICLES/2006MAR/1/2006MAR01_HA_OPT_OT_1033F1.JPG


Samsung Electronics, the leading provider of TFT-LCD display panels, announced that it has developed the world's largest 82-inch TFT-LCD. This full HD image quality TFT-LCD panel was developed at the company's new production complex in Tangjeong, Korea. The soon-to-be operational 7th-generation production facility uses glass substrates that measure 1.87m x 2.20m.

Samsung has made a series of breakthroughs in TFT-LCD technology ahead of the competition over the years. The company developed the first 40-inch model in August 2001, the first 46-inch panel in October 2002, the first 57-inch model in December 2003 and now the first 82-inch panel.

At its 7th-generation Line 7-1, Samsung can produce two 82-inch panels from a single substrate. Previously, technological limitations prevented the development of LCDs of this size and competitive technologies, such as PDP and DLP technologies, were used to produce such large-sized panels.

Samsung's latest large-screen TFT-LCD offers a variety of features. The company applied its patented Super Patterned-ITO Vertical Alignment (S-PVA) technology to achieve extra-wide viewing angles. In addition, the product boasts a low-dispersion color filter and ultra high aperture ratio, achieving a contrast ratio of at least 1200:1 and brightness of 600nit (cd/m2). Response times are at 8ms or faster, providing clear moving picture images. A high-color-saturation backlight raises color saturation to 92% to produce a premium image quality.

Sang Soo Kim, Senior Vice President and Head of the LCD Development Center, states, “Our 82-inch LCD panel proves Samsung Electronics' technological leadership. It uses our proprietary S-PVA technology, eliminating distortion from all angles and offers a 180-degree viewing angle. With this panel, we have achieved the world's best performance in terms of contrast ratio, viewing angle and color saturation.”

Samsung is set to begin operations at the world's first 7th-generation TFT-LCD production line at Tangjeong, Korea. This facility can be used to produce the company's full line-up of LCD modules for TV: from 23-inch (24 per substrate), 26-inch (18 per substrate) and 32-inch (12 per substrate) to 40-inch (8 per substrate) and 46-inch (6 per substrate).

Samsung Electronics is at least one year ahead of the competition in terms of using 7 th -generation production technology to make modules of 40 inches, 46 inches and 57 inches. It is therefore in a position to take an early lead in the fast-growing market for large-screen, wall-hanging TVs.

The development of the 82-inch TFT-LCD marks the smooth launch of Samsung's and Sony's joint venture in S-LCD. The 7th-generation line will begin mass production at the end of March.

Samsung Electronics will unveil its 82-inch TFT-LCD at CeBIT 2005, which opens in Hannover, Germany on March 10.

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LG.Philips Develops 100-Inch LCD (http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/tech/200603/kt2006030818081211780.htm)
8 March 2006


http://photo.hankooki.com/newsphoto/2006/03/08/kt2200603081813480t1.jpg

Models demonstrate the world’s largest 100-inch liquid crystal display panel made by
LG.Philips LCD at an unveiling ceremony at the firm’s plant in Paju, Kyonggi Province, Wednesday.

LG.Philips LCD Wednesday took the wraps off a 100-inch thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panel, which the company claims is the largest in the world.

The model developed by the world’s runner-up LCD producer is about 1.5 times bigger than the previously largest 82-inch product of Samsung Electronics, the global top player.

“Our development of the 100-inch LCD panel reaffirms LG.Philips LCD is the global leader in large-area LCD technology,’’ the firm’s vice president Yeo Sang-deog said.

“Technological advances for large-area LCD TVs, such as the 100-inch LCD, will act as a catalyst that accelerates demands for high-quality and large screens,’’ he added.

Developed at the company’s seventh-generation production lines at Paju, Kyonggi Province, the high-feature panel is a wide screen (16:9) with its width and height amounting to 2.2 meters and 1.2 meters, respectively.

The high-definition model, which offers 6.22 million pixels and can produce 1.07 billion colors, boasts a response speed faster than 5 milliseconds.

That means the amount of time it takes for the LCD TV’s liquid crystal cell to go from black to white is 5 milliseconds, lower than previous norm of double-digit milliseconds.

Lower numbers represent faster transitions and therefore less visible image artifacts. Monitors will not create a smear or blur pattern around moving objects.

The LCD panel of LG.Philips LCD, the joint venture between LG Electronics and Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands, also has a maximum 3,000:1 contrast ratio and 180-degree viewing angle.

The contrast ratio means that the brightest color on the screen is 3,000 times brighter than the darkest color that the panel is capable of displaying simultaneously. The higher the ratio is, the better the display is.

In addition, the wide viewing angle shows that the images on the monitor will be vivid to watchers at any angle.

The 100-inch model is expected to maintain the summit place for the time being because Samsung Electronics, the cross-town rival of LG.Philips LCD, has no scheme to challenge the product.

Samsung, which developed the previously biggest 82-inch LCD panel last year, has been touted as arguably the only candidate posing a threat to LG.Philips for biggest LCD.

“We are not researching any LCD panel larger than 82 inches diagonally and have no plan to develop at the moment,’’ Samsung spokesman Shin Young-jun said.

The remark sharply contrasts to that of Samsung’s executive vice president, Kim Sang-soo, who expressed confidence in producing mega-sized LCD at an unveiling event of the 82-inch item in March 2005.

“Making a 97-inch model is just a matter of time. There is virtually no technical limitation for producing LCD larger than 82 inches,’’ Kim said at the time.

Battle for Biggest LCD

LG.Philips originally took the driver’s seat in the battle for the biggest LCD by creating a 52-inch panel in December 2002 and a 55-inch one in October 2003 for the first time in history.

Samsung then surprised the world with a 57-inch LCD in December 2003 and a 82-inch product in March 2005.

LG.Philips took the upper hand once again with the 100-inch item, previously regarded as impossible for relatively small size-specific LCD in comparison to the plasma display panel (PDP).

LCD is the first offspring of the flat-screen family, which eroded the long-time dominance of the bulky cube-based monitor that causes eye strain and consumes a lot of power.

As the technology opened the door to flat-panel displays with outstanding advantages, another high-end screen PDP was also brought into the game.

Unlike the fat cube-based TVs, both LCD and PDP are of sleek appearance as they show images via liquid crystal or plasma, which are sandwiched between two thin glass plates.

Technologically, PDP is suitable for large-sized screens since it is difficult to trap plasma between two small plates. By contrast, LCD does not go well with large monitors due to the properties of liquid crystal.

As a result, experts have expected LCD would be the mainstream product for the small screen while PDP would be predominant in the market for screens larger than 40-inches.

However, the uphill battle between Korea’s dynamic duo _ LG.Philips and Samsung _ has worked in the favor of LCD by trimming its price and adding seamless technological advances.

The 100-inch LCD is merely three inches shy of the biggest 103-inch PDP monitor, unveiled by Japan’s Panasonic earlier this year.

LCD prices halved last year to the level of LCD thanks to technological progresses and rivalry in the 40-plus inch LCD panels market, the major battlefield between the two flat-panel products,.

The prices of large-area LCD panels are likely to drop rapidly this year and beyond, while PDP prices will most probably fall at a snail’s pace.

Market observers predict LCD will maintain its competitiveness in even 50-inch display markets, which they initially thought would be flatly dominated by PDP.

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Delta Accelerating LED and FFL BLU Development (http://www.displaybank.com/eng2004/news/index.php?chk_date=2006-05-22)
22 May 2006

Delta Electronics, Taiwan's CCFL manufacturer, has set up an R&D team to develop LED backlight technology and has already delivered some samples to customers, according to company chairman Bruce Cheng.

LEDs may continue to face difficulty in replacing CCFLs as a major backlight source for general LCD displays for the coming four to five years, Cheng commented. However, as LEDs are seen as the future technology for mainstream backlights, Delta considers its initial investments in the area as a first step in a long-term investment, Cheng noted.

Delta currently reaches a CCFL capacity of about 500,000 units per month, according to Cheng. By the end of 2006, when its capacity expansion plan is fulfilled, monthly capacity will extend to 19.5 million CCFL units, said Cheng.

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New Concept LCD Drive Chip Developed (http://www.displaybank.com/eng2004/news/sread.php?id=1462)
23 May 2006

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy announced yesterday that a domestic venture company has developed a new-concept LCD driver IC (LDI) allowing a reduction of 30% in costs.

The new concept LDI of TLI Inc., a semiconductor design specialist, improves processing speed significantly through higher transmission efficiency, and also allows direct attachment to a panel.

By adopting ternary lines differential signaling (TLDS) technology, which transmits signals through three lines, the LDI delivers significantly improved processing speed with almost 1.7 times higher efficiency per line than the conventional series transmission method using two lines, and this means added value in technology and economy.

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Samung Electronics may use LEDs in LCD monitor (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20060523A6029.html)
23 May 2006

Samsung Electronics may introduce LCD monitors that features LED backlighting, according to industry sources. In addition, ViewSonic is also considering marketing LED monitors, the sources added.

However, Taiwan-based backlight units (BLU) makers are still conservative about the prospects of using LED backlighting in LCD monitors, as the production costs are still too high compared with conventional CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) backlighting, the makers commented.

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LED backlighting for TVs coming faster than anticipated, says Insight Media (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20060526PR204.html)
26 May 2006


http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/20060526PR204_files/4.gif


Conventional wisdom sees LED based backlights not making significant inroads into large screen LCD TVs until 2009 or so. But based on analysis done by Insight Media, LED backlighting will be adopted much faster than previously thought.

Driving this conclusion are several factors. First, development of high-brightness LEDs is occurring even faster than earlier aggressive forecasts. These developments promise brighter, more compact LEDs. This will in turn, enable the use of edge-illuminated backlight methods – even for large area LCD TVs. Many developers are focused on direct LED backlights, which will become price-performance competitive any time soon. Edge-illuminated backlights require fewer LEDs, and if forecasts for performance improvements hold true, they will become cost competitive with CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamps) sooner rather than later.

A third factor is the groundswell of backlight innovation currently underway to replace films and other light management structures. The combination of these three factors is now likely to lead to cost-competitive LED backlight units by 2007 in 32-inch LCD TVs, with larger sizes competitive in the following years. Couple this with the possibility of a company making a strategic decision to convert to LED backlights, and the factors are all in place to enable a rapid transition away from CCFL to LED-based backlight units (BLUs) beginning in 2008.

Intelligent backlights, particularly dimmable versions, will also make faster in-roads than commonly expected. Additionally, industry growth and technology changes will create headaches for CCFL BLU makers. CCFL shortages are likely to develop in 2007 because CCFL makers will be reluctant to invest in capacity that won't be needed after the transition to LEDs.

The following graph shows the backlight shipments forecast for the 40-44-inch segment by backlight technology through 2010, with the expected penetration of LEDs into the market. While CCFL will continue to be an important and substantial backlight technology, the bulk of the growth after 2009 will be in LED based backlights.

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Osram: Efficiency of LED-BLUs to approach that of CCFL starting in 2007 (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20060526A5023.html)
26 May 2006

Osram anticipates the growing adoption of LEDs as a blacklight unit (BLU) light source due to an anticipated increase in LED efficiency, according to Ludwig Ploetz, application engineering manager (OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH) at Osram, on a May 25 2006 Taiwan FPD International Conference event.

Ploetz expects the efficiency of LED-based BLUs to approach that of cold cathode fluorescent lamp- (CCFL-) BLUs starting in 2007. The battery life of a LED-based BLU panel notebook could be extended by 2.5 times, he pointed out. Costs of LED-based products should also decrease with the adoption of high performance LED chips, he said.

LED-based BLUs meet RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) requirements, Ploetz pointed out. Heat dissipation and color gamut, however, could be still improved, he said.

According to statistics from Insight Media, LED-based BLUs will be used in only 40- to 44-inch LCD TVs from 2007.

The Samsung 57" is now reality. MSRP of $10k.

http://www.samsung.com/Products/TV/LCDTV/LNS5797DXXAA.asp

Reports of it being seen Magnolia Stores in Calif the past week with amazing PQ. :)

Proton highlights large-size LED backlit LCD TV at Computex 2006 (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20060606PR205.html)
6 June 2006

http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/20060606PR205_files/1_b.jpg

Proton's 42-inch LCD TV with LED backlighting technology.

http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/20060606PR205_files/2_b.jpg

Proton debuts 32-inch LCD TV featuring LED backlighting source at Computex.

Proton Electronic Industrial is debuting its 32-and 42-inch LCD TVs using LED as backlighting sources at the ongoing Computex 2006 show in June 6-10, according to the company.

Proton plans to volume produce the two models in the third quarter of this year, the company stated. The company has not detailed suggested prices.

Featuring a 6.5ms response time, the 42-inch LCD TV has resolution of 1,920x1,080, contrast ratio of 1,200:1 and brightness of 500 nits. The 32-inch model features resolution of 1,366x768, brightness of 550 nits, contrast ratio of 1,000:1. The 32-inch TV also has response time of 8ms and viewing angle of 176 degree (vertical/ horizontal), noted Proton.

LED backlighting has become more and more popular in the LCD TV market as opposed to its alternative cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs). Sony recently also showcased a prototype of 82-inch TV using LED backlighting, which Sony also uses in some of its 40- and 46-inch models.

In late 2005, Opto-Electronics & Systems (OES) Laboratories under the government-sponsored Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) demonstrated a 42-inch LCD TV that used LED backlighting, with each LED delivering 25 lumen per watt. Mass production of the backlight unit (BLU) for 42-inch LCD TVs will commence in 2007, the research institute said.

During Computex Taiepi 2006, Proton will also highlight 55-inch HD (high-definition) LCD TV which it debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) (January 5-8) in Las Vegas. The full line of Proton's LCD TVs will be presented at booth G526,G528,G625,G627 in Hall 3.

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AUO promises CRT quality from an LCD (http://www.hdbeat.com/2006/06/13/auo-promises-crt-quality-from-an-lcd/)
13 June 2006


http://www.hdbeat.com/media/2006/06/auodiagram.jpg


AUO is showing off their new LCD technology this week at the FPD Taiwan 2006 show. They already improved conventional CCFL backlighting, but their new HiColor Technology with RGB LED backlight ups the available NTSC color gamut from 72% to 105%, eliminating one of the major complaints about LCDs. Their new Simulated Pulse Driving technology improves gray-to-gray refresh rates to 4ms, giving what they claim is CRT-level image quality. Advanced MVA technology provides a 1200:1 contrast ratio that will also improve the color washout typical of LCD screens, and improved image processing for better detail. Better yet, all this technology is ready for the 1366x768 and 1920x1080 panels of the future.

It all sounds great, now we just need to find out who will be slapping their sticker on all this shiny new technology when it hits the shelf and how much it will cost. Hopefully we can get a picture or two once the show starts tomorrow.

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Panels with fast response times come up winners at FPD Taiwan (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20060614VL201.html)
14 June 2006


http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/20060614VL201_files/2_r.jpg

AUO 19-inch panel with 2ms response time

http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/20060614VL201_files/4_r.jpg

CMO eco TV technology

http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/20060614VL201_files/5_r.jpg

CPT 1ms-response-time LCD TV panel

With FPD Taiwan 2006 officially beginning on July 14 and awards for display products and technologies presented to major panel makers in Taiwan, fast response times are a common theme among the award-winning products.

AU Optronics (AUO) won an award for a 19-inch monitor panel with a 2ms response time. The panel (M190EG02) was launched last year, with the company claiming it was the world's first 19-inch panel for monitor applications with a 2ms response time (gray to gray), a 160-degree viewing angle and an 800:1 contrast ratio. The company stated it was also the world's first panel that applies overdrive technology on TN panels and is a lead-free product that conforms to Restrictions on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and green product requirements.

Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO) won an award for a 56-inch Quad Full High Definition (QFHD, 3,840×2,160) LCD TV panel with a 5ms response time. The panel, first introduced in September, 2005, features 8.29 million pixels, with the company claiming it has the highest resolution among all panels. The panel also has a 1,200:1 contrast ratio and a 75% NTSC color gamut.

In April, company president Chao-yang Ho said CMO has sent samples of the panels to customers, with volume production to commence in the third quarter of 2006 and shipments to Japan, Europe and the US to each exceed 100 units per month. The panel is produced from CMO's 5.5-generation (5.5G) plant; a 5.5G glass substrate can be cut into two 56-inch TV panels.

In addition, CMO's "eco TV" won a Best Technology Award. The technology helps achieves higher contrast ratios and lower power consumption by integrating an optimally controlled mechanism for a backlight unit (BLU) with high-transmittance liquid crystal (LC) cells. As a result, power consumption can be cut by 25%, light efficiency can be lowered by 10-15% while contrast can be improved by four times.

In addition, Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT)'s 32-inch optical compensation bend (OCB) LCD TV panel also landed a product award. The panel has a 1ms response time (moving picture response time is 8ms), 1,200:1 contrast and a viewing angle of 170/170 degrees. The OCB LCD TV panel is already produced at CPT's 6G plant. Each of the CPT's 6G substrate can but cut in eight 32-inch panels.

FPD Taiwan 2006, the largest flat-panel display (FPD) show in Taiwan, is held at the Taipei World Trade Center from June 14 to 16.

FPD Taiwan 2006: Panel makers accelerate development of LED-backlit TV panel (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20060615VL200.html)
16 June 2006


http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/20060615VL200_files/1_r.jpg

AUO's 37-inch HDTV-LED backlit panel

http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/20060615VL200_files/2_r.jpg

AUO will begin mass production of its 12.1-inch LCD panel
that features white LED backlighting in the second half of this year.
The 12.1-inch panel uses glass that is only 0.3mm thick.

http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/20060615VL200_files/3_r.jpg
CMO's 32-inch LCD TV with slim LED backlight units (BLU)
will arrive in the the third quarter of 2006

http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/20060615VL200_files/4_r.jpg

CPT's high color gamut LCD TV panel with CCFL backlighting.
Its color gamut is similar to panels that use LED backlighting

http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/20060615VL200_files/6_r.jpg

CPT is showcasing RGB LED backlit LCD TV panels at FPD Taiwan 2006

With Samsung Electronics and LG.Philips LCD set to commence volume production of LED-backlit TV panels in the second half of this year, Taiwan panel makers including AU Optronics (AUO), Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO) and Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT) are also looking to introduce similar panels.

At FPD Taiwan 2006, AUO is highlighting a 37-inch LCD TV panel that features HiColor technology with RGB LED backlighting. The HiColor Technology enables the 37-inch panel to reach a 105% NTSC color gamut, whereas conventional CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) backlighting achieves a color gamut of only 72%, according to the company. AUO has not yet issued a volume production schedule for the TV panel though. Last year at FPD International 2005 (October 19-21) in Yokohama, Japan, the panel maker showcased a 46-inch LCD TV panel that used LED backlighting and had a contrast ratio of 10,000:1.

CMO is presenting a 32-inch TV panel featuring slim LED backlighting at FPD Taiwan. The thickness of the panel is only 30mm, and the company claims it is the slimmest TV panel in the world. The panel also features a brightness of 500 nits, a response time of 6.5ms, a contrast ratio of 1,200:1, and almost 100% coverage of the NTSC color gamut. CMO stated it will begin volume production of the panel next quarter.

CPT's 37-inch LED-backlit TV panel also drew attention at the show. The 37-inch model has a resolution of 1366x768, a contrast ratio of 8,000,000:1 and a brightness of 700nits. The company's Area Control & APC technology allows the power consumption of the panel to drop below 200W, CPT stressed. The company has sent sample to customers and plans to mass produce the panel in the first quarter of 2007, CPT said.

In addition to LED backlighting, CPT showcased high color gamut (NTSC>100%) panels that use conventional CCFL backlighting. The company has scheduled mass production of the panels for the fourth quarter of this year, CPT pointed out.

FPD Taiwan is the largest flat-panel display (FPD) show in Taiwan and it is being held at the Taipei World Trade Center from June 14 to 16.

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Wellypower showcases CCFL for use in 57-inch LCD TV at FPD Taiwan 2006
(http://www.digitimes.com/photogallery/ShowPhoto.asp?ID=1268)19 June 2006


http://www.digitimes.com/Images/2006/06/16/1268_b.jpg

Wellypower showcases CCFL for use in 57-inch LCD TV at FPD Taiwan 2006, Jun 19, 2006

CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) specialist Wellypower Optronics is showcased Taiwan's longest CCFL at the FPD Taiwan 2006 (June 14-16).

The CCFL maker has sent a sample to panel maker AU Optronics (AUO). However, Wellypower has not yet issued a volume production schedule for the 57-inch LCD TV-use CCFL.

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Wellypower to ship U-shaped CCFLs for LCD TVs in 3Q (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20060620AA050.html)
20 June 2006

Wellypower Optronics, Taiwan's largest CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) maker, expects to begin shipping U-shaped CCFLs for use in 26-and 32-inch LCD TVs in the third quarter, according to the company.

Shipments of the U-shaped CCFLs will be only in limited volume initially, added Wellypower.

To further reduce production costs, CCFL makers are now developing alternative methods, said industry sources. Conventionally, a 32-inch LCD TV will need 16 straight CCFLs which can be replaced by only eight U-shaped CCFLs, said the CCFL maker.

Wellypower currently produces straight-type CCFLs for LCD TVs with a focus on the 32- and 37-inch segments. The company will begin mass production of 42-inch CCFLs for LCD TVs in the second half of this year, Wellypower said.

Delta Electronics, another major CCFL maker, recently has begun shipping U-shaped CCFLs for 26-inch and 32-inch LCD TVs, industry sources said.

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Heat concerns slow high-power LED adoption (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20060621A6028.html)
26 June 2006


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Osram touting slogan of "Any size you want" at
OPTO Taiwan 2006, but stays clear of the heat behind


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Everlight showcasing LED streetlamp, which consists of 84 LEDs
delivering 37.4lm/W and consuming 4.85A in current


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LED and CCFL comparison in notebook applications:
Expectation or current fact?


Adoption of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in high brightness panel backlighting applications, such as notebooks and LCD TVs, has been delayed due to overheating issues, according to sources in the Taiwan LED industry. In order to minimize the temperature that comes from the back of panel backlight modules, LED packaging firms are vying for various solutions that can reduce heat as much as possible, but material costs inevitably increase as heat management improves, indicated the sources.

Due to technology requirements and cost concerns, LED adoption will not penetrate the notebook market until the fourth quarter of 2006, while adoption in the large-size LCD TV segment will phenomenally increase after the second quarter of 2007, according to the sources. The speculation was offered in response to a June 15 article, which cited the chairman of Taiwan's largest LED packaging firm Everlight Electronics, Robert Yeh, as indicating that the company's scheduled shipments of white LEDs used in notebooks and larger-size LCD TVs will be pushed back to the second half of 2007.

Processor Ching-Cherng Sun, in the Chinese-language Micro-Electronics Magazine, commented that high-power LEDs, considered as a future lighting source to replace CCFLs, are progressively developing with higher and higher efficiency. For example, companies in Japan now have the ability to produce high-power LEDs that deliver 70 lumen per watt (70lm/W), whereas domestic LED packaging and testing firms are only able to manufacture high-power LEDs with 40lm/W. However, the heat dissipation issue has become a major hiccup in LED development for lighting objects, according to Sun. Using ceramics or heat pipes is an effective way to prevent heating, but heat management solutions drive material costs up, said Sun. The purpose of heat management designs for high-power LEDs is to efficiently lower the thermal resistance between the chips' heat generation to end products, dubbed "R junction-to-case," Sun mentioned. One of the solutions is to utilize materials that provide low thermal-resistance but high conductivity, through the die attach and heat slug methods that enable transmission of the heat directly from chips to the outer space of the packaged case, Sun said.

Everlight showcased an LED streetlamp, which consisted of 84 LEDs delivering 37.4lm/W and consuming 4.85A of power at the LED Lighting Taiwan 2006 exhibition that took place at the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC) June 14-17. According to the company, the LED streetlamp incorporates a "U-shaped" circuit design to minimize heat problems. Everlight declined to further comment on the solution, but said that the circuit design of thermal management had been co-developed with an unspecified company and was recently patented.

Lite-On Technology responded to the concern about heat by saying that copper is their current heat-sink material, as copper is cheaper in price, but is efficient enough in heat dissipation.

Despite giving a more conservative outlook for the notebook- and TV-use LED markets, sources at Taiwan LED manufacturers expressed optimism about demand from seven-inch panel backlighting applications. As an example of the narrowing price gap between traditional and LED-based lighting solutions, sources said that, for a backlight module used in seven-inch panel applications, a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) plus an inverter cost about NT$150 (US$4.58), while an LED-based backlight module that consists of 30 white LEDs plus a converter costs about NT$180.

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Panel makers target high-end and niche applications with LED-backlit panels (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20060629PR208.html)
29 June 2006

Taiwan-based panel makers are focusing on high-end and niche applications for LED-backlit LCD panels, because it will still take some time for the price difference between LED and CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) backlighting to narrow as CCFLs see continued performance improvements, according to panel makers.

Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO) plans to introduce 32- and 37-inch LED-backlit panels with a 90% NTSC color gamut as early as the fourth quarter of 2006, with 42-inch models to follow in the fourth quarter, the company said. The 32-inch panels will mostly be sold in Europe, the company added.

Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT) should mass produce 37-inch RGB LED-backlit panels with a greater-than-105% NTSC color gamut some time in 2007, sources said.

AU Optronics (AUO) introduced a 32-inch LED-backlit panel with 450-nit brightness, 1,200:1 contrast ratio and 90% NTSC color gamut in the second quarter. The company will focus mainly on developing monitor panels with its LED-backlit models this year. AUO has delivered LED-backlit monitor panels to Sony and has rolled out 20.1-inch panels with 250-nit brightness, 1,000:1 contrast ratio and 100% NTSC color gamut, sources said. In addition, the company will introduce 24-inch widescreen LED-backlit panels in the fourth quarter of 2006, with the panels featuring a response time of 6ms, brightness of 1,000:1 and NTSC color gamut of over 100%. Possible clients include Sony and Samsung Electronics, the sources added.

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LEDs in notebook applications not to come until 2Q 2007 (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20060703A6038.html)
3 July 2006

Taiwan LED packaging firms Everlight Electronics and Unity Opto Technology project that LEDs for notebook backlighting won't be see serious adoption until the second quarter of 2007 due to the current higher costs of production.

A 12.1-inch LED-based notebook display needs 44 white LEDs, which deliver a brightness of up to 200 nits and has a thickness of only 0.8mm, much better than what a 12.1-inch CCFL notebook display can produce, sources at Taiwan LED makers indicated.

However, as higher-efficiency LED chips produce more heat, LED packaging firms prefer to use low-efficiency chips in larger quantities to avoid heat problems, according to the sources. A lack of effective heat management designs in the industry has inevitably slowed down the adoption of LEDs, noted the sources. Ineffective heat management has necessarily resulted in more procurement of heat-sink materials, the sources noted.

The expected time frame for the penetration of LED backlights into notebook applications has therefore been pushed back from an original forecast of the second quarter of this year to the second quarter of 2007, the sources noted.

Everlight chairman Robert Yeh earlier stated that the price gap between an LED-based notebook and a CCFL one will be narrowed to less than NT$200 (US$6.20) in the fourth quarter of 2006, when Everlight will officially enter volume shipments for the application. The company has not received any actual orders from notebook vendors, but will be ready as soon as market acceptance and cost allows, according to the company.

Unity Opto said it is in talks with three to four notebook vendors and is currently in the trial-production phase in partnership with Formosa Epitaxy and Global Lighting Technologies (GLT). The company expects the technology and price to become more mature in the second quarter of 2007, when Unity Opto is able to expand the production volume significantly, the company noted.

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Samsung to unveil 40-inch backlit LCD TV in September (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20060807A6039.html)
7 August 2006

Samsung Electronics plans to launch in September a 40-inch LCD TV that features an LED backlight, according to a recent report from research firm Displaybank. The 40-inch LED TV targets the European market with a price tag of US$3,000, noted the report, which added that the new TV will source panels from S-LCD, a joint venture between Samsung Electronics and Sony.

The release of the LCD TV with LED backlighting is mainly to strengthen Samsung's brand image, the report indicated.

Sony launched 40-and 46-inch LCD TVs with LED backlighting in November 2004. The company offered the 40-and 46-inch models for 1.1025 million yen (US$9,629) and 840,000 yen (US$7,334), respectively, according to Sony. However, sales of the two TVs did not meet expectations due to unfriendly pricing and the immature technology of LED backlighting, sources indicated.

According to DigiTimes Research, prices for a 40-inch LED backlight unit (BLU) are standing at about US$610 this year, compared to US$210 for a BLU featuring conventional cold-cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs). By 2009, the price for a 40-inch LED BLU is expected to fall to US$315, DigiTimes Research predicts.

Shipments for LED backlighting used in TVs will outpace that for CCFL technology in 2010, according to a forecast (http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20060526PR204.html) by Insight Media.

I'll assume VPs will be covered under chip set. Could you include motion adaptation (120Hz, etc?)

120 Hz is very interesting. If anyone get this panel (someone with DEEP pockets) I'd be interested to see if it can really take a 1080p120 signal over HDMI. Or if it's just a mode that you can upscale anything to easily (5:5 pull up for movies and 2:2 for video, even mixed mode should be easy with PiP on the same screen with no weird issues). I guess PAL folks are SOL though without dual mode 100Hz support. :p

120 Hz is very interesting. If anyone get this panel (someone with DEEP pockets) I'd be interested to see if it can really take a 1080p120 signal over HDMI. Or if it's just a mode that you can upscale anything to easily (5:5 pull up for movies and 2:2 for video, even mixed mode should be easy with PiP on the same screen with no weird issues). I guess PAL folks are SOL though without dual mode 100Hz support. :p
i'm pretty sure 1080p120 isn't one of the current HDMI supported modes - that'd be a lot of bandwidth.

i'm pretty sure 1080p120 isn't one of the current HDMI supported modes - that'd be a lot of bandwidth.

Should be doable with 1.3 and the increase there. I'd have to check the spec, but it really doesn't matter about an external signal anyway. This is 120Hz internal display rate anyway (5:5 pull up on film and 2:2/4:4 on video sources). Then you have the best of all possible worlds in terms of cadence errors.

Should be doable with 1.3 and the increase there. I'd have to check the spec, but it really doesn't matter about an external signal anyway. This is 120Hz internal display rate anyway (5:5 pull up on film and 2:2/4:4 on video sources). Then you have the best of all possible worlds in terms of cadence errors.
oh i agree for pulling up 24/30/60 fps inputs, 120hz is perfect and absolutely the ideal refresh rate for the future. i'm just saying that 1080p120 ain't happening any time soon.

Hello,

Extended color gamut models are now appearing on the market, and I'm questioning wether this is something really useful, or just a marketing gimmick.

The way I understand thing, there are really only 2 color gamuts we really care about:

1-) HDTV (ITU-R 709) which defines the proper color gamut for HDTV.
2-) SMPTE-C, which defines the proper color gamut for standard definition television, including DVDs.

According to review results where the RGB primaries are measured, it seems that these two color gamuts are already covered by common equipment with standard backlights.

