Flat Screen Tvs - Plasma Tvs - LCD Displays and HDTV

Sharp has begun mass production of a new LCD that can simultaneously display different information depending on which direction the screen is being viewed from, the company said this week during a news conference at the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin. The Japanese manufacturer also named its first customer: General Motors.

Adam Opel, the German arm of the U.S. car manufacturer, plans to test the dual-view display in its Vectra Caravan model, according to Michael Kurpies, director of marketing at Sharp's German subsidiary.

The plan at Opel is to use the left side of the screen as a navigation system for the driver and the right side as an in-car entertainment center to show DVD movies. more...

Posted by Nana at 02:10 PM | Sharp producing new Dual-View LCD | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Westinghouse Digital Electronics, a leading North American LCD TV and monitor provider, recommends its new HD-Grade™* 17-inch widescreen LCD monitor as an essential back-to-school product for students of all ages.

Featuring a clean white chassis with silver trim, Westinghouse Digital's 17-inch HD-Grade LCD widescreen monitor delivers the color, clarity, resolution and response time that enable students to watch DVD movies or TV, play video games or surf the Internet, as well as work on school papers, projects and spreadsheets.

"With the Westinghouse Digital 17-inch widescreen monitor, students can simultaneously view multiple school documents or keep a term paper open while maintaining their Internet experience via IMing (Instant Messaging)," said John Araki, director of product management for Westinghouse Digital. "Many video games are being produced in widescreen format, and this monitor is excellent for maximizing the gaming experience. Customers will find that this monitor is compact and lightweight for convenient travel, and leaves a small footprint on the desktop."

Offering one DVI input, 1280x768 WXGA resolution, 15:9 aspect ratio, 400-cd/m2 maximum brightness, 600:1 contrast ratio, response time of 15 milliseconds and a 170-degree viewing angle, the monitor is currently available for an estimated $229.

Product Features
Display Specifications

Posted by Nana at 07:50 AM | Westinghouse launches new HD-Grade 17-Inch Widescreen Monitor | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Thanks to a readjustment in its product mix, as well as increasing large size LCD TV sales, Taiwan-based Amtran Technology had pre-tax profits of NT$ 21.4 million in the second quarter, according to company spokesman Scottie Chiu. However, the company stated that the enormous loss it suffered in the first quarter will prevent the company from being profitable for the year. The company had net loss of NT$536 million in the first quarter. more...

Posted by Nana at 12:19 AM | LCD TV maker Amtran turns profitable | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Monthly LCD monitors shipments from Innolux have exceeded one million units, according to market sources as cited in the Chinese-language Commercial Times.

Innolux was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.

Innolux began shipping LCD monitors this February and the company expects to ship nine million units this year, according to company president Hsing C Tuan. Sources quoted by the paper added that shipments from the company in the first quarter reached one million units and totaled two million units in the second quarter.

Currently, Dell is one of the main customers for Innolux, the paper said.

AOC-brand (manufactured by Hong Kong-listed TPV Technology) and BenQ were the top two Taiwan-based LCD monitors suppliers in the first half of 2005, according to reports from Taiwan's Market Intelligence Center (MIC).

more...

Posted by Nana at 02:14 AM | Innolux monthly LCD monitor shipments exceed one million units | TrackBacks (0)

Sharp Corp, has announced it will be increasing production at its LCD panel factories to meet increasing demand. The company plans to raise production from 4.32 million units to 4.8 million units a year. This is in anticipation of the companies’ expectation of an 80 percent year-on-year surge in global demand for LCD TVs. This move will give Sharp the ability to supply approximately 32 percent of the world's demand for LCD panels.

Sharp plans to boost production at its existing factories, such as the one at Kameyama, by increasing efficiency. However it also plans to build a lager factory near Kameyama, this new facility will be able to handle larger sized pieces of glass. This should also serve to enhance its LCD production efficiency.

Posted by Nana at 09:25 AM | Sharp Raising LCD Production. | TrackBacks (0)

Sharp has started construction of a factory that will be capable of handling the largest-ever sheets of glass used to make LCD (liquid crystal display) panels, the company has announced.

The Osaka-based consumer electronics firm is investing $1.35 billion to build the factory in Kameyama in Western Japan; the plant will start producing glass panels in October 2006 using so-called 8G (eighth-generation) manufacturing technology. more...

Posted by Nana at 06:20 AM | Sharp Begins Construction of Giant LCD Plant | TrackBacks (0)

The ASPs (average selling prices) for 15-, 17- and 19-inch LCD monitor panels rose US$3-5 in the first half of this month, according to WitsView Technology.

The ASP for both the 17- and 19-inch segments increased US$5 to US$165 and US$220, respectively, while the ASP of the 15-inch segment edged up US$3 to US$125, the research firm said. more...

Posted by Nana at 12:47 PM | LCD monitor average selling prices are going up | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

20-Inch LCD TV Will Turn Any Kitchen, Office, Den Into a Home Entertainment Haven

GoVideo has unveiled the TA2050 LCD TV, a stylish, ultra-thin, lightweight, 20-inch model with uncompromising picture quality -- designed to turn virtually any room in the house into an entertainment haven.

The new TA2050 features an 800 x 600 high-resolution screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio for displaying vivid colors and distortion-free images. The newest member of GoVideo's LCD TV family also comes equipped with a 5-channel graphic equalizer delivering maximum audio quality control. The product supports S-Video, component, composite, and cable inputs, allowing users to connect a DVD player, camcorder, video game console, or other video playback device.

GoVideo's new TA2050 LCD TVFamilies can enjoy the TA2050 anywhere in the home or office including on a desk, countertop or mounted on a wall for the ultimate in space-saving convenience (optional wall mount sold separately). An intuitive graphical user interface menu system, front-panel controls and full-featured remote control allow for easy on-screen navigation, placing the highest level of control in the hands of the user. With direct button access to up to six favorite channels on the remote, channel selection is a snap. A convenient sleep timer provides users the option of automatically powering off the TV at a preset time.

