Seiko Epson Corporation today announced that it has developed
and begun volume production of the world's first reflective
high-temperature polysilicon ("reflective HTPS") TFT liquid
crystal panels for 3LCD projectors. The new panels, which
measure 0.74 inches on the diagonal, support full
high-definition (1920 x 1080 pixels) content.
The increasing availability of high-resolution, high-quality
source images due to the growing popularity of HD media players
and digital HD broadcasts are pushing demand for more
convenient large-screen viewing options in the home. Higher
contrast is in demand especially for movies, where the
reproduction of natural-looking colors and deep blacks is
critical.
The new liquid crystal panels fuse reflective display
technology with the storehouse of HTPS technology Epson has
accumulated in shipping more than 60 million panels for 3LCD
projectors. They provide a device-level contrast ratio of
100,000:1 or higher while taking full advantage of the ability
of HTPS panels to reproduce bright, natural-looking images and
deliver rich gradations.
Epson has long been the leading supplier of high-quality
transmissive HTPS panels for 3LCD home projectors. Now, with
the addition of reflective HTPS panels to its product lineup,
Epson is enabling high-end 3LCD projectors that will satisfy
even home theater enthusiasts who put a premium on contrast and
image quality.
The new reflective HTPS panels are based on the proven,
reliable structure used for transmissive HTPS panels. The main
structural difference is that reflective panels have a
reflective electrode instead of a transparent electrode on the
TFT substrate. The C2 Fine technology that enabled high
contrast ratios in transmissive HTPS panels has been optimized
for the reflective HTPS panels, and Epson's unique
planarization technology is used to make the reflective layer
almost perfectly flat so as to control the scattering of light.
The result is panels that offer a device-level contrast ratio
of 100,000:1 or higher.
Epson has for many years continued to drive advances in HTPS
panels and, in so doing, has kept the No. 1 share of the market
for these core projector devices. Going forward, Epson will
combine its reflective technology with other technologies to
provide products that meet a wide range of customer needs.
Specifications:
Device: Reflective HTPS
LCD type: C2 Fine (VA inorganic alignment layer)
Process technology: D7
Effective pixels: 1920 x 1080 (1080p)
Panel size (diagonal): 0.74" (1.87 cm)
Pixel pitch: 8.5 um