From the graphs that are displayed, it seems that the NTSC color gamut referred to by marketeers is the old 1953 standard that nobody uses anymore.

So the question is, what's the point of trying to cover a now useless color gamut?
Doesn't that makes it even more difficult to properly render accurate colors in the two colorspaces of interest?

Thanks!

Higher efficacy of LEDs should solve a whole lot of LED BLU power consumption issues. Here's the latest big news from Cree.
http://www.ledsmagazine.com/objects/news/3/10/10/CreeXRE.jpg
http://www.ledsmagazine.com/objects/news/3/10/10/CreeXREgraph.jpg

Cree unveils 160-lumen XLamp LED
10 Oct 2006

Cree's new XLamp LED can produce up to 160 lumens at 700 mA, and has a typical output of 80 lm at 350 mA.

XLamp 7090 XR-E LED

US LED manufacturer Cree has opened up a whole new field of general lighting applications with its latest generation of XLamp power LEDs. The company describes the XR-E series as a "new class of lighting LED".

The headline figures show a luminous flux of up to 95 lumens at 350 mA, equivalent to a luminous efficacy of 85 lm/W. At a current of 700 mA, the output is as high as 160 lumens for the top bin.

These are highly impressive numbers, but the most useful comparison is given by the typical values at the center of the production distribution. For the XR-E, these numbers are 80 lumens at 350 mA, with 70 lm/W. Many low-power LEDs operating at 20 mA would struggle to achieve this efficacy value.

Mark McClear, Cree's director of marketing for solid-state lighting, emphasized that LEDs typically producing 80 lm are already in volume production. "We've already shipped more than one-quarter million devices," he told LEDs Magazine.

Comparison of power LEDs

Cree's current-generation XLamp 7090 XR yields "only" 57 lm at 350 mA, equivalent to 47 lm/W. Osram's new Platinum Dragon device, launched last week, produces 70 lm at 700 mA, and has an efficacy of 30 lm/W.

Cree says that its new LEDs are designed to enable general lighting applications, such as street lighting, retail high-bay lighting and parking-garage low-bay lighting, as well as to improve light quality in consumer applications such as flashlights.

In McClear's view, the leap in performance demonstrated by Cree will now make LEDs a cost-effective alternative to traditional lighting technologies in many general lighting applications.

The increased performance of the XR-E is due to several improvements in chip and phosphor technology, says McClear. The new LED retains the same package as its predecessor.

The XR-E is the first power LED based on Cree's EZBright 1000 LED chip, unveiled last month. The device has a very low forward voltage, around 3.3 V at 350 mA, contributing to lower power consumption. The XR-E also has vastly improved color uniformity now that Cree has started to use a different phosphor process to deposit a thin, uniform layer of material directly onto the chip surface.

Great thead!

Samsung announces biggest consumer LCD available: 70-inch, 1080p (http://www.hdbeat.com/2006/08/20/samsung-announces-biggest-consumer-lcd-available-70-inch-1080p/)
20 August 2006


http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.hdbeat.com/media/2006/08/samsung70-inchlcd.jpg

http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/10381/260836.jpg


Just when we found the perfect spot to put the Sharp 65-inch LC-65D90U LCD, Samsung has announced their 70-inch LCD will be available to consumers during the first half of 2007. Sporting a full 1080p resolution, 2000:1 contrast ratio, sub-8ms reponse time and 120hz refresh rate, Samsung thinks it will compete with similar large plasma HDTVs. While LG still has the crown of the biggest LCD we've heard about, this will be the biggest one actually available. It will be shown publicly for the first time on the 23rd at the International Meeting on Information Displays (IMID) 2006 in Korea, which is exactly far off enough to get a plane ticket, fly across the Pacific and check it out before you order one.

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SAMSUNG releases innovative LED LCD TV and Full HD LCD TVs (http://www.samsung.com/PressCenter/PressRelease/PressRelease.asp?seq=20060901_0000284318)
1 September 2006


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< l_led_full_tvs.jpg >

Berlin, Germany - 1st September, 2006: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a market leader in consumer electronics, maked another breakthrough in LCD TV technology, with the release of a number of premium LCD TVs that boast high picture quality, advanced features and elegant design.

Samsung announced the release of a 40" LCD TV with high powered LED Backlight technology, which received Europe's prestigious "Innovation Award" from the EISA (European Image and Sound Association) for its superb features including LED light source, 146% wide colour gamut and industry leading contrast ratio (10,000:1).

At the same time, 40" and 46" LCD models that support full HD resolution (1920x1080p) - double the previous best HD performance (1366x768, 1080i) - and provide high contrast (6000:1) are also introduced.

The new 40" with LED light source realises far richer colour reproduction, based on a wide colour gamut that is 46% improved from previous models and enables unprecedented sound volume. High Dynamic Contrast Ratio, Samsung's proprietary technology, provides deeper and more refined images with the highest contrast in the industry.

The LED LCD TV also brings a new level to the clarity of moving images, based on Samsung's exclusive LCD 100 Hz video quality enhancement technology. A TV screen displays about 50 frames per second, which can create drag in fast-moving videos. Samsung's LCD 100 Hz inserts a frame between each two frames, considerably reducing motion blur. The inserted frame maintains the detailed motion characteristic of the video, and goes through motion estimation and compensation processing. Therefore, compared to a mere duplication and insertion of frames, more natural motion can be realised without undermining other characteristics such as clarity, brightness and colour.

The LED light source helps increase the panel life two fold compared to previous CCFL panels. The light source is also environmentally friendly because it uses no Mercury.

Samsung also released 40" and 46" LCD TVs that realise the best picture quality and perfectly complement the Blu-ray disc player by supporting full HD resolution (1920x1080p), double the previous best HD resolution (1366x768, 1080i). It is expected that various multimedia devices based on full HD, as well as full HD multimedia content created by world-leading movie content producers will increase rapidly. In this regard, Samsung's new 40" and 46" models will play a crucial role in the new era of full HD LCD TV.

Besides picture quality, the new LCD TVs are elegant ornaments for any environment, with a high gloss finish, transparent bottom plate, hidden bar speaker, and swivel stand. The stylish ocean blue LED indicator light illuminates the transparent bottom plate with the colour of the ocean at sunset.

Furthermore, Samsung's new LCD TV provides advanced connectivity, exceptional gaming images, surround sound, viewing flexibility, and low energy consumption.

The unparalleled picture quality of Samsung's new LCD TVs can be optimised for gaming at the touch of a button. In addition, it delivers dark area enhancement, H-sharpness control, and surround sound effects to produce an exciting, magical environment.

For more powerful connectivity, Samsung's new LCD TVs has WiseLink™ which offers extended "10 in 3" compatibility, connecting into: Multi Memory Slot (MMS), USB, and Printer Port, 2HDMI which simultaneously connect two devices with full signal transmission.

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Sharp's very, very sharp experimental screen (http://news.com.com/2100-1041_3-6122477.html?part=rss&tag=6122477&subj=news)
4 October 2006


http://www.engadget.com/media/2006/10/sharp-4x-1080p.jpg


MAKUHARI, Japan--Anyway you look at it, 8.84 million pixels is a lot of points of light.

Sharp has produced a 64-inch LCD monitor that provides screen resolution four times that of normal high-definition screens. Normal HD screens have 2 million pixel points. The new Sharp monitor, which is on display at the Ceatec technology trade show here this week, sports 4,096-by-2,160 pixel-line resolution--double the number of vertical and horizontal pixel lines offered by a normal HD screen. This comes out to nearly 9 million pixel points.

Small details, like plumes of smoke over an aerial shot of a rural village, can be picked out. The monitor can also be divided into quarters and display four high-definition videos at once.

The screen, still in the development phase, will be targeted at film and television producers as well as medical researchers, a Sharp representative said. The exhibit is one of the more popular at the weeklong trade show taking place outside Tokyo. But eventually, these technologies trickle down to the consumer market.

The company is using the show to emphasize its role in the screen world. In August, Sharp formally began producing LCD panels out of its second Kameyama plant. The plant processes eighth-generation glass sheets, which measure just over 7 feet by 8 feet. Six 52-inch LCDs can be popped out of a single sheet. The smaller glass sheets processed in sixth- and seventh-generation plants can only produce two and three 52-inch panels, respectively, out of a single piece of glass.

Other prototypes being shown include a screen with a technology Sharp calls Mega Contrast. The screen has a 1 million-to-1 contrast ratio. Typical HD LCD screens sport a 1,200-to-1 contrast ratio.

On other notes, Sharp also showed off its Japanese-English electronic translator, which will come to the Japanese market later this year. If you speak a Japanese phrase into it, the handheld translates it into spoken English text--and vice versa.

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JVC LED-Backlight LCD TV (http://aving.net/kr/Special/default.asp?mode=read&c_num=25516&sp_code=33&btb_num=218&mn_name=sp)


http://image.aving.net/img/2006/10/04/20061004235458.jpg


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http://image.aving.net/img/2006/10/04/200610042354582.jpg


http://image.aving.net/img/2006/10/04/200610042354583.jpg


GadgetManiac (http://mediablog.mail2web.com/gadgetmaniac/blog/archive/2006/10/7222)
5 October 2006

JVC has come out with new model of LCD TV that ditches the usual cold cathode fluorescent lamp used to light up LCD display panels, in favor of LEDs. The advantage provided by the LED backlighting is in the nicer/cleaner/more colors for your viewing pleasure.

As seen at CEATEC JAPAN 2006. Not many details available except that it appears to have a nice contrast ratio of 12000:1.
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Engadget: JVC's LED backlit LCD at CEATEC 2006 (http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/05/jvcs-led-backlit-lcd-at-ceatec-2006/)
5 October 2006

LCD TVs using LEDs for backlighting aren't exactly new -- Sony's high-end Qualia line has had this feature for a while -- but getting them down to a price affordable for most consumers has still proven to be an unattainable goal. Samsung had a 40-inch 10,000:1 contrast ratio beauty on display at IFA 2006 last month, and now the good folks at JVC are showing the model pictured above at CEATEC 2006. No deets on pricing, specs or even size are available yet, but if plasma isn't a good fit for your wall or budget -- and waiting around for SED is too much of a bore -- LED backlighting is the best bet for improved color reproduction and black levels in LCDs.
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Displayblog: JVC LCD TV with LED Backlight at CEATEC 2006 (http://displayblog.wordpress.com/2006/10/05/jvc-lcd-tv-with-led-backlight-at-ceatec-2006/)
5 October 2006

LED backlights will be the lighting technology of the future, and for some, now. JVC showcased a LCD TV using a LED backlight at CEATEC 2006. There are many advantages to having LEDs instead of CCFLs.

1. Better color gamut. LED: ~100% NTSC. CCFL: 72% –> 92% NTSC

2. Longer life. LED light output decreases extremely slower over 50,000 hours. CCFL brightness comes down quite a bit through 50,000 hours.

3. Instant on. LED chips do not need time to warm up. CCFLs do.

But there are downsides…

1. LEDs pump out a lot of heat and need inactive and active thermal management. CCFLs are generally pretty darn cool.

2. Hundreds if not thousands of LED chips are required on large LCD TVs. Only a couple of dozen for CCFL.

3. LED backlights are expensive. CCFLs are pretty cheap in comparison.

There is much R&D toward pumping out more light from LED chips, making them smaller in size and keeping them cool. We’re at an inflection point and LED will take off real soon.

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CMO to go quad high-definition with new 47-inch LCD TV panels (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20061016PR205.html)
16 October 2006

Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO) has announced plans for a consumer-grade, high-resolution 47-inch Quad High Definition (QHD, 2560×1440) LCD TV panel slated for mass production in the second quarter of 2007.

Continuing on the success of its 56-inch Quad Full High Definition (QFHD) panel (3840×2160), which the company claims has the highest resolution of any LCD TV panel in the world, CMO said it is now starting a new global trend in flat panel LCDs with its new 47-inch panel featuring a 16:9 aspect ratio and a 3.68 million pixel display (2560×1440).

CMO said its 47-inch QHD LCD TV panel is 1.78 times bigger than the highest pixel count available for digital TV panel with 2.07 million pixels (FHD, 1920×1080), and is four times bigger than the 920,000 pixel count for 1280×720 HD panels.

CMO said the 47-inch QHD panel has a brightness of 450 nits, contrast ratio of 1500:1, color saturation rate of 90% (NTSC) and a response time of 6.5ms.

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LG.Philips LCD Demonstrates Cutting-Edge Suite of TFT-LCDs at FPD International 2006 (http://eetimes.com/press_releases/bizwire/showPressRelease.jhtml?articleID=542183&CompanyId=2)
16 October 2006


http://www.digitimes.com/Images/2006/10/20/1557_b.jpg

LG.Philips LCD is highlighting a 32-inch backlight unit (BLU) prototype using
low-power external electrode fluorescent lamp (EEFL) technology, which is
claimed to feature 10% less power consumption than its previous EEFL BLUs

http://www.digitimes.com/Images/2006/10/20/1556_b.jpg

LG.Philips LCD is showing a variety of large-size panels at
FPD International 2006 in Japan, including a 30-inch notebook panel,
claimed to be the largest among its peers

SEOUL, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)--LG.Philips LCD (NYSE:LPL)(KRX:034220), a leading manufacturer of thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) technology, announced today that it will showcase its cutting-edge suite of TFT-LCD panels for HDTVs, desktop monitors, notebook PCs and mobile phones at booth #380 during FPD International 2006 in Yokohama, Japan.

A sampling of the company’s show highlights include:

Full HD LCDs for True HDTVs

LG.Philips LCD will demonstrate its line-up of full high definition (1920 x 1080, two megapixels) TFT-LCD panels for HDTVs, including 37-, 42- and 47-inch widescreen displays. These panels all feature a viewing angle of 178 degrees, a 1600:1 dynamic contrast ratio, a maximum brightness of 600 cd/m2, a gray-to-gray response time of 8 ms and a high color gamut of 92 percent for natural image display. The company will also present its 100-inch widescreen, a full HD LCD panel, which was recently listed in the 2007 Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest LCD panel.

Budiman Sastra, LG.Philips LCD’s Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer said, “This year, we have unveiled a number of products that mark significant milestones in the history of the display industry, including a 100-inch LCD panel and a 14.1-inch flexible e-book display, both of which are the largest of their kind. We believe these product developments, as well as other innovations across our product portfolio, highlight LG.Philips LCD’s technology leadership and underscore our ability to effectively meet our customers’ current and future needs and satisfy consumer demand.”

Superior LCDs for Premium Desktop Monitors and Notebook PCs

In addition, LG.Philips LCD will show its fleet of TFT-LCD panels for premium desktop monitors, including the world’s largest and highest resolution 30-inch wide QXGA+ (2560 x 1600) LCD panel, and a 26-inch wide UXGA (1920 x 1200) LCD panel. The latest in TFT-LCD technology for notebook PCs will also be featured, including an ultra slim LCD panel which is just 6.7mm thick and the world’s largest 20.1-inch wide LCD panel.

--- Cut ---

Next-generation Displays

In addition to the aforementioned demonstrations, LG.Philips LCD will highlight the following prototypes for new technologies during FPD International 2006:

▪ 42-inch LCD panel for TVs with an impressive motion picture response time
▪ 32-inch LCD panel for TVs featuring a low power external electrode fluorescent lamp (EEFL) (68W)
▪ 32-inch LCD panel for full HDTVs incorporating LED Backlight Unit (BLU) with local dimming function for enhanced picture quality and contrast ratio
▪ 15-inch monitor LCD panel that features two viewing angles (178 and 80 degrees)
FPD International will be held at the Pacifico Yokohama from October 18 through 20 in Yokohama, Japan.