"The newest addition to our LCD TV line is designed to attract consumers looking for a small footprint, thin-profile, stylish, yet affordable TV," said David Xiong, GoVideo's chief executive officer. "We've packed the new TA2050 full of the features consumers have come to know and enjoy, making it extremely easy to use, while still delivering a top quality picture."

The TA2050 includes a full complement of standard features, building on GoVideo's strong reputation for technology leadership and product reliability.

GoVideo's TA2050 LCD TV is available now exclusively at Target stores nationwide, and carries a suggested retail price of $549.99.

About GoVideo

Celebrating over 20 years of excellence, GoVideo has introduced some of the most successful, innovative and easy-to-use products in the industry, including the DVD+VCR, Dual-Deck VCR, Networked DVD Player and DVD Recorder+VCR. The company holds numerous patents covering Dual-Deck technology and other electronics products and systems. GoVideo markets its products under the GoVideo®, CineVision™, Sensory Science®, Rave-MP™ and California Audio Labs® brand names. The company provides its retail partners and consumers with "The GoVideo Experience" of Innovation, Simplicity, Value and Support.

Posted by Nana at 08:13 PM | New LCD TV From GoVideo Delivers Uncompromising Picture Quality in an Elegant Package | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

After briefly taking the lead in 2004, Taiwan is expected to reclaim the top position in the worldwide TFT-LCD panel market in 2006, when its shipments outstrip those of its chief rival, South Korea.

South Korea and Taiwan are engaged in a close race for leadership in large-sized TFT-LCD panel production, with the two nations battling it out quarter-by-quarter to determine which one will be king of the LCD market.

In widely publicized comments made in May, 2004, Derek Lidow, president and chief executive officer of iSuppli, said that Taiwanese manufacturers’ prodigious capital spending is putting them in position to challenge the South Korean’s established leadership in TFT-LCD panel production.

In the second quarter of 2004, the Taiwanese did pass the Koreans, with the island nation’s manufacturers accounting for 45.3 percent of unit shipments, compared to the Korean producers’ 44.5 percent share, according to iSuppli data.

During the remainder of 2004, Korean LCD manufacturers boosted their investment in TFT-LCD production. By the third quarter of 2004, shipments from the two nations were virtually tied, with Korean producers accounting for 44.8 percent of global shipments, and Taiwanese for 44.3 percent. Korean companies reasserted their leadership in the fourth quarter, shipping 47.2 percent of shipments, compared to 43 percent for Taiwan.

For 2004 as a whole, Korean companies accounted for 46 percent of shipments, while Taiwanese had 44 percent.

iSuppli predicts that the competition will remain extremely close in 2005, with Korean companies holding onto the lead, and in 2006, when Taiwan’s manufacturing output will allow it to reach the top spot.

The actual output of TFT-LCD fabs is impacted by several different variables, including the substrate size, throughput, manufacturing yield and product mix.

Taiwanese manufacturers have had the largest TFT-LCD raw-area capacity, i.e. the product of substrate size and throughput, since 2004, and are building fabs at a faster pace than are the Korean manufacturers.

Last year, Taiwan possessed 40.6 percent of worldwide TFT-LCD area production capacity, compared to 36.3 percent for South Korea, representing a 4.3 percentage-point gap, according to iSuppli data. In 2005, that gap is expected to expand to 12 percent, before contracting slightly to 11.3 percent in 2006.

If capacity is added as planned, Taiwan's sustained advantage in production will allow it to take the lead in TFT-LCD shipments from South Korea in 2006, iSuppli predicts.

By the end of 2005, iSuppli expects that 24 TFT-LCD fabs will be operational in Taiwan, and 19 in Korea.

The stakes in the battle for large-sized TFT-LCD leadership are far greater than national bragging rights. The TFT-LCD market represents one of most important segments of the worldwide electronics industry, with products enjoying booming sales in markets like desktop PC monitors and televisions. Thus, the strong expected growth of the display market will deliver enormous benefits to the nations and companies that dominate the TFT-LCD market.

Posted by Nana at 10:38 AM | Taiwan will reclaim top position in worldwide TFT-LCD panel market from Korea in 2006 | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Unit Growth for Certain Size Segments Will Depend Entirely on Price
Brand Loyalty Will Fade, and Healthy Internet Sales Will Follow?

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c15716 ) has announced the addition of Worldwide LCD TV 2004-2008 Forecast and Analysis: Thin Is In to their offering.

This study examines the worldwide LCD TV market for the years 2004-2008. Healthy supply and aggressive brand competition in the LCD TV market will lead to mass-market prices, which in turn will lead to the selling of these products within mass-market channels such as Wal-Mart and Costco along with traditional computer and audiovisual establishments. Following the well- charted path laid forth by LCD monitors, LCD TV performance will become commoditized, unit growth for certain size segments will depend entirely on price, brand loyalty will fade, and healthy Internet sales will follow? Markedly different from traditional face-to-face TV-buying habits.

"The emergence and maturation of the LCD TV market will impose slow but inevitable downward pricing pressure on all television technologies in the near term. LCD TVs, of course, need to come down in price, come up in size, and then exhibit both trends at the same time to be a legitimate threat against direct-view CRT and RPTV. As such, the demise of the CRT-based television is not slated to happen until well after the end of our forecast period," Eric Haruki, research manager, Displays and Projectors research said.

For more information visit
http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c15716

Posted by Nana at 12:09 AM | Research and Markets: LCD TV Performance Will Become Commoditized | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Syntax Groups Corporation(TM), one of the fastest-growing manufacturers of LCD TVs in North America, today announced the new 42-inch Olevia(TM) widescreen HD built-in LCD TV, its first model to include ATSC+HDMI as well as NTSC TV tuners. Sporting Syntax's attractive new black bezel design displaying elegance and versatility, the richly featured Olevia LT42HVi LCD TV presents consumers with a compelling alternative to similar sized plasma TVs.

