Sanyo Epson Develops 2.6-Inch LTPS LCD with 500 ppi Definition

- TOKYO, Japan, October 17, 2006 -

Sanyo Epson Imaging Devices Corporation ("Sanyo Epson") today announced the development of a new high definition, low-temperature polysilicon liquid-crystal display (LCD). Measuring just 2.6 inches, this display offers XGA resolution and approximately 500 ppi (pixels per inch) definition to the market for small and medium-sized LCDs.

The fusion of telecommunications and broadcasting through digitization and the seamless integration of cable and mobile communication in the network society have raised expectations for the next generation of mobile devices and for the improved convenience that these devices will bring. Moreover, consumers are increasingly demanding that small and medium-sized LCDs for mobile devices should have high resolution and be slim and energy efficient. To meet these demands, Sanyo Epson has developed products and technologies based on the concept of supplying clear, user-friendly displays that can be used anytime, anywhere.

With the mobile devices market set for further expansion, Sanyo Epson has developed the 2.6-inch high definition LCD as part of its HCL-S strategy (High quality, Compact design, Low power consumption, System solutions). The LCD, which is the perfect size for use in mobile phones, portable media players, and other mobile devices, offers XGA resolution and approximately 500 ppi definition.

The 2.6-inch LTPS LCD is in the smallest class of displays in the world with XGA resolution. In addition to ultra high definition of approximately 500 ppi, the LCD attains high surface brightness ^*1 , which was hitherto difficult in LTPS LCDs. This was achieved using Photo Fine Vistarich wide viewing angle technology, which enables an almost 180-degree viewing angle in any direction, and Sanyo Epson's proprietary design technology for enhanced transmission. Mobile phones and other portable devices equipped with this LCD will be capable of producing similar levels of image quality and information contents as regular computer screens. The specifications of the display are listed below.

In addition, the LCD is fully compliant with the European Union's RoHS (restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment) Directive ^*2 . Sanyo Epson intends to commercialize the LCD both in Japan and overseas for use in mobile phones, portable media players, and other mobile devices, as well as in portable TVs for personal use and other new applications.

Sanyo Epson will exhibit the 2.6-inch LTPS LCD at FPD International 2006 organized by Nikkei Business Publications, which will be held from October 18 to 20 at Pacifico Yokohama.

As a core company in achieving the i3 (developments in mobile displays) strategy of the Epson Group's SE07 medium-to-long-term corporate vision, Sanyo Epson will continue to develop clear, high-resolution displays that can be used anytime, anywhere, based on the concepts of the HCL-S strategy, as it strives to be the number one manufacturer of small and medium-sized LCDs.

Product specifications

	2.6-inch XGA LCD (under development)
Screen size	6.5 cm / 2.57 inch
Pixels	1024 x 768 (XGA)
Type	Low-temperature polysilicon TFT
Viewing angle	180 degrees (100:1)
NTSC ratio	60%
Contrast	500:1
Display mode	Photo Fine Vistarich, transmissive
Pixel pitch	498 ppi
Colors	262,144

Glossary
*1 Surface brightness has been improved by 20% compared with a twisted nematic (TN) LCD mode of similar definition. (The comparison has been made with TN LCD mode because high surface brightness is not attainable with other wide viewing angle modes.)

*2 The RoHS (restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment) Directive bans the use of six hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment sold in EU member states after July 2006.