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AUO and CMO to show display technology advances at FPD International (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20061017VL200.html)
17 October 2006

Both AU Optronics (AUO) and Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO) will show a variety of display technology advances at FPD International 2006 in Yokohama, Japan, including new developments in viewing angle, contrast and color saturation.

AUO will be showcasing its latest TFT LCD innovations, including advanced MVA (AMVA) technology with low color washout and high contrast ratio of 2,500:1; HiColor technology with the achievement of high color saturation; AUO simulated pulsed driving (ASPD) technology with a blurred motion solution; and AUO picture enhancer (APE) technology featuring natural color images and clear depth of view.

Prototypes of the new display technologies from AUO include a 37-inch TV panel with a contrast ratio of more than 10,000:1, with the panel able to save up to 50% in power consumption by utilizing LED backlighting to control luminance depth and range.

A 4-inch LTPS (low temperature polysilicon) panel with sunlight readability and wide viewing angle will be shown for mobile device applications. A 2.2-inch handset panel with a contrast ratio of 14,000:1 will be shown, with the panel able to save up to 45% in power consumption. In addition, AUO will introduce a new 1.9-inch handset panel with a 1.3mm-thin module.

Furthermore, AUO will highlight a 180g, 12.1-inch notebook panel, which features 0.2mm thin glass substrate technology and white-LED backlight. Additionally, the maker will show a 19-inch panel 92% NTSC color gamut (using CCFL cold cathode fluorescent lamp) and a 20.1-inch panel with 105% NTSC color gamut (using white LED).

CMO, on the other hand, will exhibit a series of 17-inch widescreen notebook panels using RGB LED backlight technology, with the panels featuring wide UXGA resolution (1,920×1,200) and color saturation of at least 100% NTSC.

In addition, CMO will be exhibiting a 22-inch RGB LED backlight widescreen panel offering no mercury, power-saving features, and high color saturation. This panel offers WSXGA+ resolution (1,680×1,050), a 16:10 widescreen ratio and 800:1 contrast output. CMO will also show its adaptive insertion (AI) technology with a 24-inch monitor panel that has an 8ms response time.

For the TV segment, CMO will highlight a 47-inch panel with a RGB BLU and contrast of 50,000:1 between different black and white pictures, and 40,000:1 for the same frame. Other specifications of the panel include a 160% NTSC color gamut. Compared with conventional LED backlighting, this feature can provide a 45% wider gamut with the same illumination. The panel also reduces power consumption to only 60-70% of that of a conventional 47-inch LED-based panel, while allowing up 50% of the screen to be used.

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Samsung sees printing as key to lowering TFT LCD costs (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20061019A8042.html)
19 October 2006

Samsung Electronics aims to reduced the cost of TFT LCD production to US$100 per square meter, down from the current US$1,500, by adopting printing techniques, according to Souk Jun-hyung, senior vice president of the Samsung Electronics LCD Business.

Using procedures such as rollable substrates, imprint and ink jet printing techniques, an extremely low-cost display can be created and will coexist will new products such as electronic-books (e-books) and flexible displays by 2010, Souk said.

Due to early operation of seventh-generation (7G) TFT LCD production, Samsung was able to push 40-inch panels (the main product at its 7G plants) to the mainstream and it is confident the 40-inch LCD TV segment will take 53% of the 40-inch-and-above TV market in 2006, Souk indicated.

A new 8G plant will start operations in October 2007, producing mainly 46- and 52-inch panels, with monthly capacity at 50,000 glass substrates, about 3.6 million 52-inch panels per year, Souk said.

Souk was speaking at FPD International 2006 in Yokohama Japan, which runs from October 18-20.

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CPT shows large panels and new LED backlighting technologies at FPD International (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20061020A8037.html)
20 October 2006

Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT) is showing a variety of new panel applications and technologies at FPD International in Yokohama, Japan (October 18-20), including a 47-inch TV panel (to be rolled out in the first quarter of 2007), 80:000:1-contrast LED technology, and its first color filter (CF)-less LED backlighting technology.

Production of the new 47-inch panel will be cost efficient, as each of the glass substrates at CPT's sixth-generation (6G) plant can be cut into three 47-inch panels, compared to only two at 6G plants from other makers, CPT indicated. In addition, the full high-definition (HD) panel feature double frame rate and EMVA, which allows high contrast and quick response, while posessing wide viewing angles and keeping the color shift to a minimum.

In addition, CPT is showing an LED backlighting technology with area control, which can help improve the contrast ratio of a panel to 80:000:1. However, CPT said it currently has no mass production plan for the technology, as the present costs for LED backlighting are still high.

Furthermore, CPT is highlighting a 32-inch LED-backlit LCD panel using no CFs. Kuang-Lang Chen, vice president of CPT's TFT business R&D center, said the panel's power consumption is only 56W while brightness is as high as 350 nits, compared to average power consumption of 110W and brightness of only 150 nits.

CPT is also exhibiting a car-use panel that supports a wide range of temperatures, from 95 degree Celsius to minus 20 degree Celsius, along with a 32-inch panel with a 1ms response time (5.9ms motion picture response time, MPRT).

Car-use display makers from Europe have showed interest in the wide-temperature-range car-use panel while CPT is shipping samples of the 1ms panel to Japan.

In related news, CPT said it will develop 7- and 9-inch widescreen panels at its 4.5G plant.

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Japan and S. Korea panel makers competing at FPD international (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20061020A8041.html)
20 October 2006

>>see original story for images

Panel makers from Japan and South Korea are competing for attention at FPD International 2006 in Yokohama, Japan (October 18-20) with panels that are attempting to stake claims on industry records.

Sharp is showing a 64-inch super-high resolution TFT LCD with a pixel counts of over eight million, but the company does not allow photographs to be taken of the panel.

LG.Philips LCD (LPL) is showing a variety of large-size panels, including a 20.1-inch notebook panel and a 30-inch monitor panel, with the company claiming that both panels are the industry's largest for their segment.

The South Korea-based maker is also highlighting a 32-inch backlight unit (BLU) prototype using low-power external electrode fluorescent lamp (EEFL) technology, which LPL claims features 10% less power consumption than its previous EEFL BLUs.

Seiko Epson is displaying a 7.1-inch QXGA flexible panel, which weights only 8.4 grams.

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[FPD International 2006] Philips Introduces World's First 120Hz Scanning HCFL BLU (http://www.displaybank.com/eng2004/news/)
20 October 2006

Philips is unveiling its proprietary BLU manufacturing technology, Aptura, in a booth designed to highlight the strengths of their technology. The world's first 42-inch 120Hz Scanning HCFL BLU is being demonstrated and its faster response time than plasma displays is being highlighted. The company also stressed that the new model is a BLU technology suitable for the upcoming full HD era because of its high contrast ratio, perfect motion handling and crisp colors. In addition, a 47-inch wide color gamut (WCG) model, incorporating Aptura technology, is also being showcased at the booth. This model, adopting a long-lifespan HCFL, delivers a NTSC color gamut of 94%, fast response time, and high efficiency. In addition, Philips is also attracting attention by displaying a 26-inch wide model achieving low power consumption, high luminance, high contrast ratio, and WCG through LED BLUs.

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[FPD International 2006] AUO Unveils Diverse Product Lineup with LED BLUs (http://www.displaybank.com/eng2004/news/)
20 October 2006

Taiwan's AU Optronics Corp. (AUO) unveiled a wide range of lineups boasting improved functionality through LED BLUs at the FPD International 2006. AUO claims that its 37-inch full HD LCD TV module features improved brightness and contrast ratio. Notably, the backlight brightness is adjustable for each spot of screen according to the image brightness, which is called 'high dynamic contrast display'; therefore, power consumption of LED BLUs could have been improved further, according to the company. In addition, its 20.1-inch WXGA and 22-inch WSXGA+ monitor modules have achieved the brightness of 220nit, up about 10% from products adopting CCFLs, and the depth of 2.9mm, the world's slimmest, by employing LED BLUs.

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All Samsung LCD monitors to be LED backlit by 2008, report says (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20061027VL202.html)
27 October 2006

All LCD monitors produced by Samsung Electronics will be LED-based by 2008, according to a report from the Korean-language Digital Times.

Samsung recently introduced an LED-based 20.1-inch LCD monitor (SyncMaster XL20) in South Korea with a price tag of 1,780,000 won (US$1,878). The new model is set to hit Europe and the US in November and December, respectively, the report noted. The company also plans to launch a 24-inch LED-based LCD monitor in 2007, added the report.

The SyncMaster XL20 features a contrast ratio of 1,000:1, brightness of 250 cd/m2, response time of 8ms, viewing angle of 178 degrees and has a color gamut of 114%, according to a Japanese press release from Samsung in late September. Samsung will start offering the 20.1-inch LED-based monitor in Japan in the second half of November at a price tag of 158,000 yen (US$1,333), the press pointed out.

In addition to LCD monitor, Samsung is also using LED technology in LCD TVs. Last month, the company released a 40-inch LCD TV, which features a 146% color gamut and a 10,000:1 contrast ratio.

Last August, NEC announced a 21.3-inch (MuultiSync 2180) LCD monitor using LED as the light source. The monitor achieves over 100% of Adobe RGB and NTSC color scales, according to the company.

Worldwide shipments of LCD monitors will reach 129 million units in 2006, 3% of which will be LED-backlit devices, sources at LED makers estimated.

http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20061020A8037.html

Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT) is showing a variety of new panel applications and technologies at FPD International in Yokohama, Japan (October 18-20), including a 47-inch TV panel (to be rolled out in the first quarter of 2007), 80:000:1-contrast LED technology, and its first color filter (CF)-less LED backlighting technology.

http://www.behardware.com/articles/641-1/1rst-lcd-at-100-hz-the-death-of-afterglow.html

Partially unveiled at CeBIT 2006, 100 Hz technology is coming for LCDs. The idea is that monitors will no longer display 50 or 60 images per second but 100. Finally, LCD technology is considerably improving much more than going from 16 to 2ms. Under certain circumstances, the first 100 Hz LCD is as good as a CRT.

http://www.behardware.com/articles/641-1/1rst-lcd-at-100-hz-the-death-of-afterglow.html

I hope this article is just for PAL TVs. NTSC TVs should be 120Hz, not 100Hz.

LCDs RULE !

CFL (Color Filter-Less) 120 hz HCG (High Color Gamut) Dynamic LED-BackLit Contrast Enhancement.

Look out Plasma & SED , the smart money is on LCD.

http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news-12670-SyncMaster+XL20%2C+the+20%E2%80%9D+LED+Backlight+screen.html
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/html_dir/2006/10/26/200610260025.asp

http://images.akihabaranews.com/news_pics/12670/SyncMaster_XL20_1_jpg

What about number of colours produceable? This has been another weakness of LCDs, typically 8 bits each of RGB which means not quite enough to avoid false contouring in some scenes. Also it won't do much good to have a lower level of absolute black if there aren't enough low-end gradations available to make out the detail and avoid crushed blacks.

What about number of colours produceable? This has been another weakness of LCDs, typically 8 bits each of RGB which means not quite enough to avoid false contouring in some scenes. Also it won't do much good to have a lower level of absolute black if there aren't enough low-end gradations available to make out the detail and avoid crushed blacks.

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=2860
So the technology for much improved grayscale exists. Hopefully and soon it will become standard in LCDs.

What about number of colours produceable? This has been another weakness of LCDs, typically 8 bits each of RGB which means not quite enough to avoid false contouring in some scenes. Also it won't do much good to have a lower level of absolute black if there aren't enough low-end gradations available to make out the detail and avoid crushed blacks.

Do you have any examples of 24 bit color being inadequate that you can positively attribute this assertion about colorspace? On computers, 24 bit (32 bit with alpha) has been standard for years for image work (16+ million colors).

I have seen constant banding on HDTVs (especially images with lots of sky or water) but have been chalking it up to the rampant overcompression for OTA, Satellite and cable signals. I have never seen banding on any "good" source (e.g. digital camera shots, scans, etc.) on any of my computers in the last 30 years. The only banding I have ever seen on a computer is when the video is set to 15 or 16 bit color (i.e. 5 bits for each of the three primaries), which is many orders of magnitude less colors -- 32-65k vs. 16 million.

I looked this up on Wikipedia, and it seems as if it might be more important on grey-scale images (256 discrete shades), but it seems a stretch for the average person to tell a difference on a static image, let alone a moving one. Anyway, just curious...

Well, 24 bit colour has been the standard for years in computers, as it's "good enough" for most applications e.g. office apps, games, etc. I was into computer graphics and image processing in the late 80s, and it was "well known" that 8 bit colour was not quite good enough. I believe CGI is all processed using 10 or even 12-bit colour today for this very reason.

The only source I can cite is Poynton, who gives 460 intensity levels as being necessary to exceed human vision along a 100:1 contrast ratio. This is computed from the basis that humans can distinguish a 1% difference between two shades of gray side-by-side. 9-bit colour would be sufficient.

http://www.poynton.com/notes/colour_and_gamma/GammaFAQ.html

Poynton has his detractors:

http://www.aim-dtp.net/aim/calibration/poynton/chapter_15.htm

However the main point of the detractor seems to be that Poynton's scaling is unnecessarily fine in the dark end, and not good enough at the light end of the scale. He also seems to be saying that the 100:1 contrast ratio isn't good enough. That seems to imply that more bits would likely be needed.

Note that we are talking about precision and not colour gamut here. FWIW I can see banding occassionally on my TV, especially in gray-scale images. You can also do a test yourself, just display an image that shows smooth transitions between all possible colours and you will probably be able to see bands. If you don't have such an image handy use mine:

http://www.sharemation.com/~dmcmahon/wheel.png

Look at the grayscale wedges near the bottom. I can see horizontal bands on the wedge on the left in the darker portion of it, and vertical bands on the right wedge in the lighter portion. I can also see horizontal or vertical banding in most of the other wedges, too. The banding is faint and would not bother me on a TV, but there's no denying it's there. I will accept your point that most of the banding I've seen is due to compression artifacts etc. as I have never seen them in a moving image from a a clean source such as DVD. My TV is a CRT.

Thanks for the very detailed response. As you point out, it is hard to miss the banding on the grey scale blends/gradients. I still feel the majority of banding we see on broadcast HDTV images is due to the overcompression, however. One note -- often sound and video processing is done with more bits (i.e. 10, 12 instead of 8) to minimize the inevitable rounding errors during processing. Also, to your point -- I believe medical imaging is now often using 10bits per pixel (especially on monochrome images such as X-rays, etc.).

LGE to mass produce 100-inch LCD TV soon (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20061102VL200.html)
2 November 2006


http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/20061102VL200_files/1_r.jpg


LG Electronics (LGE) is scheduling the time for mass production in overseas market, the Korea-based company noted. Production cost for the 100-inch LCD TV is over US$150,000, said LGE in a company press release.

Nevertheless, prices for the 100-inch LCD TV have not yet been determined, the release said.

LGE recently developed the 100-inch LCD TV and the model will enter 2007 Guinness Book as the world's largest LCD TV, according to the release.

The 100-inch LCD TV, with panel from LG.Philips LCD, features a maximum 3,000:1 contrast ratio, color reproduction of 92%, viewing angle of 180 degrees and response time of 5ms, said the company. The TV is offering a 6.22 million-pixel picture quality with resolution of 1,920x1,080, said the company.

LG.Philips LCD debuted its 100-inch LCD TV panel in March 2006.

In ultra large flat-panel TV competition, PDP (plasma display panel) technology is so far the winner. In July, Panasonic (the brand name of Matsushita Electric Industrial) said it will start offering 103-inch PDP TVs, the world's largest, with a retail selling price (RSP) of US$69,999.95, in Christmas 2006.