"We are confident that our 42-inch Olevia LCD TV with Super-IPS and Syntax's iDEA technology is the ideal 'cross-over' product for consumers who desire an affordable large format digital TV that they can enjoy for an extended number of years without the negative attributes associated with plasma TVs," said James Li, Chief Executive Officer of Syntax Groups. "As more consumers increase their awareness of plasma's high power consumption, heat and fan noise, plus image burn-in effects and shorter life cycle, our high value 42-inch Olevia will be their obvious choice."

The Olevia LT42HVi is the latest model to include Syntax's proprietary "iDEA"(Innovative Digitally Enhanced Architecture) digital video processing technology, a suite of built-in and user-selectable video/audio features delivering crisp, clear pictures with precise colors, sharp resolutions and audio synchronization through its advance digital sound processor (DSP).

Key features of the Olevia LT42HVi include:

• High-quality 42-inch widescreen Super-IPS LCD panel with 16:9 aspect ratio

• 1366 x 768 native resolution (WXGA)

• 8 ms response time

• 1200:1 dynamic contrast ratio

• 800 nits brightness

• 178 degrees (H) x 178 degrees (V) wide viewing angle

• ATSC/QAM tuner for receiving digital video and audio broadcasts over-the-air

• HDMI with HDCP compatibility

• HD built-in with de-interlacing up to 1080i

• Dual progressive component scan inputs with 3:2 pulldown

• User selectable audio equalizer preset modes and reverb effects

• Choice of horizontal or vertical mounted speakers
  

Competitively priced at $3699, the Olevia LT42HVi is scheduled for availability in June 2005. With the richest warranty in the industry, Syntax provides consumers of its Olevia LCD TVs (26+ inch units) with a unique free first year on-site service plan.

About "iDEA" Technology

Syntax's proprietary iDEA technology, a highly integrated System-On-a-Chip, delivers an exceptional solution to digital display complexities commonly associated with color, contrast, sharpness, motion and noise. Syntax is now implementing "iDEA" technology into its Olevia LCD TVs to provide image enhancements including Dynamic Brightness and Contrast Controls, Pure Edge Enhancement, Advanced Sharpness Control, Dynamic Noise Reduction, Black Level Extender, White Peak Limiter, Flesh Tone Control, Adaptive Luma Control and an Advanced Digital Sound Processor.

About Super-IPS

Super-IPS (Super-In-Plane-Switching) technology provides the best display performance for LCD TVs with higher color saturation, the widest viewing angles, sharpest images, best response times, and the minimum amount of color shift and distortion from any angle.

About Syntax Groups

Headquartered in Southern California, Syntax Groups Corporation (www.syntaxgroups.com) is a complete vertically integrated R&D, manufacturing and channel sales company of high value consumer electronics and computer technology convergence products for the post-PC era. Through its joint venture company, DigiMedia (www.digimedia.com.tw), formed in Taiwan with Taiwan Kolin Company (www.kolin.com.tw), Syntax Groups controls a powerful end-to-end supply chain including R&D and manufacturing of backlights for its LCD TVs, optical engines for LCoS TVs, strategic relationships with leading TFT LCD suppliers, mass production manufacturing of LCD TVs and LCoS TVs, quality control, channel sales, marketing and distribution with a solid back-end customer support program. Syntax sells its fully-featured Olevia LCD TVs through a rapidly growing channel network of national and regional retail stores in North America plus distributors and consumer-direct online partners, and internationally in Southeast Asia. To support the dramatic growth of its operations and expanding employee base of 100 people, Syntax relocated its corporate headquarters into new, larger premises located at 20480 E. Business Parkway, City of Industry, CA 91789.

Posted by Nana at 11:48 AM | Syntax Groups Debuts the First 42-Inch Olevia LCD TV Featuring ATSC+HDMI Digital Tuner; An Attractive Alternative to Plasma TVs | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Inc. introduced two new Digital Cable Ready, high-definition LCD flat panel televisions at its national dealer line show today. The line-up is highlighted by a new 37-inch HDTV with true high-definition 1920 x 1080p panel resolution. Mitsubishi's LCD TVs include Plush(TM) imaging to deliver an unmatched perfect picture every time and ClearThought(TM) technology to make it easy to watch TV.

The new 32-inch LT-3280 and 37-inch LT-3780 feature Mitsubishi's SuperBright(TM) continuous backlighting system. The SuperBright(TM) high-density lamp system provides highly uniform corner-to-corner brightness and images that don't wash out regardless of room lighting conditions. Both LCD HDTVs include Mitsubishi's acclaimed PerfectColor(TM) technology enabling the viewer to create the perfect color palette through six-way independent color control. These models also incorporate Mitsubishi's proprietary Plush(TM) imaging, an upconversion system for sharp edges and blur-free images. Additionally, the LT-3780 includes Plush1080p(TM), an advanced 1080i-to-1080p deinterlace algorithm providing high-definition images of stunning clarity.

The LT-3280 and LT-3780 feature a Digital Cable Ready HDTV tuner with CableCARD(TM) slot and a comprehensive array of video and audio inputs including an IEEE1394 interface, two HDMI(TM) inputs, two component video inputs, two composite video inputs and two S-video inputs. Dual HDMI(TM) inputs provide the ultimate in future connectivity for digital set-top boxes including high-definition digital cable, satellite and video player/recorders. The LT-3280 and LT-3780 also include a nine-format memory card reader for digital picture display or to play digital audio files.

