Epson announced on December 12, 2006 their development of a new high-temperature polysilicon (HTPS) liquid crystal midrodisplay panel to boost performance of 3LCD technology projectors and LCD rear projection TVs (RPTV). The new panel, measuring only 0.7 inch or 1.9cm diagonally, supports full 1080p high definition.

Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) panels are active matrix display containing a microscopic thin-film transistor in the corner of each pixel. High-temperature polysilicon (HTPS) panels are active matrix displays with TFTs. HTPS panel design facilitates miniaturization while delivering higher pixel counts and higher aperture ratios. They also offer higher definition and higher contrast than conventional TFT panels.

3LCD is a projection train architecture using three LCD panels for bright, natural images. 3LCD projection technology features the use of high-temperature polysilicon (HTPS) panels. HTPS panels provide improved contrast levels and magnificent black and shadow reproduction that is excellent for theatre and home entertainment applications

Noted improvements from the new LCD microdisplay panel design are:

• pixel pitch reduction from 10 to 8.5µm compared to previous models [tighter packing of pixels – less “screendoor” outlining of pixels inherent with LCD technology.
• smaller panel size to achieve same resolution
• 20% improvement of aperture ratios compared to conventional Twisted Nematic panels. [Twisted Nematic is a type of LCD that uses a nematic liquid crystal which rotates light 90 degrees while passing through.]
• improved luminance while using the same lamp as preceding models [more environmentally friendly]
• facilitates the manufacture of smaller/lower-priced projectors with same luminance

Further Reading

Full Epson press release.

[eminimall]