Epson Develops Next-Generation HTPS Panel for LCD Projection TVs.

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Seiko Epson Corporation ("Epson") has developed a new high-temperature polysilicon (HTPS) liquid crystal panel that will boost the performance of 3LCD front projectors and large-screen LCD projection TVs. The company has begun shipping samples of the 0.7 inch (diagonal 1.9 cm) panel, which is designed for true-HD-ready (1080p) large-screen LCD projection TVs.

Use of innovative high-resolution technology in the new panel achieves unprecedented aperture ratios - a greater than 20 percent improvement over conventional TN panels. By enhancing aperture ratios, this new design technology improves luminance while using the same lamp as preceding models. It also enables the use of a lower-watt lamp to achieve the same levels of luminance or smaller HTPS panels to achieve the same resolution. Thus the new technology makes it possible to manufacture brighter, more environmentally friendly projectors that offer outstanding value for money.

The sample products now being shipped feature this new technology plus compatibility with true-HD broadcasting, which will enable users to more easily enjoy high-definition images on large-screen 3LCD projection TVs manufactured with the new panels.

Features of the new panels

New high-resolution technology vastly enhances aperture ratios:

* More than 20 percent improvement in aperture ratio compared to conventional TN panels. Aperture ratio enhanced with no change in product size.

* Enables use of smaller panel size to achieve same resolution.

* Example: True-HD (1080p) resolution for large-screen LCD projection TVs previously required a 0.9 inch panel. Now it can be achieved with a 0.7 inch panel, enabling manufacturers to produce TVs that are much more cost competitive.

Benefits for manufacturers of projection products

* Offers enhanced luminance with same lamp.

* Enables use of lower-watt lamp to achieve same luminance (reduced power consumption).

* Enables manufacture of smaller/lower-priced projectors with same luminance.

Sample specifications (compared with preceding product)

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For the same 1080p panels, the new series shrinks panel size from 0.9 to 0.7 inch and enhances aperture ratio. The name of the new series of TN panels using vastly improved aperture ratio technology is not yet finalized.

Product development trends

The resolution and image quality of visual image sources have been greatly improved due to the proliferation of next-generation optical disk players and digital high-definition broadcasting. This has generated growing demand for products that offer users a simple and easy way to enjoy high quality digital content on large screens at home. The market for data projectors is also continuing to expand amid growing demand for corporate presentations and increasing use of IT solutions in education. At the low end of the market, there is growing demand for low-priced products offering outstanding levels of brightness suitable for presentations in a wide range of business contexts. In response to such needs, Epson selects either C2FINE (VA LCD + inorganic alignment layer) or conventional (TN) technology for each product category, depending on the performance required. For example, the C2FINE technology first marketed in September 2006 is used for products requiring high image quality with sharp contrast and reproduction of jet black, while conventional TN technology is used for products requiring a balance between image quality and cost.

Glossary

Twisted Nematic: A type of LCD that uses a nematic liquid crystal, where light rotates 90 degrees as it passes through the LC layer.

Related information

For more information on Epson's HTPS and other imaging technologies, please visit http://www.epson.co.jp/e/technology/technology_HTPS.htm.

For more information on 3LCD, please visit http://www.epson.co.jp/e/technology/technology_projection.htm.

About Epson

Epson is a global leader in imaging products including printers, 3LCD projectors and small- and medium-sized LCDs. With an innovative and creative culture, Epson is dedicated to exceeding the vision and expectations of customers worldwide with products known for their superior quality, functionality, compactness and energy efficiency. Epson is a network of 102,025 employees in 120 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and to the communities in which it is located. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corp., the Group had consolidated sales of 1549.5 billion yen in fiscal 2005.