Like other Mitsubishi high-definition TVs, these new LCD TVs utilize ClearThought(TM) technology to help make them the easiest to use TVs available. ClearThought(TM) includes simple-to-use features such as TV Guide On Screen(R) programming guide and NetCommand(R), Mitsubishi's proprietary home theater operation system which allows users to set up and control components using simple on-screen icons. The 32-inch and 37-inch sets come with removable swivel stands that complement the all-black finish of the 80 series cosmetics. Both models also come with a separate media center for convenient and uncluttered installation. A standard, high-quality 15-foot HDMI(TM) cable is included, providing a cost-effective alternative to hard-to-find proprietary cables offered by many manufacturers.

In separate announcements, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America introduced its new lines of high-definition plasma displays, and Digital Cable Ready LCD and 1080p DLP(TM) microdisplay HDTVs.

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Inc.

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Inc. manufactures and markets a comprehensive line of premium-quality high-definition projection televisions, HD LCD televisions, and plasma displays, as well as VCRs, DVD players, an HDTV receiver/controller and related products for complete home theater systems. Recognized as the world leader and innovator of digital big screen television and receiver technology, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America develops audio and video products that lead the industry in quality, performance and ease of use. For additional information about MDEA, visit www.mitsubishi-tv.com.

Posted by Nana at 11:16 AM | Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Introduces Two LCD Flat Panel HDTVs | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Inc. introduced four Digital Cable Ready microdisplay high-definition televisions that feature three-chip LCD technology and all-new compact, high-style designs at its national dealer line show. All four TVs include Plush(TM) imaging to deliver an unmatched perfect picture every time, and ClearThought(TM) technology to make it easy to watch TV.

Mitsubishi's WD-52527 (52-inch), WD-62527 (62-inch), WD-52528 (52-inch) and WD-62528 (62-inch) are equipped with SmartShutter(TM), Mitsubishi's patented high-contrast system that produces images with deep blacks and incredible dark scene detail. SmartShutter(TM) improves contrast by four times when compared to standard LCD rear projection systems, thanks to Mitsubishi's proprietary optical technology that utilizes advanced aperture control to reduce light output levels during dark scenes.

QuickMotion(TM), Mitsubishi's proprietary quick response LCD drive, generates sharp, crisp, clean images which is especially critical for high-motion content such as sports and action scenes. Additionally, a specially formulated LCD coating enables wider viewing angles by producing higher light dispersion from the LCD panels.

These models boast 1280 x 720 pixel resolution and feature Mitsubishi's Plush720p(TM) imaging technology. Plush720p(TM) includes an advanced algorithm that creates high-resolution imagery from standard definition digital and analog sources such as DVD and cable TV.

The WD-52528 and WD-62528 also add two unique Mitsubishi technologies, DeepField(TM) imager and SharpEdge(TM), both switchable from the TVs' on-screen menus. DeepField(TM) imager allows the TV to display enhanced contrast and black levels and constantly monitors the picture signal and finely adjusts brightness, contrast and gamma so that every part of every frame is optimized. This results in a picture with greater depth-of-field, especially in scenes with both dark and light areas. SharpEdge(TM) creates crisp edges between objects and backgrounds for sharply defined video images.

All four of these Mitsubishi LCD projection televisions include ClearThought(TM) technology, making them the easiest to use TVs available. ClearThought(TM) includes an integrated HDTV tuner with CableCARD(TM) slot; NetCommand(R) 5.0, the latest generation of Mitsubishi's home theater system control; all-digital audio which converts every audio signal to digital output; and the TV Guide On Screen(R) electronic program guide. These televisions are also equipped with two HDMI(TM) inputs, two component inputs (three on the 528 series), an IEEE1394 interface, and an advanced illuminated remote control.

In separate announcements, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America introduced its new line of 1080p microdisplay projection televisions with Texas Instruments Digital Light Processing(TM) technology as well as a broad line of LCD and plasma flat panel displays.

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Inc.

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Inc. manufactures and markets a comprehensive line of premium-quality high-definition projection televisions, HD LCD televisions, and plasma displays, as well as VCRs, DVD players, and an HDTV receiver/controller and related products for complete home theater systems. Recognized as the world leader and innovator of digital big screen television, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America develops audio and video products that lead the industry in quality, performance and ease of use. For additional information about MDEA, visit www.mitsubishi-tv.com.

Posted by Nana at 11:10 AM | Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Introduces Four New LCD MicroDisplay High-Definition (HD) Projection Televisions | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sony to Establish "ST Mobile Display Corporation" - Second Manufacturing Base for Low-Temperature Polysilicon TFT LCD Panels for Mobile Products

Sony Corporation today announced the establishment of "ST Mobile Display Corporation"(hereafter STMD). This follows Sony's purchase of the LCD panel manufacturing business previously owned by International Display Technology (hereafter IDTech). The new company will produce low-temperature polysilicon thin film transistor liquid crystal displays (hereafter LTPS-TFT-LCD) panels for mobile products.

LTPS-TFT-LCD panels are used in various mobile products such as video cameras, digital still cameras and mobile telephones and Sony expects these markets to grow even further from now on. Following ST Liquid Crystal Display Corp (hereafter STLCD), a joint venture between Sony and Toyota Industries Corporation established in October 1997, Sony will position STMD as the second manufacturing base of LTPS-TFT-LCD panel for mobile products. It will address customer's various needs through the technological cooperation of STMD and STLCD.

The company will inherit production equipment, facilities, and personnel from IDTech's plant in Yasu-shi, Shiga prefecture in Japan. Sony will invest approx. 27 billion yen on equipment and facility modification and this will enable STMD to have a production capacity of 25,000 units/month (550x650mm circuit board base). The mass production of LTPS-TFT-LCD panels is scheduled to start from April 2006.

Furthermore, it has also been decided that Toyota Industries Corporation will be investing 20% of STMD's capital.

Executive Deputy President and COO of Sony Corporation, Dr. Ryoji Chubachi stated:
"I am delighted that we have completed the purchase agreement and the establishment of the LCD display panel plant previously owned by IDTech on schedule. Together with Toyota Industries Corporation, Sony will fully utilize both STLCD and STMD to create superb quality LTPS-TFT-LCD panels for mobile products that meet customers' needs."