The TH-103PZ600U features resolution of 1,920×1,080 and a contrast ratio of 4,000:1, with panel size equivalent to four 50-inch PDPs, according to Panasonic.

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AUO may roll out 65-inch TV panels in 1H 2007 (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20061120PR206.html)
20 November 2006

AU Optronics (AUO) will introduce 65-inch LCD TV panels perhaps as early as the second quarter of 2007, as it rolls out its first panels over 50 inches, according to market sources.

Although AUO has started mass production at its 7.5G plant ahead of Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO), AUO still lags its major Taiwan competitor in production of 50-inch and larger panels. CMO recently launched 52- and 56-inch panels, while AUO's largest TV panels are 47 inches.

But the market sources claimed that AUO will launch 65-inch panels in June 2007, skipping the 50- to 59-inch segment. AUO's first 52-inch panels may not hit the market until the second half of 2007, the sources added.

The sources pointed out that 52-inch panels are not the best cuts for 7.5G substrates. And the chief reasons for AUO to roll out 65-inch panels first are that an economic cut for a 6G substrate is two 65-inch panels, and the company wants to show its technological prowess, the sources speculated.

AUO will also resume production of 46-inch panels in the first quarter of next year. While production of 46-inch panels stopped in the second quarter of this year, AUO plans to start making them at its new 7.5G plant with the aim to vie for orders from Samsung Electronics, the sources said.

The sources added that AUO 7.5G plant's capacity will reach 60,000 substrates per month by the end of 2007, up from 10,000 substrates monthly in the fourth quarter this year. Its 6G facilities' capacity will have a monthly capacity of 210,000 substrates by the end of 2007, compared to 120,000 substrates currently. For its 5G facilities, the total capacity will be 315,000-325,000 substrates each month by the end of 2007.

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LED to narrow price gap with CCFL in 2007 (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20061206PB200.html)
6 December 2006

The price gap between LCD panels using LEDs as a backlight source and those using cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) is likely to narrow to 1.5-2 times by the end of 2007 at the soonest, compare to three times in 2006, according to Vincent Hsiao, CEO of LED maker UPEC Electronics, an affiliate of Highlink Technology, which is under the UMC (United Microelectronics Corporation) group.

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CMO lights up first 7.5G-made 42-inch panel, paper says (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20061212VL201.html)
12 December 2006

Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO) successfully turned on its first 42-inch panel made from its 7.5-generation (7.5G) plant at the beginning of this month, with volume production to commence next March to meet peak season demand in the second half of 2007, according to the Chinese-language Commercial Times.

The panel maker started equipment installation at the plant this October and the turn-on schedule was earlier than expected, the paper said.

CMO was unavailable for comment by the time of publication.

The 7.5G plant was originally expected to enter first-phase volume production at the end of the second quarter of next year, processing 50,000 1,950×2,250 glass substrates per month, the company said earlier. The company has delayed the second-phase expansion of the plant to 2008. Each glass substrate at the plant can be cut into eight 42-inch panels or six 46-inch panels, with 47-inch panels also being among potential products at the plant, the maker was quoted by the Commercial Times as saying.

Before the production of 42-inch panels from the 7.5G plant, CMO already started providing 42-inch panels from its 5G plant.

CMO currently is supplying its 42-inch panels to Sharp and Westinghouse, the paper noted.

In July, the Chinese-language Economic Daily News (EDN) reported Sharp added CMO as a 42-inch panel supplier and noted that each substrate at CMO's 5G plant can be cut into two 42-inch panels.

Last November, sources said CMO is the main panel supplier for Westinghouse, while affiliate Nexgen Mediatech assembles most of the LCD TVs for Westinghouse.

AU Optronics (AUO) is the first among Taiwan-based panel makers to start using a 7.5G plant to produce 42-inch panels. The maker successfully turned on its first 42-inch panel at its 7.5G TFT LCD and color filter (CF) production facility in August, according to the company.

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Sharp's AQUOS LC-32GS is "world's first" 1080p 32-inch LCD: why? (http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/12/sharps-aquos-lc-32gs-is-worlds-first-1080p-32-inch-lcd-wh/)
12 December 2006


http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2006/12/sharp2lc-32gs.jpg


We've seen more than our share of 32-inch panels pushing a 1366x768 pixel resolution. Fine, that works. However, just as pixel-count sells digital cameras, it unfortunately also sells HDTVs to the uninitiated. So, along comes Sharp with their grand hopes of re-directing your fat wad into their coffers with this, the "Full HD" LC-32GS from the AQUOS G series. According to Sharp, this is the industry's first (to ship) 32-inch 1920x1080 LCD TV. That's right, 1080p which most will find a waste of pixel density (and almighty dollars) at that screen size and typical viewing distance.

No doubt, this set does bring the specs: that "world's highest" 2000:1 contrast ratio we've seen on other ASV panels, 450cd/m2 brightness, 176-degree visibility, 6-ms response, integrated digital/analog terrestrial tuners, and a sweet bevy of jacks including 2x HDMI with Familink support, 2x Japanese D4, 2x S-Video, 4x composite, and a much appreciated DVI-I input for digitally tethering your computer and making use of those extra pixels.

Ships December 22nd in Japan with either a pair of side mounted, or single under-bezel speaker for -- get this -- a 32-inch premium price of ¥280,000 (about $2,395). Expect to hear rest-of-world dates and prices any day now.

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CES 2007: Westinghouse to show Quad HDTV (http://www.tgdaily.com/2007/01/03/westinghouse_2160p_tv/)
3 January 2007

Pre CES 2007 coverage - Las Vegas (LV) - Don't say we didn't warn you. If you just exchanged your savings account for a shiny new 1080p LCD TV and you are showing it off to your neighbors, be aware that your bragging rights may be fading away by the middle of the year.

Quad HDTVs have been on display here and there in Asia in 2006 and finally will be making it across the Pacific now. Westinghouse is the first company to announce that it will have such a TV on display at its booth. It will be based on LCD technology and come with a 56" panel. According to the company, the TV will use 2160p resolution (3840 x 2160 progessive) and offer "stunning, never-before seen picture reproduction."

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CES 2007: Samsung exhibits next-generation LCD displays (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20070108PR211.html)
7 January 2007

Samsung Electronics is exhibiting next-generation LCD panels at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas (January 8-11).

Particularly noteworthy are new Samsung panels, including a double-sided 2.22-inch widescreen LCD that shows different images on both sides of the same screen for mobile applications, a 70-inch full high-definition (HD) LCD TV panel for the home and an 82-inch digital information display (DID) for public settings.

Samsung's new 2.22-inch double-sided LCD – being exhibited for the first time at CES 2007 – is the first product to display two different images back to back in an ultra-thin mechanical package. It is 1mm slimmer than typical display modules (3.85mm) used in mobile phones, enabling truly differentiated multimedia handset designs. Other commercially available double-sided LCDs simply consist of two panels placed one on top of the other that can only display the reverse image of identical screen content.

Meanwhile, Samsung is introducing "the largest" (70-inch) full high-definition (HD) LCD for TV use. At CES 2007, Samsung is supplementing its 40- and 46-inch standards by exhibiting a new 52-inch size standard that reproduces full HD video images at 120Hz with enhanced motion picture response time (MPRT). The 52-inch panel will be produced later this year on the company's eighth-generation (8G) LCD manufacturing line.

For the DID market, the company is demonstrating several products that enable system designers to mount LCD panels adjacent to each other with minimal distance separating the display's active viewing area. These include a 46-inch touch-screen DID, a 40-inch model with narrow bezels left and right, a 46-inch panel also for use with narrow bezel designs, as well as 57- and 82-inch DIDs.

Finally, Samsung is displaying a wide portfolio of LCD panels for monitors including a 30-inch widescreen model, which it claims is the industry's largest LCD panel of its type. A variety of graphically-rich, ultra-slim high-resolution notebook panels are being shown that are suited to enhance the viewing experience when used in conjunction with the new Windows Vista operating system (OS).

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CES 2007: Makers highlight ultra large-size 1080p TVs (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20070108VL200.html)
8 January 2007

Leading display vendors such as Sharp, Sony and Samsung Electronics are pushing large-size full high-definition TVs (HDTVs) at the ongoing CES show in Las Vegas (January 8-11).

Sharp's 108in LCD takes record at a price (http://www.digitalworldtokyo.com/2007/01/sharps_108in_lcd_takes_record.php)


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Later this year, anyone with $20,000 to spare and a really big wall at home might want to consider Sharp's new claimant to the world's-biggest-TV crown, the newly unveiled 108in Aquos LCD it was pimping at CES on Sunday.

Sharp reckons that it's significant that the new telly takes LCDs to a size no plasma has ever reached but we all know this is really about bragging rights.

More interesting is the reason for the stratospheric cost — the glass substrate panels screens are cut from at Sharp's factory are large enough to accommodate just one of the 108-inchers. By contrast, eight 46in LCDs can be made from the same panel.


Sony displays 70-inch Bravia LCD TV


http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/20070108VL200_files/2_r.jpg


Sony recently introduced a 70-inch LCD TV, the world's largest TV compliant with x.v.Color technology here at the CES show in Las Vegas.

The new Bravia KDL-70XBR3 model will be available spring 2007 for about US$33,000, according to the company.

Image quality is enhanced further with the new xvYCC technology, which Sony has branded x.v.Color. This technology was established as an industry standard by the CES 2006, according to Sony. (Note: xvYCC technology refers to the international standard for wide color space within moving images).

The 70-inch model is currently the largest screen size in Sony's Braiva LCD line. The TV features resolution of 1,920×1,080 and Motionflow 120 Hz technology with motion compensation, Triluminos LED backlight, as well as a 10-bit panel, which allows for an increase in the TV's gradation level by 64 times from 8-bit panels. The TV also has viewing angle of 178-degree and delivers a dynamic contrast ratio of 7,000:1.

The set includes three HDMI inputs and a PC input which are 1080p compatible, as well as two HD component inputs.

Sony's Bravia LCD TV lineup includes screen size of 52, 46, 40, 32, 26 and 23 inches.

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CES 2007: Westinghouse shows off the Quad HDTV - update (http://www.tgdaily.com/2007/01/09/ces2007_westinghouse_quad_hdtv/)
8 January 2007


http://www.tgdaily.com/picturegalleries/200701086/ces-2007-westinghouse-quad-hdtv.jpg

The super-resolution 2160p Quad HDTV was showing off a graphic-intensive
tech demo showing what oil companies can do with the display.

Westinghouse has a fairly modest booth at this year's CES, but there were some things that really stood out, most notably the Quad HDTV that was announced a few days before the show. That, along with a handful of new 1080p TVs and high-definition computer monitors are headlining the first batch of new 2007 releases, underscoring the future trend for the digital division of Westinghouse.

Of course, the Quad HDTV was our first target at the Westinghouse booth. The 52" TV runs a super high-resolution of 2160p (3840 x 2160 pixels). In absolute numbers, the device is running a stunning 8.3 megapixels - four times more than 1080p TVs (1920x1080p) and more than twice the resolution of Dell's, HP's and Apple's 30" desktop LCDs. So, what do you get from this resolution, especially if HD DVD and Blu-ray are running only 1080p anyway?

According to Westinghouse, the TV does not really target the consumer market, but high-end industrial applications. What we saw was an animation of an oil company viewing a digital version of a mining site. And even at this very specialized application, the difference to the best 1080p we saw at CES appeared to be marginal, at least to our eyes. However, of course you do see a much clearer picture when compared to some lower-priced 1080p TVs. Westinghouse said that it has begun taking orders for the 2160p. However, the TV will not come to the consumer market anytime soon. We heard that the TV is selling for around $50,000 at this time.

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Bigger & biggest HDTVs: Sharp's 108 vs. Samsung's 102 (http://hdtv.engadget.com/2007/01/09/bigger-and-biggest-hdtvs-sharps-108-vs-samsungs-102/)
9 January 2007


http://www.engadget.com/media/2007/01/sharp102plasma10708.jpg

Samsung 102" Plasma

http://www.engadget.com/media/2007/01/cimg0186.jpg

Sharp 108" LCD

It's hard to decide. We're seeing so many great HDTVs every day like these two giants -- and some not so giant -- but still, which one of these screens would we rather take home? On the left we've got Samsung's old school 102-inch plasma, on the right Sharp's new 108-inch 1080p Aquos LCD. Some people could be content with a mere 102-inch or even 103-inch screen and prefer plasma to LCD, but with 120Hz motion and other advancements coming off of Sharp's 8th-generation manufacturing line its impossible to say no to the new size king in town. Check out the gallery for a couple more pictures of both.

LGE to mass produce 100-inch LCD TV soon (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20061102VL200.html)
2 November 2006


http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/20061102VL200_files/1_r.jpg


LG Electronics (LGE) is scheduling the time for mass production in overseas market, the Korea-based company noted. Production cost for the 100-inch LCD TV is over US$150,000, said LGE in a company press release.

Nevertheless, prices for the 100-inch LCD TV have not yet been determined, the release said.

LGE recently developed the 100-inch LCD TV and the model will enter 2007 Guinness Book as the world's largest LCD TV, according to the release.

The 100-inch LCD TV, with panel from LG.Philips LCD, features a maximum 3,000:1 contrast ratio, color reproduction of 92%, viewing angle of 180 degrees and response time of 5ms, said the company. The TV is offering a 6.22 million-pixel picture quality with resolution of 1,920x1,080, said the company.

LG.Philips LCD debuted its 100-inch LCD TV panel in March 2006.

In ultra large flat-panel TV competition, PDP (plasma display panel) technology is so far the winner. In July, Panasonic (the brand name of Matsushita Electric Industrial) said it will start offering 103-inch PDP TVs, the world's largest, with a retail selling price (RSP) of US$69,999.95, in Christmas 2006.

The TH-103PZ600U features resolution of 1,920×1,080 and a contrast ratio of 4,000:1, with panel size equivalent to four 50-inch PDPs, according to Panasonic.

I'm not excited about this at all, 3000-1 CR is a step backwards. :(

I'm not excited about this at all, 3000-1 CR is a step backwards. :(
Iso,

Keep up the good work.

Who let the SED Kool Aid drinker in here? :D

Iso,

Keep up the good work.

Who let the SED Kool Aid drinker in here? :D

I'll be drinking the bubbly by 2008!! :D

http://www.brightsidetech.com/products/dr37p.php

Note the 16-bit per color, not 16-bit color -- that's essentially 48-bit color.

Besides their own displays, I believe they are also licensing the technology so that other LCD makers will also be able to take advantage of it. Very cool stuff -- this is the future.

Also 1680W maximum power usage.

Thread Update:

3 January 2007: CES 2007: Westinghouse to show Quad HDTVPresumably the same as the Chi Mei panel in the article above. - DR

Iso: There must be a typo somewhere. Sony's 70" is $33K, but the Sharp 108" is $20K?! Perhaps you meant to type $200K? The LG 100" is $150K.

Iso: There must be a typo somewhere. Sony's 70" is $33K, but the Sharp 108" is $20K?! Perhaps you meant to type $200K? The LG 100" is $150K.

Maybe Sharp has prices scaling up almost linearly with the display size and LG has exponential scaling ?

Sharp 65" incher is quoted at $10K, $20K for 108" is then linearly fair :D

Maybe Sharp has prices scaling up almost linearly with the display size and LG has exponential scaling ?

