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June 28
News Release
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Epson Announces Next-Generation High-Temperature Polysilicon TFT Panel
- TOKYO, Japan, June 28, 2004 -
Seiko Epson Corporation ("Epson") today announced that it has developed the next generation of high-temperature polysilicon thin-film transistor (HTPS TFT) liquid crystal panels. Known by the development code name "D5 series," the new panels promise even higher performance in 3-LCD projection systems, including front-projectors for the home and large-screen HDTV LCD projection televisions. Epson plans to begin shipping the panels in sample quantities during the third quarter (October through December) of the 2004 fiscal year.
The number of high-definition video sources has sharply increased due to the spread of DVD players and digital broadcasts. This increase is spurring demand for home front-projectors and large-screen HDTV LCD projection televisions featuring 3-LCD design technology that enable users to enjoy digital content with compelling picture quality on a big screen. Addressing demands from the expanding consumer market for higher picture quality, Epson developed the D5 series of panels. The D5 series offers substantially improved contrast and a higher aperture ratio than the D4 series, which was released last year.
Given the same lamp and same resolution, the D5 series panels are both brighter and smaller than their D4 series predecessors. The higher performance and smaller size make it possible to design front projectors and large-screen HDTV LCD projection televisions that are not only bright, easy on the environment and compact, but that also offer superior cost performance.
D5 Series HTPS Panel Features
| 1. |
High aperture ratio |
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The aperture ratio was increased by employing a new driving scheme and state-of-the-art microfabrication technology. |
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• 20% higher aperture ratio than D4 series panels
• Liquid crystal panels are more compact given the same resolution of earlier panels |
| 2. |
High contrast ratio |
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The new driving scheme dramatically boosted the contrast. |
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• 50% higher contrast than D4 series panels |
Sample specifications (for 0.7-inch, 720p model)
| Technology |
D4 |
D5 |
| Effective pixels |
1284 x 724 |
| Screen size (diagonal) |
0.7" (1.8 cm) |
| Pixel pitch |
12 µm |
12 µm |
| Aperture ratio |
50% |
60% |
| Contrast |
500 : 1 |
750 : 1 |
Epson plans to release details about the new D5 technology on July 2 at a technical seminar to be held at the 14th FPD Manufacturing Technology Expo & Conference at the Tokyo Big Sight.
Epson, long the technology market leader in LCD projectors, currently owns an approximately 55% (*) share of the global market for HTPS panels used as light valves in projectors. The company will roll out the newly developed D5 series technology to a variety of projector models while continuing to develop the technology and improve performance.
(*) Epson estimate based on data from Techno Systems Research, Pacific Media, DTC and other sources.
About Epson
The Epson Group increases its corporate value through its innovative and creative culture. Dedicated to providing its customers with digital image innovation, its main product lines comprise information-related equipment such as printers and projectors, electronic devices including displays, liquid crystal panels for projectors, semiconductors and quartz devices, and precision products such as watches. Epson products are known throughout the world for their superior quality, functionality, compactness and energy efficiency.
The Epson Group is a network of 84,899 employees in 110 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., which is listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the Group had consolidated sales of 1,413 billion yen in fiscal 2003.
Contacts
Seiko Epson Corp.
Corporate Communications
Contact us by e-mail
http://www.epson.co.jp/
To find out more about Epson's display technologies, click here.
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