Outline of ST Mobile Display Corporation (STMD)

Establishment : March 31st, 2005
Capitalization : 100 million yen
Investment Breakdown : Sony 80%, Toyota Industries Corporation 20% President and representative director : Tadaharu Tsuyuki
Vice-President and representative director : Hisao Hayashi
Location : 800 Ichimiyake, Yasu-shi, Shiga Prefecture
Surface Area : 20,021 m2
Main products : Low-Temperature Polysilicon TFT LCD Panels
Floor Area of Facility : Office 3,269 m2(3 floors), Manufacturing 28,926 m2(2 floors)
Investment : 27 billion yen (planned)
Production Capacity : 25,000 panels/month (unit size: 550x650mm)
Production Start : April 2006 (planned)

About Sony

Sony Corporation which recently released the Sony PSP, is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and on-line businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading personal broadband entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $72 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004.

Posted by Nana at 02:11 PM | Sony Investing in a Second LCD Plant | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Xtreme Line is up to 8 times faster than most competitors

Demonstrating its technology leadership in the display market, ViewSonic Corp., a worldwide leader in visual display products, today announced the world’s fastest LCD monitors. Featuring ultra-fast 4 millisecond (ms) average video response time across the entire color scale, the 19-inch VX924 and 17-inch VX724 deliver fluid, full-motion images and optimized video performance for a variety of applications.

With typical “fast-response” displays on the market today having an average gray-to-gray (or intermediate level) response time of 30 to 35ms, ViewSonic’s Xtreme LCD lineup provides response time performance up to 8 times faster. They are ideal for extreme gaming, viewing DVDs , watching television , and even traditional computer usage—such as rapidly scrolling content within a Web site or a document.

“Achieving the best results with gaming, streaming video and motion application usage has long been the domain of CRT technology,” said Jennifer Gallo, research analyst, IDC. “With manufacturers incorporating better technology, such as faster response times, we should see more of a shift toward LCD displays for these demanding applications.”

The VX924 and VX724 are the first desktop displays to combine ViewSonic’s proprietary Dynamic Structure and Amplified Impulse video response acceleration technologies to support rates of up to 250 frames per second across the entire color scale. This advancement produces superior front-of-screen performance for motion video, since the majority of video transitions on games and digital entertainment occur within these intermediate ranges.

“Breaking down barriers and setting new benchmarks for display technology demonstrates ViewSonic’s unwavering commitment to delivering the highest-quality visual experience,” said Jeff Volpe, vice president, marketing, ViewSonic Americas. “Our Xtreme LCD offerings open up new opportunities for our customers and partners by providing exceptional performance for a variety of applications and markets.”

“These Xtreme displays mark a major milestone in LCD technology,” said Erik Willey, senior product manager, ViewSonic. “The 4ms response time across all color scales has allowed us to create the ultimate gaming monitors with motion video performance rivaling the best CRTs.”

The displays will be available in the second quarter of 2005 through traditional ViewSonic resellers, distributors and mail order.

For more information and images of the new displays, go to www.viewsonic.com/xtreme.

Posted by Nana at 08:14 AM | ViewSonic Announces World’s Fastest LCD Monitors | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Chi Mei Optoelectronics Corp. (CMO), Taiwan's second-largest maker of large-size TFT-LCD panels, announced recently that it favors a 7.5-generation factory for its next-generation expansion.

Taiwan's biggest manufacturer of TFT-LCD panels, AU Optronics Corp., is also planning its next-generation business and will make a final decision on it in the second quarter of this year.

Korean competitors are also vigorously installing new facilities. Samsung LCD recently announced its intention to invest in a second 7G line, and LG-Philips LCD Co. (LPL) will build a 7.5G plant. In Japan, Sharp has decided to build an 8G plant.

Industry sources here say that these aggressive moves by their South Korean and Japanese counterparts will have an impact on the future development of the panel industry in Taiwan, and force the island's manufacturers to respond at once in order to secure future market share.

Construction work on CMO's fifth panel plant in the Southern Taiwan Science Park was brought to a halt last year because of the industry's unclear prospects. Work has been started again, but the generation of technology the plant will use has not yet been decided.

CMO chairman Ho Chao-yang says that his company will not face a capacity shortage for at least the next year, thanks to added production from its new 5.5G plant and the expansion of a 5G facility. With LCD-TV panel demand growing rapidly, the chairman stresses, CMO will certainly become involved in the beyond-7G business.

One industry insider notes that the 7.5G substrate is currently the largest, most economical, and most readily available (based on technological maturity) size that can be economically cut into 42- and 47-inch LCD-TV panels. For 7G substrates, the most cost-beneficial sizes are 40 and 46 inches.

A senior CMO official says that the future market mainstream will be LCD-TVs over 40 inches in size, and that his own company will initially plan for a relatively low monthly production capacity of as little as 30,000 panels, compared with 60,000 or 90,000 with previous projects. The aim of this flexible strategy is to keep capital spending down and make ready for an expansion of capacity whenever market demand grows and panel prices rise to more reasonable levels.

In the fierce competition for new-generation production facilities, industry sources caution, Taiwan's panel makers will have to move quickly in mapping out their future development strategies to keep pace with their South Korean and Japanese rivals, who are targeting 40- to 50-inch-and-up LCD TV panels with 7G, 7.5G, and 8G plant projects. more...

Posted by Nana at 09:44 PM | TFT-LCD panel makers moving to higher technology, bigger size | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

By Mike Langberg
Mercury News

In every gold rush, a few lucky prospectors get rich and everyone else goes home broke.

There's a gold rush under way right now in the marketing of flat-panel television sets. Although flat-panel LCD and plasma TVs are still pricey, consumers are enthralled with the concept of big, wide-screen, high-definition sets that are thin enough and light enough to hang on a wall.