Sharp 65" incher is quoted at $10K, $20K for 108" is then linearly fair :D
I guess you meant that as a joke. But anyway, the 108" has 2.76 the screen area of the 65", so if the 65" is quoted at $10K and prices were linear, the 108" would have to cost $27.6K... :p

I guess you meant that as a joke. But anyway, the 108" has 2.76 the screen area of the 65", so if the 65" is quoted at $10K and prices were linear, the 108" would have to cost $27.6K... :p
Considering the Panasonic 103" is at about $59K I cannot imagine Sharp going for less especially considering they are and can market to an elite consumer with a 108" panel considering the puny 70" Sony will be $33K I cannot fathom a one of a kind (for now) being sold for less than $50K - don't get me wrong I think $20K would be great but I find it hard to believe.

It also most likely would require use of a professional installer as my 57" Sharp weighs in at 164lbs and taking that up nearly 4 times larger the manuevering of such a panel into ones home seems it must have special attention as mine was a bitch to setup as I was used to the lightness of my previous panels and had to have custom cut Lexan Table top cut for my Bello Stand as the Vendor misquoted the actual weight of the panel.

Good news is that even LG reduced the price of their 71" to $15K and I believe it was >$70K at one time. Now where's the news on the 70" Samsung and pricing? Imagine it's the same glass as the Sony but unlikely Samsung will be asking much more than the Sharp 65" at $10K. I don't get how Sony can ask for $33K? Didn't that niche hurt them with Qualia as far as profitability? Time and competition will filter the pricing down and the tech up - seems Moores Law has transitioned over to this area now. :D

@westa, I was not being serious. I think the price of the 108" LCD will easily be > $100K.

Good news is that even LG reduced the price of their 71" to $15K and I believe it was >$70K at one time. Now where's the news on the 70" Samsung and pricing? Imagine it's the same glass as the Sony but unlikely Samsung will be asking much more than the Sharp 65" at $10K. I don't get how Sony can ask for $33K? Didn't that niche hurt them with Qualia as far as profitability? Time and competition will filter the pricing down and the tech up - seems Moores Law has transitioned over to this area now. :D

I only wish that a current gereration 70" flat screen set would be available for ~15K, been waiting for three years already.

Live pics of Sharp's 108-inch LCD HDTV! (http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/07/live-pics-of-sharps-108-inch-lcd-hdtv/)
7 January 2007


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We just happened to be cruising through the under-embargo soon-to-be-released NDA under-wraps Sharp booth at CES, and we caught some pics of their absolutely mammoth 108-inch LCD HDTV. Holy hot damn this thing is enormous.

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Shedding light on Taiwan's LED developments: An interview with Dr. Ching-Cherng Sun of the Optical Sciences Center (http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20060606A7038.html)
11 January 2007


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Dr. Ching-Cherng Sun of the Optical Sciences Center (OSC)

http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/20070104VL202_files/2_r.jpg

LCD TV comparison: Proton 42-inch CCFL-based LCD TV (left),
42-inch LED BLU (5/6G version from NCU Solid-State Lighting Group)

The issue of whether LEDs will replace cold-cathode fluorescent lamps (CFFL) to become the major backlighting source for display products in the short-run has been widely discussed. LED makers and research firms used to be fairly optimistic about the replacement time schedule coming in early 2005. However, they have become more conservative about the speed of the replacement due mainly to the speed of cost reduction for LED backlighting.

In addition, Taiwan-based LED makers have undergone a series of consolidation moves over the past few years. With LED developers in Europe and the US – Osram Opto Semiconductors and Cree – and in Japan – Nichia – possessing a full portfolio of patents and R&D capabilities, Taiwanese competitors will need to find their competitive edge and develop more overseas partners, while also securing more downstream clients from the local market.

DigiTimes had the opportunity to interview Dr. Ching-Cherng Sun, coordinator of Solid-State Lighting Group, Optical Sciences Center (OSC), National Central University (NCU), to talk about the developments from the lighting group, its new models, partners and future developments.

Q: When was your team established? And what are some of your major areas of focus?

A: Our team was established about ten years ago and our focus has included optics in storage, display, communication and sensing. More specifically, this includes areas such as optical holography, noon-imaging optics, optical communication and optical engineering. Five years ago, LED solid-state lighting became one of our major research topics. For the LED solid-state lighting optics segment, we are dedicated to LED optical modeling, LED light extraction, LED light guide, LED color mixing, LED lighting design, LED backlight for LCD TV and diffuser/diffusing elements.

Over the course of our development, we have been aiming at white LED as well as RGB LED. The former is easier to make, as it is already a single-color lighting source. We have developed a 28-inch white LED backlight unit (BLU) and a 30-inch BLU. Both models meet the brightness requirements of TV BLUs. Each of them employs hundreds of LEDs, has a power level of 250W and is around 5cm thin. The newest generation we have developed is less than 3cm thin. Also, the color gamut for the RGB BLU has been improved from 96% NTSC to 106%.

Another focus for our team is a car-use lighting source. Over the past years, we have developed an LED module for car headlights. The reflector of the module is 6×4×3.25cm in size, with each lamp cover employing a side-emitting LED from Lumileds.
Q: Can you elaborate on the advantages of the car-use LED module over a traditional lighting source? Who are your partners for making the product? When will it be volume produced?

A: In fact, we have developed a variety of LED modules for both car use and bicycle use. The volume production schedule for car-use products will take longer, and we are aiming at two to three years for the segment to be volume produced.

For bicycle-use LED modules, we are the world’s third earliest developer, with the first being Japan’s CatEye (note: CatEye said it was the first in the industry to create a flashing lamp for bicycles, in 1964, followed by the very first bicycle head lamp using white LEDs in 2001). We are working with Taiwan’s ProLight Opto Technology to develop the LED modules and volume production will kick off soon.
Q: How about large-size applications? Can you introduce us to your newest developments of TV-use LED BLUs? What is the volume production plan for the segment?

A: We have successfully developed a 42-inch LCD TV prototype using our fifth/sixth-generation LED BLU. We spent one month from the design of the module, to the LED package to the complete prototype, with the overall expense at around NT$300,000 (about US$9,211). We have worked with Taiwan-based LED packaging houses such as ProLight, Ledtech Electronics and Advanced Optoelectronic Technology (AOT) for developing the prototype.

The model has a 558-nit brightness, compared to 400nits from traditional CCFL-based models, and the performance of red and green colors is significantly better than that from a CCFL-based one. We have filed related patents for the model, with those for the US also under preparation.

We are now in the stage of 9G and 10G versions of LED BLUs. The 9G concept is “workable” now whereas the 10G version is still just a prototype.

The major breakthrough of the 9G version is solving the issue of color fading phenomenon for LEDs (especially for red LEDs). Red LED tends to significantly decrease in relative light output (measured in percentage) in a high-temperature environment, so we regulate the relative light output level of red LEDs actively by constantly applying power to red LEDs and we already have patents for the achievement.

For the 10G version, we have been able to maximize the color gamut of the LED BLU and improved the performance of blue LEDs, so that panel makers from Taiwan will not have to alter their LCD production procedure.

The 10G version features a 122% NTSC color gamut (measured after the light passes through the color filter; CF), which almost reaches the theoretical limit with RGB LEDs. The level is a significant achievement, as the best color gamut result from RGB LED (after light passes through CF) is around 106% and that of CCFL is 70%. More importantly, the result is achieved by using RGB LED instead of the four-color LED technology developed by makers in Japan. Since our technology uses only three colors instead of four, the production costs will be less than that for four-color devices.
Q: What are the near-term breakthroughs that your team is aiming for?

A: The luminous efficiency of the LEDs we have developed so far is one half that of the best LEDs in the industry. However, we expect to improve the luminous efficiency of our LEDs by four times in 2007 or 2008, which means our new LEDs will have to have double the luminous efficiency than the best current LEDs. We are estimating a power consumption of 90W for our LEDs BL, compared to 350W now for LEDs and 170W for CCFLs. The new model should contain less LED pieces than any existing model, so the operation of each LED can be well controlled with our feedback system.
Q: Cost has always been an issue for LED makers and a major reason for a longer replacement time for LED over CCFL. What is your opinion on that?

A: For some time LED makers have expected LED to become more popular in the adoption as a lighting source but the costs for LED production remain relatively high. However, we believe the issue will be gradually solved by the improvement in luminous efficiency. For example, with the improvement of luminous efficiency of our LEDs over the next two years, the area of the heat sink can be reduced by 25%, thereby lowering production costs significantly.

In my opinion, with the speed of LED cost reduction now, the technology will take over CCFL in two to five years.

LED lighting is energy efficient, has a longer life (can last up to 100,000 hours, compared to 1,000 for typical incandescent bulbs), gives pure saturated colors, is highly reliable, is environmentally friendly (because it contains no mercury), is safer for car-use brake lights and can be applied to a variety of products. In contrast, CCFL is more fragile, contains mercury and is not as competitive in color performance.
Q: Along the course of your developments of LEDs for small- to large-size applications and continued breakthroughs in related technology, you must have worked with a variety of Taiwan-based makers. Can you tell us about your partners since the inception of the team?

A: We indeed have worked with various players in the display industry in Taiwan. In fact, the major aim of our team is to provide R&D breakthroughs for Taiwanese display makers. An unspecified panel maker from Taiwan has adopted our LED backlighting technology (3G/4G versions) and displayed models using the technology at FPD International in Yokohama, Japan three years ago. In addition, BLU makers Forhouse and Delta Electronics and LED chipmaker Arima Optoelectronics have also worked with us.

Furthermore, we are now working with several LED and lighting fixture makers including Leh Chu Enterprise, Jenn Feng, Arima Opto, Primo Lite, Anteya Technology, among others.

We are also looking to partner with overseas companies, with possible partners including Sony, Hitachi, Sharp, Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics (LGE) for our 10G-version LED technology.
Q: A lot of consolidation has been going on over the past few years in Taiwan’s LED industry. In August 2005, South Epitaxy bought out epitaxial-chip provider Epitech. Epistar's takeover of United Epitaxy Company (UEC) late in December of 2005 was aimed at aggressively ramping production of AlGaInP (aluminum gallium indium phosphide) LEDs. What’s more, Epistar in September 2006 announced it would acquire Epitech Technology and Highlink Technology. What is you opinion on the trend for the Taiwan LED industry? Are we soon to see more consolidation and an ultimate result of an industry with a few major players in Taiwan?

A: Indeed, the industry is moving toward more consolidation and fewer players. Personally, I see this trend a good one since Taiwan is not as competitive as overseas competitors in R&D capability and related resources in the downstream LED industry in general.

LED makers such as Epistar are wise in striking merger deals and I foresee three major LED conglomerates in Taiwan in the future, as the industry will keep seeing consolidation along the course. The three remaining conglomerates are likely to be Epistar, Arima Opto and one of the others.

In the meantime, Taiwan-based panel makers are also aggressively cultivating their presence in the LED-backlighting field by working with LED makers in Taiwan. (Both AU Optronics (AUO) and Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO) are becoming more comprehensive in their LED supply-chain deployment, with AUO having purchased around 25% of LED packaging firm LightHouse Technology and CMO establishing a 100%-owned LED packaging subsidiary, while gaining three seats on the board of Formosa Epitaxy).

For LED packaging houses, I am more pessimistic about their future potential, as they are not as competitive in R&D capabilities and they will continue positioning themselves as OEM service providers in the future.

For lighting fixture providers, the future remains uncertain, as the LED standards have not been unified and a variety of products are out there in the market. There remain several solutions, though. Taiwanese lighting fixture makers can ally with China-based makers in setting standards so that they will not have to cater to those from international makers such as Royal Philips Electronics. The makers can also partner with packaging houses, as their production procedures are very much interconnected.

All in all, Taiwan is still behind overseas regions in patent application. The R&D ability of Taiwanese LED makers are still behind makers in Japan, Europe and the US and Taiwan will continue lagging overseas companies in irreplaceable patent technologies.

"...Let It Wave's technology creates amazingly sharp HD images from SD video sources—today's format of most available content. At CES 2007, Let It Wave also introduces its advanced frame rate converter, which smartly computes HDTV intermediate frames and eliminates motion blur and flickers while removing film judder, an essential requirement for new 100 and 120Hz LCD and Plasma displays...."


http://digital50.com/news/items/BW/2001/07/14/20070103006240/let-it-wave-demonstrates-breakthrough-super-resolution-bandlet-technology-for-hdtv-up.html

Now where's the news on the 70" Samsung and pricing? Imagine it's the same glass as the Sony but unlikely Samsung will be asking much more than the Sharp 65" at $10K. I don't get how Sony can ask for $33K? Didn't that niche hurt them with Qualia as far as profitability? Time and competition will filter the pricing down and the tech up - seems Moores Law has transitioned over to this area now. :D

Sony 70" and Sharp 65" are not the same category beasts. Sony is equipped in all high-end goodies one can imagine: HDMI 1.3, 10-bit video resolution, LED backlighting. Sharp is just standard. Of those goodies especially the LEDBL seems to be adding significantly to prices as it is much more complicated than cheapy lamps.

The BIG Q of course is if the PQ difference between Sony and Sharp justify the 20+ k$ price difference.

Maybe somebody will elaborate about this basing on the CES experience.

Does anyone have any indication or guess how much Samsung will be charging for its 52" LEDBL model due out this summer? Or how much Sony would charge for a similar set (presumably coming out of the same 8G plant)?

Sony 70" and Sharp 65" are not the same category beasts. Sony is equipped in all high-end goodies one can imagine: HDMI 1.3, 10-bit video resolution, LED backlighting. Sharp is just standard. Of those goodies especially the LEDBL seems to be adding significantly to prices as it is much more complicated than cheapy lamps.

The BIG Q of course is if the PQ difference between Sony and Sharp justify the 20+ k$ price difference.

Maybe somebody will elaborate about this basing on the CES experience.

http://images.dailytech.com/nimage/3600_large_ces.jpg


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How are people going to fit those types of sizes in their homes?! Time to buy a bigger house... :o

http://www.advancedimagingpro.com/article/article.jsp?siteSection=7&id=3574

Im not quite sold on LCD back lighting yet. The complexity of the panel increases when IMHO a simple yet equally effective solution should be the goal. I would accept it as a interim solution to improve the PQ and the other advantages of LED lighting vs. CCFLs but fear the dead pixel defect would now expand into the dead LED defect. How many dead LEDs are acceptable before a warranty claim can be made?

Sharp's 1,000,000:1 Mega-Contrast Premium LCD vs regular LCD (http://hdtv.engadget.com/2007/01/15/sharps-1-000-000-1-mega-contrast-premium-lcd-vs-regular-lcd/)
15 January 2007

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Don't get us wrong, we love our high contrast HDTVs -- especially those among us lucky enough to have a 10,000:1 Sharp set and the like -- but if you've never experienced a 1,000,000:1 picture, you've never seen truly black black-levels. At CES 2007 Sharp was showing off their reference grade 37-inch Mega-Contrast Premium LCD, which had even deeper blacks than most SED sets we've seen to date (but not Sony's OLED set). Granted, this side by side comparison was with a mere 1,200:1 set that didn't exactly put up much of a fight -- we might have liked to have seen it alongside one of their 10,000:1 or 12,000:1 sets, but still, you can see for yourself in our gallery.

Sharp’s 4k x 2k 64-inch ultra high res monitor (http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/15/sharps-4k-x-2k-64-inch-ultra-high-res-monitor/)
15 January 2007

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For those of us that have a hard enough time telling the difference between 720 and 1080, let us tell you that once you've seen Sharp's 62-inch 4k x 2k, there's no going back. You know how when you get up close to a 1080 picture you can still start to see the pixels? Well, gazing into this 4096 x 2048 (8.3 megapixels) picture is an experience more reminiscent of sitting by a window, and not by a display. It's kind of hard to capture that level of detail with photos (hell, our camera isn't even 8.3 megapixels), but we sure tried.

