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Targeting the HDTV market, as are most of its competitors, MicroDisplay
Corporation (MDC) (San Pablo, CA) (www.microdisplay.com)
introduced a single-panel Field Sequential Color (FSC) LCOS microdisplay
having 1920 x 1080 resolution at the first annual HDTV Forum 2003
last month. This 0.82-inch-diagonal microdisplay is the smallest
such part available and is designed for front and rear projection
televisions. Dubbed the E-HD, this single panel microdisplay more
than doubles the resolution for digital televisions (DTV) compared
to products that are available today. The LCOS display comes complete
with a single chip controller IC and a full programming graphical
user interface for speedy evaluation and design. A custom designed
color wheel ensures color convergence and increases the brightness
of the image. The company expects it to find its way into consumer
products, especially 40- to 65-inch projection TVs that should
be available in about 18 months.
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MicroDisplay's major competitor in the single panel FSC
arena, Philips Electronics (Eindhoven, the Netherlands)
(www.philips.com), manufactures an LCOS panel measuring
1.15-inch diagonally, which is more than 40% larger than
MicroDisplay's microdisplay.
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Having a smaller-sized microdisplay certainly has manufacturing
cost advantages, which is very important since this is one of
the most expensive parts on the BOM. Also, from a systems standpoint,
smaller optics are needed, which results in overall cost savings.
However, the small size may present a problem in getting enough
light onto the screen to provide a sufficiently bright picture
for the viewer especially given the intended single-panel FSC
architecture.
This latter point was partially mitigated in the demonstration
MDC had n the exhibition hall at the HDTV Forum. While the demonstration
was not optimized and it was shown on a 40-inch or so sized screen,
it was bright enough in the exhibit area. MDC says there are still
some improvements in image quality needed, but it is working on
these.
Another point to consider is that the company's success with
this display will obviously hinge on its ability to mass-produce
it. Whereas Philips has its own fab, MicroDisplay Corp. must rely
on manufacturing partners. A company spokesman at MDC believes
its longstanding ties with manufacturing partners, some in Asia,
have enabled it to create a successful fabless strategy. Also,
the company's considerable experience with LCOS displays - the
company was established as an independent entity in 1995 after
several years as a research group at M.I.T. - will enable it to
successfully compete. Only time will tell.
Insight Media believes that MicroDisplay Corporation's release
of the E-HD chip set will help accelerate the move to 1080p-based
systems. This is where LCOS will probably find its best competitive
advantage, and the small device size of E-HD and the single-panel
architecture, should enable very cost competitive products to
reach the market in 2004. Further, if pricing for a 1080p LCOS-RPTV
can fall below the critical $2,000 price point within a year after
introduction, it will have a major impact on the market (for more
see Session 6 in HDTV Summary).
Microdisplay Corporation, Handol Kim, 510-243-9515, handol@microdisplay.com
Contact:
Insight Media
Annmarie Gabisch, 203-831-8464
annmarie@insightmedia.info
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