One hopeful entrant in the flat-panel sweepstakes is Encross Enterprise of San Jose, an ambitious start-up with just a dozen employees here and in South Korea, selling LCD TVs under the Kreisen brand name.

Encross is a perfect example of two big forces reshaping consumer electronics.

First is the unstoppable march of digital technology, which continuously makes everything from MP3 players to notebook computers to mobile phones both better and less expensive.

Second is the rise of Original Design Manufacturers, or ODMs -- companies in South Korea, Taiwan and China that design and manufacture sophisticated products for others to market in the United States.

Flat-panel TVs now sit squarely at the intersection of these two trends. more...

Posted by Nana at 10:25 PM | As flat-panel crowds out tube TV, start-ups crowd in | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Syntax Groups Corporation(TM), manufacturer of the high-quality, affordable Olevia(TM) brand of widescreen HDTV-ready LCD TVs, today announced the launch of its newest 26-inch Olevia model, highlighting Syntax's proprietary "iDEA" digital video processing technology for enhancing consumers' control over picture performance and quality. Syntax will showcase its new "iDEA" technology at DisplaySearch's US FPD 2005 conference.

Syntax's iDEA (Innovative Digitally Enhanced Architecture), a highly integrated System-On-a-Chip, delivers an exceptional solution to digital display complexities commonly associated with color, contrast, sharpness, motion and noise. Through a suite of iDEA's built-in and user-selectable features, the new 26-inch Olevia LCD TV, as well as Syntax's future models, achieves crisp, clear pictures with precise colors and sharp resolution.

"The introduction of our iDEA technology for Olevia LCD TVs further underscores Syntax's commitment to provide consumers with the best possible cinema-like experience at very affordable pricing," said James Li, Chief Executive Officer of Syntax Groups.

Syntax's iDEA technology includes four pre-configured image quality features for a premium HDTV cinematic video experience:

Syntax Groups Corporation(TM), manufacturer of the high-quality, affordable Olevia(TM) brand of widescreen HDTV -ready LCD TVs, today announced its strategic plans to ship more than 300,000 Olevia high definition LCD TVs and approximately 20,000 LCOS TVs in 2005, more than tripling Syntax's volume in 2004.

Syntax will address industry executives from all segments of the LCD TV and LCOS TV manufacturing supply chain at this week's Taiwan Kolin Company (TSE:1606.TW) Annual Product Preview Summit held at the Ambassador Hotel in Taipei. Leveraging the Olevia brand's current visibility in the 20-inch, 27-inch and 30-inch LCD TV sector, Syntax sees enhanced market growth in 2005 coming from its newest 26-inch, 32-inch, 37-inch Super-IPS-based models, plus upcoming 42-inch, 47-inch and 55-inch models.

"Syntax's mission for strong, steady market growth is predicated on four key fundamentals," states James Li, Chief Executive Officer of Syntax Groups. "Affordable pricing--not the lowest cost--combined with rich specifications, product quality and an excellent warranty program are driving consumers to select our high-value Olevia brand when making buying decisions to enhance their home entertainment environment."

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As a result of its rapid growth and retail channel ramp up since commencing Olevia LCD TV sales in Q2 2004, Syntax achieved a "Top 5" North America LCD TV market position in Q4 2004 according DisplaySearch's Global TV Shipment and Forecast Report. "Syntax Groups' Olevia brand continues to be one of the fastest growing LCD TV brands in North America, and we believe its market share reached 7% in Q4'04," said Ross Young, President of DisplaySearch. "The company continues to introduce premium products at attractive prices resulting in increased penetration in each segment it enters. The introduction of its new 32" and 37" S-IPS models establish new price points in these segments and should continue to result in rapid growth."

CompUSA, one of Syntax's national retail partners, has ordered more than 15,000 Olevia LCD TV units, including all models of Syntax's product line, plus more than 1,000 Olevia LCOS TVs since commencing sales in December 2004. CompUSA joins a growing roster of well-known consumer electronics channel stores that are delivering high value affordability to their customers through the Olevia LCD TV brand. Syntax attributes much of its 2004 market share growth to well established relationships with retailers including Staples, HH Gregg, CompuSmart, ABC Warehouse, American TV, BuyRite, Micro Center, RC Willey, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Datavision, Dakota TV, RCS Computer and Fry's Electronics, plus numerous consumer-direct Internet retailers such as Target.com, TigerDirect, PC Connection, PC Mall, eCost and Amazon.com.

Syntax also announces its new final assembly, test and quality control production line in operation at the company's 120,000-square foot facility in the City of Industry, Southern California. With its capacity to efficiently move Olevia LCD TVs ranging from 20-inches to 55-inches through the entire line, Syntax anticipates that it will achieve a 60 to 75 percent productivity enhancement over its previous manual processes.

"Olevia LCD TVs are manufactured with the same high quality panels, video processing chipsets and other key components that are used in Tier One branded products," said Li. "It is extremely inaccurate to assume that Syntax is a low end brand just because of the affordable prices we offer to consumers."

Posted by Nana at 07:10 AM | Syntax Groups Outlines Its Strategy for Olevia LCD TVs in 2005 | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

NEC Corp. has developed an inexpensive way to make system-on-glass components to drive LCDs.

The LCD driver system is typically built from a number of chips mounted on a board and attached to the LCD panel by a ribbon cable. Over a dozen parts are used and the overall system takes up considerable room.

NEC's system-on-glass solution integrates the chips on a glass substrate that is mounted to the LCD glass substrate, eliminating the need for the board and wiring. The entire LCD driver is made from just three parts and takes the shape of a component approximately 189mm long and just 1.4mm wide.

The small size gives designers the freedom to build thinner displays with smaller frames.