And let us not forget the Sony 82 inch LCD panel shown at CES.
For my living enviroment 70 inchs is perfect but would not rule out 82 inchs. Anything above that probably to heavy and big to menuver. (Panels I'm speaking of.)

The Sharp Aquos 65 inch LCD panel originally sold for $20,000.00. Now available for $7,600.00. I think the same thing will happen to the $33,000.00 Sony panel. :)

LG.Philips Shows Off LED backlit LCD (http://www.laptoplogic.com/news/detail.php?id=2039)
5 February 2007
Aving Article (http://aving.net/usa/news/default.asp?mode=read&c_num=35258&C_Code=09&SP_Num=0)


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LG.Philips flex their video processing muscle with the “Mega CS” processor and features with 1,000,000:1 Contrast Ratio.

Samsung has displayed their new LED-backlit LCD’s, but LG.Philips punches right back.

At the ICDL 2007 technology show, LG.Philips displayed their 47”, 26”, 15.4”, 12.1” and 7-inch LED backlit LCD Panels. Rumors have been floating around the net about LG’s new video processor and it seems they have been confirmed. The HD 1920 x 1080 resolution Mega CS 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio display shows off blacks in ultra dark form via a process called local dimming.

Other 47-inch specifications are:

▪ 500 cd/m2 brightness
▪ 178-degree viewing angle
▪ 8-ms response
▪ 1.07 billion colors covering 105% of the NTSC color gamut
No word on pricing or release date as of yet, but LG.Philips is saying second quarter of 2007.

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There’s no Gyroball in Backlighting (http://displaydaily.com/2007/02/22/theres-no-gyroball-in-backlighting/)
22 February 2007

Although it was invented 12 years ago by Japanese baseball trainer Kazushi Tezuka, the gyroball has had the status of a baseball myth to those who had heard of it, at least in the U.S. In Japan, it was the subject of video games and cartoons, which didn’t add to its credibility outside the country. But the gyroball is real, as demonstrated yesterday by its inventor at the San Francisco Giants training camp in Scottsdale, Arizona, and as reported in a front-page story by Lee Jenkins in today’s New York Times.

If you’re interested in gyroball aerodynamics, I’ll refer you to the Jenkins article. What interests us here is that new backlighting illumination sources appear even less frequently than new baseball pitches. In fact, we are in the process of losing a significant supplier of one sub-flavor of backlight illumination. That is, we’re not gaining a gyroball, we’re losing one.

A recap. There are two basic sources of light for LCD backlights: fluorescent tubes (FTs) and light-emitting diodes. Keypads and watch faces are sometimes lit with powder electroluminescent (EL) materials, and development work is being done with organic LED materials and even field-emission technology, but these are not significant for LCDs at this time. One alternative approach that will be developing significant traction this year is the flat fluorescent lamp (FFL), which builds a serpentine pathway between two flat sheets of glass. Think of it as integrating a bunch of fluorescent tubes into one flat panel.

LEDs have been the standard BL solution for LCDs up to four inches and they are rapidly working their way upward. Tubular fluorescent lamps, particularly of the cold-cathode variety (CCFLs), dominate for notebook PCs, desktop monitors, and LCD-TVs - but you will see significant penetration by LEDs into notebooks this year.

There are two other flavors of fluorescent tubes, the external electrode fluorescent lamp (EEFL) and the hot-cathode fluorescent lamp (HCFL). EEFLs are simple to make and can share inverters (the power supply used for FLs), so they offer both cost and power savings. They are used now in commercial TV modules and you’ll be seeing more of them.

HCFLs can offer greater surface luminance, and lifetime issues have been solved by carefully controlling cathode temperature and voltage. Philips has been using HCFLs in their well-publicized Aptura scanning-backlight system, which significantly reduces motion blur on LCD-TVs.

Here’s where we lose our backlighting gyroball. There was an unconfirmed story a couple of weeks ago that Philips Lighting was discontinuing production of HCFLs at its Roosendaal plant. Insight Media has now been able to confirm from a reliable source within Philips that this story is true. Although the picture quality of Philips 32- and 42-inch LCD-TVs using the Aptura system was well received, the tremendous price pressure from CCFLs made it difficult for Philips to expand the HCFL business profitably. (LED backlighting activities will continue through the Philips Lumileds subsidiary, our source says.)

What wasn’t said is that the LCD-TV panel industry is rapidly standardizing on frame-rate doubling (120Hz frame rate) as the most cost-effective way of reducing motion blur. So HCFL for backlighting was not only more expensive, it was losing its main raison d’etre.

Going forward, there is virtually universal agreement that LEDs will be the backlighting technology of choice in all major LCD segments. How the LEDs will be utilized and how quickly they will penetrate each of the various segments are issues that Insight Media will be tracking carefully. But until LEDs become the universal backlight illumination source, there will be lots of juggling between the remaining fluorescent alternatives.

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CNT backlighting (http://www.digitimes.com/photogallery/ShowPhoto.asp?ID=1896)
8 March 2007


http://www.digitimes.com/Images/2007/03/06/1896_r.jpg


Nano-Proprietary claims that it has developed a carbon nanotube (CNT) electron emission suitable for use as a backlight for large area LCD TVs.

Based on information on the company's website, it has developed a proof of concept that is 65x65mm (3.6-inch diagonal) that utilizes the company's CNTs, which requires an electric field of less than 1 volt/micrometer and achieves 40,000 candela/square meter.

The company has indicated that its technology makes it possible for 32-inch LCD TV backlights to consume power as low as 50-60 watts.

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Philips Ends Fluorescent Backlighting in LCDs (http://gear.ign.com/articles/772/772321p1.html)
LED backlighting to become new standard
12 March 2007

Philips announced today that it will end research and development of fluorescent stroboscopic backlighting in its flat screen HDTV production in favor of LED backlighting systems. LEDs will allow for both thinner HDTV panels and longer product life spans due to their sturdier construction. Better yet, LEDs produce a whiter, brighter light that is more easily dynamically manipulated, the basis of many impressive ultra-high contrast-ratio prototype displays we saw at CES in January.

The move seems like a relatively natural one for Philips, as the company is the world's largest lighting manufacturer. Philips Lighting includes a unit known as Lumileds which is a world leader in LED design and manufacturing. Some high-end HDTV displays that make use of LED backlighting are already available, but according to Philips representatives, it will likely be a few years before LEDs are found in mainstream HDTVs. Nevertheless, the news is a testament to how rapidly HDTV technology is improving, and may be the harbinger of the ultra-high contrast-ratio buzz that we expect will be the next big thing in HDTVs.

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Large LED BLU Demand Share to Surge to 14.1% by 2010 (http://www.displaybank.com/eng2004/news/)
26 March 2007


http://www.displaybank.com/contents_img/499846.gif


Demand for large-size LED BLUs will probably account for 14.1% of the total demand for large BLUs, and in revenues, the market will top $4.599 billion for a share of 25.4%.

According to the latest data from the LED BLU Industry Trend and Forecast report distributed by a display market research institute Displaybank (CEO Peter Kwon), the large LED BLU market including all applications, LCD TVs, LCD monitors and notebook PCs, will make up 1.5% with 5.1 million units in 2007, and this share will surge to over 14% of the overall backlight market with 67.8 million units by 2010.

Because the present price war is severe between displays and accordingly cost reductions have emerged as the crucial issue for the solution, there are only few products incorporating LED BLUs. However, LED has the richest advantages in functionality among the existing light source solutions, and has high value added for adoption given the current technology. Therefore, Displaybank foresees that the influence from attractive prices to be reached in the future seems to be very strong.

In March 2007, large-size products employing LED BLUs, 10-inch and larger, represents a negligible 1% or less of the overall market, but are predicted to be adopted in a broad range of applications ranging from the small to medium sector to large size categories. In addition, although the migration to larger OLEDs will be faster than expected, LED may retain its top position among light sources until OLED technology is advanced considerably.

However, there remain challenges to be solved for rapid penetration of LED BLUs; prices, heat dissipation, uniformity and efficiency of LED chip, and Displaybank believes that the market expansion speed of LED BLUs will be determined depending on the time when solutions to these issues are offered.

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Samsung poised to introduce white LED-backlit displays (http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/14/samsung-poised-to-introduce-white-led-backlit-displays/)
14 May 2007


http://www.engadgethd.com/media/2007/05/samsung_led_lcdtv_nochart.jpg


Samsung believes that by 2010, 30% of all LCD televisions will include LED backlights instead of the conventional flourescent used in most sets now. What's different from the LED units we've seen before is that Samsung wants to use white LEDs, with single diodes custom-coated to produce the same backlight previously requiring combinations of red, green, and blue bulbs. Samsung recently invested (http://news.com.com/8301-10784_3-9712417-7.html) in Intematix, which produces custom phosphor coatings for LED bulbs to create uniform color -- required in a television to faithfully reproduce colors. Until recently costs have been higher for LED backlight units, keeping them relegated to higher-end models. Samsung claims the single bulb process reduces costs by 40%, but time will tell whether white-only LEDs are truly better or cheaper than tri-color LEDs, or if they are just the next "Reveal lightbulb" marketing gimmick.

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Delta Electronics and NuLight develop backlight unit for FFL panel certified by VDE (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20070529PD214.html)
29 May 2007


http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/20070529PD214_files/1_r.jpg


Delta Electronics and NuLight Technology have announced their jointly developed backlight unit for mercury-free FFL (flat fluorescent lamp) panels has received certification by the VDE Institute of Germany, according to Delta. The mercury-free FFL backlight unit is for use in mainstream 32-inch LCD TV monitors, the company said.

The FFL backlight unit is completely mercury (Hg) free, which sets it apart from conventional mercury-based lamps such as cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs). The lamp life of the FFL backlight unit is greater than 100,000 hours, and the panel operates over a wider range of temperatures, -40-degrees C to 85- degrees C, than conventional lamps, Delta said in a press release.

The new BLUs provide an alternative solution for system makers and panel makers. Many customers in Europe, Japan and US markets have show interest in the new product, said C.T. Tsai, the CTF of NuLight.

NuLight Technology is a joint venture (JV) between Delta Optoelectronics, a subsidiary of Delta Electronics, and Chi Mei Optoelectronics' (CMO's) subsidiary Yuan Chi Investment.

CMO and Delta Electronics announced in March 2006 they will form a JV, Delta-CMO Optoelectronics, to develop backlight units (BLUs) for LCD panels using FFL mercury-free flat panel technology. The joint venture has since been renamed to NuLight Technology.

NuLight has set up one production line at CMO's plant and is now testing production of the new backlight units for mercury-free FFL panels, said sources. CMO is expected to be the first panel maker to launch products based on the new technology, noted the sources.

... carbon nanotube (CNT) ... The company has indicated that its technology makes it possible for 32-inch LCD TV backlights to consume power as low as 50-60 watts.My 32" Sharp uses 63 watts total, meaning backlight is probably under 50 watts.

Im not quite sold on LCD back lighting yet. The complexity of the panel increases when IMHO a simple yet equally effective solution should be the goal. I would accept it as a interim solution to improve the PQ and the other advantages of LED lighting vs. CCFLs but fear the dead pixel defect would now expand into the dead LED defect. How many dead LEDs are acceptable before a warranty claim can be made?
How many dead backlight tubes are acceptable?
Answer: none

With LEDs, you can design the backlight so that a small number of LEDs can fail and still have a uniform picture. You might get a very faint darker region near an edge, but with good diffuser design, you may not be able to see it. You would only really be in trouble if two adjacent LEDs fail.

But the failure rate of LEDs is already lower than CCFL tubes, so I think this is a non-issue to start. Or do you think that backlight tubes never fail?

AUO unveils 65-inch full high-definition 120Hz LCD TV display (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20070606PR209.html)
6 June 2007


http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/20070606PR209_files/1_r.jpg


AU Optronics (AUO) has unveiled Taiwan's first 65-inch full high-definition (HD) 120Hz LCD TV panel, claiming it to be the world's second able-to-be-commercialized 65-inch LCD panel, and to reach CRT- and plasma-like image quality in motion picture response time.

The 65-inch full HD LCD TV display is equipped with HDTV 1,920×1,080 resolution, ASPD 120Hz driving technology for motion blur reduction, AMVA superior wide-viewing angle technology and HiColor saturation technology. With ASPD double frame rate 120Hz technology, AUO's 65-inch LCD TV panel has achieved a faster response time of 4ms gray-to-gray and 8ms motion picture response time (MPRT). It also features AUO AMVA technology for color washout improvement at large viewing angles, HiColor technology for a wide color gamut (92% of NTSC), high contrast of 2,000:1, and true 10-bit gray scale for better image processing quality in displaying billions of colors.

It is expected that large-sized LCD TVs which include full high-definition (HD), high resolution, and double frame rate 120Hz will go mainstream, said David Su, senior vice president and general manager of TV Display/Consumer Product Display Business Groups of AUO. With the addition of 65-inch full HD panels, AUO is able to offer customers TV panels featuring full HD and ASPD 120Hz driving technology in the sizes of 42-, 46- and 65-inches, Su noted.

Two 65-inch panels can be economically cut via AUO's sixth-generation (6G) fabs and mass production will commence in the third quarter.

AUO will be debuting the 65-inch FHD 120HZ LCD TV panel at Display Taiwan 2007, from June 13 to June 15, in Taipei.

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Samsung Launches 70" LED-backlit LCD TV (http://www.dailytech.com/Samsung+Launches+70+LEDbacklit+LCD+TV/article7675.htm)
14 June 2007


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Samsung delivers world's largest commercially available LCD TV

Samsung aims to impress with the retail launch of its new 70" LCD TV in Korea. The new Samsung LN70F91BD forgoes the traditional CCFL backlight in favor of an LED backlight for improved picture clarity.

"I am pleased to introduce the 70" Full-HD LCD TV with innovative Local Dimming Technology," said Samsung Digital Media President JongWoo Park. "Samsung will continue to strengthen its LCD TV leadership, enhancing Full-HD and large screen LCD TV line-up.

Also new to the TV is what Samsung calls "local dimming backlighting." Since the backlight consists of hundreds of LED elements, an image displayed on the screen can range from maximum brightness (LEDs at full power) to complete darkness to produce true black (LEDs turned completely off). This differs from traditional CCFL LCDs where black levels can appear more grayish.

Samsung says that the use of the LED backlight gives the LCD TV a dynamic contrast ratio of 500,000:1 while power consumption is cut by as much as 50 percent. According to AVING, the LN70F91BD features ACAP, three HDMI 1.3 port and a USB 2.0 port.

Samsung's 1080p 70" LCD TV is on sale now in Korea for 59 million won ($63,425 USD) and will be available worldwide during the second half of 2007.

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Smart Panel, Dumb Idea? (http://displaydaily.com/2007/07/26/smart-panel-dumb-idea/)
26 July 2007

The largest-selling type of panel for flat-panel TV is the 32-inch WXGA LCD, with production up and demand still not satisfied. It is also the only TV panel size whose price is increasing, as we discussed in this space last week.

But the 32-inch LCD-TV segment is highly competitive, and set-makers are justifiably nervous about raising prices. Is there a solution for this conundrum? Yes. Well, maybe.

As reported in Digitimes today by Rebecca Kuo and Rodney Chan, AUO, CMO, Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT), and LG.Philips LCD (LPL) have either entered into conversations with TV makers about building "smart panels" or have actually started working on them.

Smart panels integrate drivers, controllers and (perhaps) other functions on the panel. In small LCDs - such as those used in cell phones - the integration is often literal, with circuitry being fabricated on the display glass in low-temperature polysilicon (LTPS). In TV panels, more-or-less conventional chip-on-glass ICs would be mounted on the display glass during panel production instead of on a separate circuit board.

