Epson has started volume production of its latest line of liquid crystal panels (“3LCD chips”) for 3LCD data projectors. Measuring just 0.55 of an inch (1.4 cm) on the diagonal, the new Epson 3LCD chips are believed to be the world’s smallest high-temperature polysilicon (HTPS) TFT panels offering XGA (1024×768) resolution. The new Epson 3LCD chips enable projectors to deliver 2000 to 2600 lumens of brightness. Epson made this possible by using a liquid crystal material with high light-resistance and by further increasing the luminance of panels with an organic alignment layer. Smaller, brighter panels make it possible to offer projectors with better cost/performance.
Epson has been bringing to market successive generations of 3LCD chips that offer progressively higher aperture ratios. While measuring just 0.55 inches on the diagonal, the new 3LCD chips boast a 73% aperture ratio – nearly identical to that of its larger, 0.65-inch XGA predecessor. Simply put, the new 3LCD chips deliver the same brightness in a smaller size.