Whereas system-on-glass solutions are normally more expensive than standard LCD driver systems, NEC's product is actually around two-thirds less expensive to make.

The company plans to have commercial products ready in 2006 for notebook computers, PDAs and a range of other electronic devices that have LCD screens in sizes of 3-20 inches. more...

Posted by Nana at 07:16 AM | NEC Develops Inexpensive System-ON-GLASS LCD Driver | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

AOC's LM729 has won the 2004 Good Design Award from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design. AOC is recognized in the electronics category -- the LM729 was the only monitor selected for this division. Good Design award winners are selected based on aesthetic criteria stated in the award's original 1950 program -- criteria which measures innovation, form, materials, construction, concept, function and utility.

The 17" LCD value-priced display for business users was designed by AOC in collaboration with Lunar, an industrial design firm that has won three BusinessWeek Industrial Design Excellence awards. In addition to its ultra-slim LCD design, the LM729 features advanced adjustability functions, including 25-degree tilt, 70-degree swivel and 110mm height-adjustment. The screen can be rotated 90-degrees for portrait or landscape viewing mode, and the included Pivot Pro(R) software simplifies switching between these two modes.

"We are honored to be recognized as a leader in monitor design," said Alec Chan, Executive Vice President of AOC. "Our goal is to provide aesthetically-pleasing displays that offer high quality functionality and maximum space optimization for the value-conscious user. The LM729 is a perfect example of this."

"What is most significant about the Museum's Good Design Program is that it gives the public the single opportunity to see the latest, most important international designs for consumer products that are currently in the market or about to be launched and introduced. All products selected as Good Design by the Museum and its jury are the quintessence of today's design innovation," states Christian K. Narkiewicz-Laine, president and director of The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design.

About AOC

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, AOC Displays has nearly 20 years of computer displays design and manufacturing experience. AOC has established an extensive retail and distribution network, reaching more than 60 countries worldwide across North America, South America, Europe and Asia. The company's product lineup includes standard CRT and ultra-thin LCD monitors, as well as LCD and plasma flat panel TVs.

AOC is a brand of EPI, which is part of TPV Technology Limited (TPV). TPV has been recognized with International Standards Organization 9001, 9002 and 14001 accreditations. In 2004, TPV was ranked the largest manufacturer of CRTs and LCDs worldwide. TPV is traded publicly on the Hong Kong & Singapore Stock Exchanges. AOC is available on the world wide web at http://www.aocdisplay.com.

Posted by Nana at 05:18 PM | AOC LM729 Wins 'Good Design' Award; Ultra-Thin 17'' LCD Monitor Recognized in Electronics Category | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ultra-Advanced, Super-Fine TFT Technology Supports Enhanced Medical Imaging, Motion Picture Editing and Broadcasting Applications Distribution

NEC Electronics America, Inc., a leading supplier of innovative liquid crystal display (LCD) solutions for industrial applications, today announced a new 15-inch XGA (extended graphics array), thin-film transistor (TFT) color LCD module for high-end industrial applications, including medical diagnostic imaging equipment, motion picture editing and broadcasting systems. These applications require small- to medium-size monitors with high picture quality and high brightness. To address these performance requirements, the 15-inch LCD module provides high brightness capabilities and a wide color gamut featuring NEC LCD Technologies' ultra-wide viewing and UA-SFT (ultra-advanced, super-fine TFT) technologies.

"Our new 15-inch TFT LCD module boasts picture performance equivalent to that of our 8.4-inch TFT LCD, and we are confident that it can meet the various demands of the medical diagnostic imaging, motion picture editing and broadcasting system fields while adding to our extensive line of superior quality products," said Shigehiko Satoh, Ph.D., associate vice president and general manager, display strategic business unit, NEC Electronics America.

The 15-inch XGA color TFT LCD module, part number NL10276BC30-17, was developed as a result of high customer interest in an enhanced version of the company's 8.4-inch XGA LCD module, introduced in July 2003. The 8.4-inch LCD module, part number NL10276BC16-01, was the first product equipped with UA-SFT technology. Originally developed to address a strong demand for high picture quality and high brightness in small- to medium-size monitors for the broadcasting and motion picture editing markets, this module also addresses the high picture quality requirements for medical equipment such as endoscope and ultrasound monitors.

The NL10276BC30-17 module provides high luminance of 300cd/m2 and a wide color gamut of 72 percent of NTSC, equivalent to that of a CRT. These are realized through the company's unique UA-SFT technology, which boasts improved panel transmissivity -- 80 percent from A-SFT (advanced, super-fine TFT) technology and 20 percent from SA-SFT (super-advanced, super-fine TFT) technology -- resulting in accurate color reproduction of clear and vivid color images, even in bright environments. The UA-SFT technology also enables an ultra-wide viewing angle of 170 degrees (contrast ratio greater than 10:1) and reduces the color and/or contrast shift problem that occurs due to a change in viewing angle. By allowing greater flexibility in terms of installation location and viewing position, the new 15-inch LCD is also suitable for multi-screen use. In addition, the NL10276BC30-17 module can realize a simultaneous display of 16.77 million colors, the highest number in this category, by supporting low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) 8-bit signal input. This enables a natural and smooth display of colorful images such as photographs or computer graphics.

Pricing and Availability
Sample shipments of the NL10276BC30-17 are expected begin in February 2005. For sample pricing and availability, contact NEC Electronics America at 800-366-9782 or visit the NEC Electronics America website at http://www.necelam.com/sales for a complete listing of the company's authorized sales representatives and distributors.