This smart-panel model could certainly cut production costs. But it also requires panel suppliers and set makers to work together closely, as the panel makers would be shipping panels that are actually semi-finished display products. To put it mildly, sharing of trade secrets does not come easily in the LCD panel and TV industries.

Nonetheless, the motivation is great. AUO has started low-volume shipments of TV-use smart panels to Qisda (formerly BenQ), and AUO is rumored to be talking to Sony about a smart-panel deal that could get smart panels shipping by the turn of the year, industry sources told Kuo and Chan. No comment from AUO, though.

According to the sources, CPT and mainland China TV maker Xoceco are planning to ship smart panels, as are CMO and its TV-making clients. The sources also say that LPL is talking to European brand-name TV vendors and assemblers regarding smart-panel collaborations.

But although smart panels can help cut production costs, and the required collaboration would help set-makers lock in a supply of 32-inch panels, which will remain tight in 2008, some panel-makers think the difficulties would outweigh the benefits. Laying on engineering teams to integrate the systems of set-making clients onto the smart panels could be a significant commitment. And, since TV specifications change rapidly, panel makers would constantly be revising their smart panels. In short, the panel makers would be taking on many of the problems of their set-making customers. As a result, the more skeptical panel makers think smart-panel sales will only account for a few percent of most panel-makers’ revenues.

But what would happen, you ask, if the set-making and panel-making divisions of Samsung and LG, for instance, were to realize they’re in the same business and tear down the walls that separate them? They would then be able to function as integrated TV-set-on-glass manufacturing companies. Wouldn’t that give them a substantial advantage over competitors such as AUO and CMO, who are not in a position to do the same thing on a similar scale?

Yes, but the various divisions, actually separate companies, within many of the Asian electronics giants are intensely jealous of their identities and prerogatives. The company that best integrates its panel-making and set-making businesses is Sharp, and it’s Sharp that would find it easiest to become a maker of integrated TVs on glass if its management thought that would be in the company’s best interests. Interestingly, Sharp was not one of the companies mentioned in the current round of reports and rumors.

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"The Future of LCD Is Not Over" -- Sharp Unveils Next-gen LCD TV (http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20070823/138161/)
23 August 2007


http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20070823/138161/tvB.jpg

The thinnest portion is 20 mm thick. The thinnest model among Sharp's existing LCD TVs has a thickness of 81 mm.

http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20070823/138161/tvC.jpg

The prototype features a luminance of 500 cd/m2. The contrast ratio is 3,000:1 in the external light of 200 lx. MPRT, which is the index of response time used for the measurement in consideration of motion blur, is 4 ms. Regarding the view angle performance, the contrast ratio is 5,000:1 when viewed at the angle of 45°. The top and side bezels are 20 mm and 25 mm wide, respectively.

http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20070823/138161/tvD.jpg

Although detailed technology is yet to be unveiled, LED is estimated to be used for the backlight. This photo is shot from the backside of the prototype. Red and blue lights can be seen.

"Are self-emission type displays such as OLED really going to be the next-generation displays?" Mikio Katayama, president & COO of Sharp Corp. asked the audience at the beginning of the press conference.

Katayama then went on to unveil the prototype of Sharp's next-generation LCD TV, which he claims is an "integration of the essence of the latest LCD technologies."

The prototype is a 52-inch, so-called full-HD product. Compared with the existing model, the performance characteristics relating to picture quality, thinness and environmental performance (power consumption) are significantly improved.

The prototype has a high contrast ratio of 100,000:1 and a wide color gamut of 150% of NTSC standard. The display unit measures as slim as 20 mm, and it is only 29 mm thick even at the thickest portion. It weighs as light as 25 kg. In regard to the environmental performance, the annual power consumption of the TV is 140 kWh, which is half that of the existing model.

Sharp believes the prototype to be the LCD TV that will completely transform living spaces. The company also developed a technology to transmit the video signal via millimeter wave and incorporated the technology into the prototype. The company intends to start volume production of this LCD TV when its new LCD production plant, which is planned for construction in Sakai City, Osaka, comes on-stream in March 2010.

"Performances will be further improved by the time volume production launches," Katayama said. "The next generation of LCD TVs will be led by LCD TVs themselves."

The main questions and answers are as follows:

Nikkei Electronics: What is the technical point that achieved the performances of the prototype?

Katayama: This LCD TV was not created by a single technology but was an integration of the cutting-edge technologies relating to backlight, color filter, TFT array, polarizer, etc. We would like to refrain from detailing the respective technologies at the moment.

Nikkei Electronics: Will the LCD panel be the flagship product at the new plant in Sakai City, Osaka?

Katayama: We announced the prototype today because we are now able to produce samples. We will strive to refine the technologies so that the product will be ready for commercialization in March 2010 when the plant will open. Meanwhile, we plan to sequentially incorporate some technologies used in this prototype in our other new products.

Nikkei Electronics: What is necessary for volume production?

Katayama: Mainly the establishment of technology for volume production.

Nikkei Electronics: Are you planning to make further advanced models, such as LCD TVs with wireless power sources, weighing less than 10 kg, etc., before the opening of the Sakai plant? Will it be in time?

Katayama: A very good suggestion. I am also requesting our development staff for that. As for the weight, 25 kg is not at all the limit. We will try to make it lighter and lighter. We also promote a reduction in power consumption. The specifications of the latest prototype are merely the passing point.

Nikkei Electronics: Do you think LCD will prevail over OLED in the market? Or will competition continue?

Katayama: As far as I see this prototype, it excels any other type of display in performances.

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"It's a Mistake to Compare Organic EL Displays with Current LCD Technology"; Sharp's President Katayama Discloses the Aim of the Announcement (http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20070823/138157/)
23 August 2007

"This announcement is made with Organic EL in mind," said Sharp's President Katayama August 22, when the company presented a prototype of its next-generation LCD TV, disclosing candidly the aim of the announcement.

Organic EL TVs are attracting a lot of attention as flat-screen TVs of the next generation. This is because Sony and Toshiba announced commercialization of organic EL TVs one after another. President Katayama said he felt frustrated by this trend.

"LCD technology evolved by only 60%. It still has plenty of room to evolve. Those who claim the main player in the next -generation displays will be organic EL just compare current LCD with organic EL displays," President Katayama said.

He decided to announce the prototype because he wanted to highlight that LCD technology has the potential to continue to evolve.

He explains the reason why LCDs are superior to self-luminous displays, which include organic EL displays, as follows.

"LCD is composed of LCD materials, backlights, color filters, polarizing plates, etc., on which various technologies are applied and careful adjustments are made. Each of the technologies can make efforts for breakthroughs, which means LCD panels, into which various technologies are integrated, have unlimited potential. On the other hand, self-luminous displays have a limit. They are evaluated to 'have high image quality because they are self-luminous' only because CRTs used in conventional TVs were self-luminous."

The company plans to get ready for mass production of this next-generation LCD by March 2010, when the new plant to be constructed in Sakai, Osaka starts operation. President Katayama shows strong confidence in this next-generation LCD.

"LCDs will not lose ground to self-luminous displays for the time being. You will see clearly the difference in image quality if you compare the prototype and organic EL displays."

Sharp is of course working on the development of organic EL as well. This announcement does not seem to indicate its resignation from the development of organic EL. President Katayama explains, "It means the hurdle we have to clear before starting mass production of organic EL panels for TVs has gotten higher." This comment may sound as sarcasm to those who put organic EL TVs at the forefront.

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Hitachi develops thin LCD TV - report (http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%2520News/642978/)
26 September 2007

Japanese electronics company Hitachi Ltd has developed an LCD television that is less than 2 centimeters thick, the industry's thinnest to date, the Nikkei reported on Wednesday.

Hitachi plans to start mass-producing a 30-inch-class model of the thin LCD TV in the year to March 2010, the business daily said, without identifying its sources.

The move came after Sharp announced recently that it has developed a prototype LCD TV that is 2cm thick, compared with the 10cm LCD and plasma TVs currently available.

In the competition to develop thinner flat-panel TVs, Sony Corp is planning to release an 11-inch OEL (organic electroluminescent) display TV measuring just 3mm at its thinnest point late this year, according to Nikkei.

OEL displays are said to be superior to LCDs not only in thickness but also in terms of sharpness and smooth image flow.

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Samsung joins fat fighters with 1cm thick TV (http://www.digitalworldtokyo.com/index.php/digital_tokyo/articles/samsung_joins_fat_fighters_with_1cm_thick_tv/)
22 October 2007


http://www.channel-japan.com/entryimages/2007/10/071022_Samsung_10mm.jpg


http://www.tgdaily.com/images/stories/article_images/samsung/lcd_tv_samsung_425.jpg


As we mentioned last week, Samsung has a few surprises in store at this week’s Flat Panel Display International show in Japan and has been drip-feeding them to the press ahead of the show’s opening on Wednesday.

The latest addition to the ‘coming-soon’ range of prototype screens is a 40in LCD television with a thickness of just 1cm. Although this is a full 7mm more than Sony’s celebrated XEL-1 OLED TV, it’s by far the thinnest set of its size. Sony’s 3mm wonder measures just 11in across the diagonal.

Moreover, the Samsung screen manages full HD TV resolutions, which Sony’s device cannot. Its LED backlight is rated at 92% of NTSC colour saturation standards, which really just means it looks almost as good as a decent cathode-ray TV.

Away from the increasingly competitive field of thin displays, Samsung has also announced an 8.1in sheet of e-paper, a 14.3in plastic screen, a 2.1in LCD that automatically adjusts its own brightness according to surroundings and a 7in touch screen with the sensors embedded in the glass.

bump.

any reason why the 1 million :1 processing hasn't trickled down yet??

bump.

Stop the thread bumping, please.

FROM THE FPD international conference , Japan

http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/fpd/2007/english/

Eyes-on: Samsung's 82-inch QuadHD & 52-inch Ultra Slim LCDs (http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/09/eyes-on-samsungs-82-inch-quadhd-and-52-inch-ultra-slim-lcds/)
9 January 2008


http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2008/01/samsung-ultra-high-defcimg1217.jpg


Samsung can join Hitachi while crying into their sake as its 52-inch "thinnest non-OLED HDTV ever" is around 4x as thick as Pioneer's 9mm heroin-chic Kuro. Take heart Sammy, because your 82-inch -- and btw, what is with the 82-inch obsession (2005 & 2006 CES), we need to talk about that -- Quad HD (http://www.engadgethd.com/tag/quadhd) display is like looking out of a window, if we had bigger and cleaner windows. Check out the gallery (http://www.engadget.com/photos/samungs-worlds-largest-ultra-high-definition-lcd-tv/) to see what we mean.

I'm surprised that Sony also has an 82 incher prototype on the show floor (just like with Samsung).

I guess the 82 inch unit then is also a "joint-venture" model from the same factory (S-LCD group factory in South Korea) :confused:

"20mm, 1/2 Power Use, 100,000:1 Contrast Ratio LCD TV Will Debut in 2008," Sharp Says (http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20080111/145233/)
11 January 2008

http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20080111/145233/sharpB.jpg


Sharp Corp held its annual New Year press conference in Tokyo Jan 8, 2008. Mikio Katayama, the company's president, said that the company aims to sell at least 10 million units of LCD TVs with a sales target of one trillion yen in 2008.

However, he said, "an increase in unit sales does not improve the brand value of Sharp. We want to improve it by bringing LCD TVs with high added-values to the market," showing an attitude of not caring the unit sales too much.

Katayama also implied that the sales target in fiscal year 2007, nine million units, is on course, saying, "So far, the numbers are good."

As a new technology to increase the added-values, Sharp announced a prototype of 65-inch LCD TV whose thinnest part is 20mm. The company announced a prototype of 52-inch LCD TV whose thinnest part is 20mm in Aug 2007 (See related article). So, it enlarged the screen size this time. Sharp will launch a product developed by this technology within 2008, Katayama said.

"(The new product) will be a next-generation display whose power consumption is about 50% lower than that of the existing one and contrast ratio is 100,000:1, in addition to the 20mm thickness," he said. But he did not explain the details such as its specifications and release date.

As for the large-size LCD panel business, Sharp will increase the production in the Second Kameyama Plant in July 2008, which was originally scheduled for the end of 2008, Katayama said. The monthly production of glass substrates will be 90,000 sheets, a 50% increase from the current production of 60,000.

"(By this production increase,) it will become possible to sell glass substrates to other companies in earnest," he said.

Sharp aims at more than 10-fold production capacity for thin-film solar cells

In the press conference, Sharp also explained its solar cell business. It plans to increase the production capacity of thin-film solar cells to 160MW per year in Oct 2008. At present, the capacity is 15MW per year.

The amount of Si used for thin-film solar cells is about 1% of the amount used for crystalline Si solar cells, and their cell geometry is simple. Therefore, if the company produces more thin-film solar cells, it will reduce costs, the company said.

Sharp, by taking advantage of these merits, aims to reduce the power generation cost to ¥23/kWh (US$0.21), about half of the current electricity price for households in Japan, in 2010.

CES 2008

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=99459&d=1200554395

Westinghouse D47QX1

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=99458&d=1200554395

Westinghouse D47QX1 Stats

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=99457&d=1200554333

Westinghouse D56QX1

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=99455&d=1200554333

Westinghouse D56QX1 Stats 1

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=99456&d=1200554333

Westinghouse D56QX1 Stats 2

LED BLUs to only cost 1.5x more than CCFL in 2008 (http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20080123PD214.html)
24 January 2008

With industry players generally in agreement that LED backlighting will grow its role at the expense of traditional cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) solutions, LED makers from Taiwan project that the cost of LED backlight units (BLUs) will shrink to 1.5 times that of CCFL-based units during late 2008.

Despite that the current penetration rate of LED-backlit notebooks barely exceeds 10% due to LED patent issues and insufficient LED chip supplies, many industry players and research firms project that the rate will rise in the 10-20% range in 2008. Leading LED makers in Taiwan, including Everlight Electronics and Lite-On Technology, have extended their deployments over LED backlighting, while leading chip maker Epistar is also expected to provide LED OEM production from the second half of 2008, the LED makers commented.

In 2007, the cost premium of a notebook LED BLU was about 2.7-3x, but the gap is expected to narrow down to 2.3x in the first quarter of 2008, the LED makers estimated. Based on the annual 20-30% average selling price (ASP) drop for LED chips, they project the gap will shrink further to 1.5x in late 2008.

The LED makers remarked in saying that when the price gap between LED and CCFL BLUs narrows to 2x, industry players will likely be encouraged to move to production in volume. Given the fact that an LED BLU accounts for a relatively small portion of a notebook's overall cost, they stressed that there is no reason to shift back to CCFL solutions, especially when the price gap will continue to shrink.

Astro Systems introduces 56-inch 4K x 2K LCD monitor (http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/13/astro-systems-introduces-56-inch-4k-x-2k-lcd-monitor/)
13 February 2008


http://www.astro-systems.com/DM-3400/dm_3400_pic.jpg


If you thought a 4K x 2K resolution was a bit much for an 82-inch display, imagine what 3,840 x 2,160 pixels looks like on a 56-incher. Astro Systems is apparently gearing up to launch the DM-3400 to appease the "needs" (read: extravagant desires) of its digital cinema and broadcast studio clients, and by the looks of it, we doubt it'll have any issues accomplishing that. This bad boy also supports four channels of DVI and HD-SDI for some of that quad-view action, and there's even contrast, gamma and brightness adjustments for each RGB channel. Unfortunately, we've no idea how much coinage this beast will demand, but there's little no doubt that this is one of those "if you have to ask..." type scenarios.