Toshiba Introduces World's First 5.8-Inch and 7.0-Inch High-Resolution, Wide Format Low-Temperature Poly-Silicon TFT LCDs.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 2000

New displays for portable computing and DVD applications

strengthen Toshiba's worldwide leadership position in the

design and manufacture of LTPS TFT LCD technology

Toshiba America Electronic Components Inc. (TAEC) today announced that Toshiba Corporation has developed the world's first 5.8-inch wide-format 800 x 480 (wide-VGA) resolution low-temperature poly-silicon (LTPS) thin film transistor (TFT) Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and 7.0-inch wide-format 1024 x 600 (wide-SVGA) resolution LTPS TFT LCD.

Development of these LCDs, which provide the high resolution and wide format required for portable computing, digital video disk (DVD) and other handheld applications, serves to further establish Toshiba's position as the worldwide LTPS TFT LCD market leader, demonstrating superior manufacturing expertise, production capacity and breadth of technology.

The company's 5.8-inch wide-format LTPS TFT LCD, designated the LTM06C381, features a 800 x 480 wide-VGA resolution format with 160 pixels-per-inch (ppi) resolution density, enabling film-grade image quality for portable DVD players and photoviewers, as well as for small, ultra-portable mini-notebook computers and other compact hand-held devices. The 7.0-inch wide-format LTPS TFT LCD module, designated the LTM07C382, features a 1024 x 600 wide-SVGA resolution format with 169 ppi resolution density, offering similar high-resolution image quality. This makes the LTM07C382 an ideal solution for portable mini-notebooks when used for spreadsheets, publishing or other applications in which users prefer to display more information on a single screen for increased efficiency and utility.

"With the introduction of our new 5.8-inch and 7.0-inch high-resolution, wide-format LTPS TFT LCDs, Toshiba is taking another significant step in broadening our line-up and increasing the market application potential for our products," said Steve Vrablik, business development director for LCDs in the Display Device and Components Business Unit of TAEC. "These wide-format LCDs are extremely well suited for both current and emerging applications, including very small, ultra-lightweight portable computers, portable DVD players and photoviewers, requiring near photo-like image quality."

Low-Temperature Poly-silicon TFT LCD Technology

The glass substrate in LTPS TFT LCD technology supports much faster electron flow than the non-crystallized substrate used in mainstream amorphous-silicon TFT LCDs. This performance enhancement allows most LCD drivers to be formed within the display itself, not externally. As a result, the space required at the periphery of the panel is minimized, and the number of components in the LCD module is cut by roughly 40 percent. In addition, the number of connections between TAB drivers and electrodes on the panel is reduced by approximately 95 percent. This simpler design fosters greater reliability and displays offering higher resolution, richer images and more design flexibility than other LCDs.

Toshiba's line-up of LTPS TFT LCDs now includes a wide selection of sizes, formats and resolutions to meet the requirements of palm-top, hand-held, mini-notebook and notebook applications as well as LCD monitors, industrial applications and innovative products in emerging markets. The company's LTPS TFT LCDs currently range in size from 4- to 15-inches, with resolution ranging from 640 x 480 pixels (VGA) to 1600 x 1200 pixels (UXGA). In addition to high resolution LCDs, the line-up now includes high brightness, wide-format and reflective LCD modules. The company's LTPS TFT LCD technology offers a wide range of features including ultra-high resolution (with capabilities up to and beyond 200 ppi), high durability, light weight, high brightness and low power consumption, providing a lighter, thinner and more versatile solution with ultra-high resolution capability.

5.8-Inch Wide-Format Wide-VGA TFT LCD Specifications

Part number:                      LTM06C381

Pixel format:                     800 x 480 wide-VGA

Pixel pitch:                      0.159mm x 0.159mm (160 ppi)

Display size:                     135.3mm x 88.5mm x 2.2mm

Number of colors:                 262K (6-bits/color)

Power consumption (typical):      0.7 watts (without backlight)

Transmissitivity:                 5.0%

Backlight:                        Customer-supplied option

Response time (typical):          t(on) + t(off) = 40ms

Weight (approximately):           67g


7.0-Inch Wide-Format Wide-SVGA TFT LCD Specifications

Part number:                      LTM07C382

Pixel format:                     1024 x 600 wide-SVGA

Pixel pitch:                      0.150mm x 0.150mm (169 ppi)

Display size:                     182.0mm x 108.5mm x 6.4mm (max)

Number of colors:                 262K (6-bits/color)

Power consumption (typical):      2.7 watts (at 120cd/m(2))

Luminance (typical):              120cd/m(2)

Response time (typical):          t(on) + t(off) = 40ms

Weight (approximately):           150g

Availability and Pricing

Samples of Toshiba's LTM06C381 5.8-inch wide-format wide-VGA LTPS TFT LCD and LTM07C382 7.0-inch wide-format wide-SVGA LTPS TFT LCD will be available in the second quarter of 2000, priced at $900 and $1000 each, respectively. Production quantities will be available in the third quarter of 2000, and production pricing will be available at that time. About Toshiba

Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC) is the North American engineering, manufacturing, marketing and sales arm of Toshiba Semiconductor Company and Display Devices and Components Company. TAEC is recognized as one of the world's largest suppliers of semiconductor, electronic component and storage solutions. Toshiba's Semiconductor Company is one of the world's leading manufacturers and suppliers of semiconductor products including LSIs, microprocessors and controllers, and advanced memory products, in addition to discrete and bipolar components. The company is also responsible for global sales and marketing of other major electronic components including liquid crystal displays, color display and picture tubes, lithium-ion and other secondary batteries. For additional information, please visit TAEC's web site at, http://www.toshiba.com/taec.

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