– TOKYO, Japan, October 17, 2006 –

Sanyo Epson Imaging Devices Corporation ("Sanyo Epson") today announced the development of the world’s smallest*1 direct-view full high definition low-temperature polysilicon liquid-crystal display (LCD). Measuring just 7.1 inches, this display brings unparalleled resolution and 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.

As part of its HCL-S strategy (High quality, Compact design, Low power consumption, System solutions), Sanyo Epson has developed a 7.1-inch LTPS LCD that allows full HD video and still images to be displayed on portable devices. This display is ideally placed to tap into the multimedia market as it expands further through the popularization of high-definition video content services, such as terrestrial digital television broadcasting and "One Seg," a new service in Japan enabling digital TV broadcasts to be viewed on mobile phones.

The 7.1-inch LTPS LCD boasts the world’s smallest screen size for a full HD LCD. A resolution of 310 pixels per inch, the highest level for panels of this size, has been attained thanks to high-resolution technology and the color conversion algorithms of Sanyo Epson’s Photo Fine Chromarich wide color gamut technology, which enables more than 100% coverage of the NTSC*2 color gamut. In addition, this new display is ideal for visual expression thanks to Sanyo Epson’s proprietary technologies, including Photo Fine Vistarich wide viewing angle technology, which enables the displays to produce clear images from any angle, and AME (Auto-Movie-Enhancement)*3 image processing technology. Moreover, the display features a low-energy design, making it perfect for mobile devices. 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*4. Sanyo Epson intends to commercialize the LCD both in Japan and overseas for use in such devices as professional video equipment geared for full HD content, portable TVs for personal use, and in-car systems equipped with terrestrial digital television reception.

Sanyo Epson will exhibit the 7.1-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

  7.1-inch direct-view full high definition LCD
(under development)
Screen size 18.0 cm / 7.1 inch
Pixels 1920 x 10
80 (full high definition)
Type Low-temperature polysilicon TFT
Viewing angle 180 degrees (100:1)
NTSC ratio More than 100%
Display mode Photo Fine Vistarich, transmissive
Pixel pitch 310 ppi
Other features DualLink compatible
Glossary
*1 World’s smallest in direct-view full high definition displays as of October 17, 2006, according to research conducted by Sanyo Epson.

*2 NTSC stands for National Television System Committee, the committee that draws up the technical standards for terrestrial analog television broadcasting in the United States. NTSC also refers to the standard format set out by the committee in 1953. Color reproduction is achieved through an additive color process based on the three primary colors (red, green, and blue, or RGB). The NTSC format is the basis for TV color reproduction in Japan, the US, Canada, and Latin America.

*3 AME (Auto-Movie-Enhancement) is a technology that automatically analyzes images frame by frame, then corrects and converts the images according to contrast and brightness. With a compact circuit design achieved by optimizing the image processing method, as well as excellent video processing capabilities, it is specifically made for use in mobile devices.

*4 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.

Related information
Click here for Sanyo Epson.
News release: Sanyo Epson Develops High-Resolution LCDs That Produce Clear Images from Any Angle

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