LCD Display Module Specifications for the NL10276BC30-17

Drive system: Amorphous silicon TFT active matrix Display area: 304.128 millimeter (mm) x 228.096 mm Diagonal screen size of 15.0 inches Pixel: 1024(H) x 768(V) pixels (786,432 pixels) Pixel arrangement: RGB vertical stripe Pixel pitch: 0.297(H) x 0.1297(V) mm Display color: 16,777,216 colors Luminance: 300cd/m2 (typ.) Color gamut: 72% (typ.) (against NTSC color space) Contrast ratio: 450:1 (typ.) Viewing angle: Horizontal : right and left side 170 degrees (typ.)Vertical : up and down side 170 degrees (typ.)(Contrast ratio at over 10:1) Response time: 25ms (typ.) (Ton + Toff: 10% <-> 90%) Interface: 1port LVDS RGB (8 bits each) Operating temperature: 0 degrees to +55 degrees Storage temperature: -20 degrees to +60 degrees Module size: 326.5 mm (typ.) x 253.5 mm (typ.) x 17.0 mm (max.) Power consumption: 16.7W (typ.) (Power dissipation of the inverter not included.)

About NEC Electronics America's Display Products

With an extensive line-up of 3.5- to 23.0-inch AM-LCD panels and a network of distributors and value-added partners (VAPs), NEC Electronics America provides complete display module solutions from NEC LCD Technologies to the industrial and high-end monitor market. In addition to NEC LCD Technologies' super-fine technology (SFT) for ultra-wide viewing, NEC Electronics America also offers technologies that include ultra-high resolution, wide temperature, high contrast ratio, rich color gamut, backward compatibility and transflective viewing for use in diverse lighting environments. NEC LCD Technologies has been the worldwide market leader in 10.4-inch VGA LCD panels with at least a 45 percent market share from 2000 to 2003. (Display Search 2003) More information about NEC Electronics America's display product offerings can be found at http://www.necelam.com/display.

About NEC Electronics America, Inc.

NEC Electronics America, Inc., headquartered in Santa Clara, California, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NEC Electronics Corporation , a leading provider of semiconductor products encompassing advanced technology solutions for the broadband and communications markets; system solutions for the mobile, PC, automotive and digital consumer markets; and platform solutions for a wide range of customer applications. NEC Electronics America offers a local manufacturing facility in Roseville, California, and the global manufacturing capabilities of its parent company. NEC Electronics America is also the North American marketing and sales channel, specializing in industrial applications, for active-matrix LCDs from NEC Technologies, Ltd., a global leader in innovative display technologies. More information about the products offered by NEC Electronics America, Inc. can be found at http://www.necelam.com/ .

Posted by Nana at 05:17 PM | NEC Electronics America Announces New 15-Inch XGA LCD for High-End Industrial Use | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. (TOKYO:6703) today announced it has developed a source driver LSI for large TFT LCDs that achieves one billion colors in high resolution. While other chip makers have an 8-bit input with 16.7 million color display, Oki's new chip, the ML9156, has a 10-bit input with one billion color display -- 60 times higher picture quality than other chips. Oki became the world's first company to ship such high picture quality chip in volume.

"Oki's driver chips for LCDs have been evaluated highly from our customers for the reliability and ability to drive large screens," said Akira Kamo, President of the Silicon Solutions Company at Oki. "Because this newly developed chip can display one billion colors, users can enjoy watching movies on their LCD TVs with beautiful vivid colors. We are proud to be the world's first company to provide such product in volume to our worldwide customers."

Utilizing the thin, high quality, light and low power consumption features, LCDs are penetrating into various fields demanding LCD TVs to deliver cinema-quality viewing. A 10-bit driver is a key device to achieve such high quality. However, with conventional technologies, the digital/analog (D/A) converter circuit that takes up most of the chip space would have been four times larger than that used in an 8-bit driver chip, making the cost go up. Oki overcame this technical hurdle by developing an innovative 10-bit driver LSI that suppresses the increase of the D/A converter circuit space to 1.3-fold and can be produced in volume at an affordable price range. In addition, by increasing the maximum 256 tones in 8-bit driver LSIs to a maximum of 1021 tones in the 10-bit LSI, Oki can display the deeper and richer colors as well as the delicate black in dark scenes in movies.

Because LCD panels are used in various scenes, several developments to achieve high quality pictures such as wide viewing angle and improved response time of the liquid crystal are conducted. Though the driving voltage in each liquid crystal varies in general, the maximum LCD voltage of the ML9156 covers a wide range from 10V to 16.5V, which responds to various LCD drive voltages. In addition, by using the Reduced Swing Differential Signaling (RSDS(R)) for its data signal interface, the ML9156 enables low Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI). The chip also mounts output selection functions for various resolutions, which enables it to be used not only in mainstream large LCD TVs such as WXGA, HDTV but also to various resolution panels such as XGA, SXGA, SXGA+.

Oki has delivered its product to Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co., Ltd. Holding the 25% share in the 22-inch-and-above large-size LCD TV market, Oki aims to achieve 15 billion yen sales for the driver chips in the fiscal year ending March 2007.

About Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
Founded more than a century ago in 1881, Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. is Japan's first telecommunications manufacturer, with its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. With the corporate vision, "Oki, Network Solutions for a Global Society," Oki Electric provides top-quality products, technologies and solutions to its customers through its telecommunications systems, information systems and electronic devices segments. All three segments are integrated into one effective organization that functions as a collective force to create exciting new products and technologies, including information and telecom converged solutions. Through its business activities, Oki Electric satisfies a spectrum of customer needs in various markets. Visit Oki's global web site at http://www.oki.com/.

Posted by Nana at 05:37 PM | Oki Starts Volume Shipment for Large-size LCD TV-use Driver LSIs; World's First to Ship One Billion Color Display Chips in Volume | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Tokyo-based Hitachi Ltd. and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.’s Panasonic subsidiary today said they would join forces to develop and expand the plasma TV market.

The two companies are to collaborate on R&D, production, marketing and intellectual property activities under an agreement aimed at furthering development of color plasma display (PDP) technologies for the growth of the plasma TV market on a global scale. more...

Posted by Nana at 12:46 PM | Hitachi, Panasonic Team to Expand Plasma TV Business | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)