Touch screens are everywhere today. For this reason, Jackson Hsieh, Technical Sales Department manager at Super-Union Optical (SUO), introduced the basic principles of projective capacitive touch panels, 3G imaging formats and shutter-type 3D TV technology, and explained the market situation for these different technologies, during the recent Digitimes Technical Forum (DTF). In a speech titled "Projective capacitive panels and 3D panels: Principles and market overview, Hsieh explained that touch screen technologies used by smartphones, mobile Internet devices (MID), tablet computers, notebooks and all-in-one PCs can be differentiated as shown in the table at the end of the article. Each type of touch technology has its own characteristics, but as the market moves towards multi-touch functionality, resistive and electromagnetic technologies are beginning to decline. The projective capacitive technologies that are currently regarded as the focal point for development in the industry can be subdivided into glass type and film type panels according the type of substrate material they use. Principles of projective capacitive touch technology Projective capacitive touch screens use two layers of grids of rhomboidal glass or film sensors, with one layer responsible for X-axis detection and the other for Y-axis detection. Each rhomboidal sensor has a capacitive pair, between which there is mutual capacitance; an electrostatic field is generated on the surface of each sensor and projected to the outer side of the screen through the non-capacitive material of the glass or plastic film, with the user directly touching the glass, rather than the surface of the sensor itself. The control IC periodically checks the status of each indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode on the X and Y axes of the panel, first providing a pulse voltage to a particular drive port, and then reading a corresponding voltage from the corresponding sensor port. This information is then converted into digital values, which are provided to the control IC for data analysis, and the results of this analysis express whether a finger has touched the panel. 3D market overview and technical trends Citing figures from market research organizations, Hsieh explained that shipments of 3D TVs, 3D Blu-ray players and 3G games consoles will all break through the 200 million mark in 2015. The ensuing demand for liquid crystal shutter (LCS) 3D glasses means that shipments of such devices may reach 210 million units, increasing the value of the market to JPY4.250 billion (US$50.6 million). Key manufacturers of current 3D technology include Dolby, NHK Media, Nvidia, RealD, Sensio, TDVision, XpanD and THX. Other than its technology's lack of compatibility with existing 2D MPEG/DVB video/broadcasting standards, RealD in particular is more than a match for the industry giant Dolby in areas such as marketing, CE market position and CE 3G deployment. In terms of H.264 definitions, the 3D video formats currently on the market include the frame sequential format used for Blu-ray 3D, the side-by-side left/right eye system used by BSkyB, and the over-under left/right eye technology adopted by CableLabs/DirectTV. As RealD's patents for side-by-side technology expire in August 2011, Hsieh believes that this will be the right moment for Taiwan-based manufacturers to move into the sector. Comparison of 3D display technologies Type Subtype Viewing angle Resolution Brightness Hardware requirements 3D glasses Shutter glasses 2 Unchanged <50% 120Hz display, shutter glasses, single synchronization device Polarized 3D glasses (monitor) 2 1/2 50% Micro phase retarder display polarized glasses Polarized 3D glasses (projector screen) 2 Unchanged 50% Two projectors, special screen, polarized glasses Colored glasses 2 1/2 Loss of color fidelity Colored glasses Naked-eye 3D Grating spectroscopy 2-N 1/N 1/N Grating Lenticular lens spectroscopy 2-N 1/N >1/N Lenticular lens Source: Super-Union Optical (SUO) 3D displays can be divided into 3D glasses-based and naked eye 3D technologies. The latter technology is still very much in its infancy, and displays using 3D glasses are currently still the norm, with shutter 3D glasses being the mainstream choice. Current mainstream 3D TV designs all use video frequency time division display technologies, in which the left and right eye images are displayed one after the other, while shuttered glasses alternately open and close over the right and left LCDs, allowing both eyes to see different full HD images, which the brain then reassembles into a 3D scene. Common problems with shutter-type 3D TV displays Number Problem 1. Crosstalk. Scanning backlight or black frame insertion methods can be used to increase panel driving frequency and improve LCD shutter response rates, in order to reduce crosstalk. 2. Light degradation problems with glasses. This requires increasing the efficiency of light emission in panels and improving light emission control. 3. Insufficiently vibrant color. This can be improved by the addition of primary colors via yellow light, as in Sharp's Quattron four color (RGBY) LCD technology. 4. Flicker issues with glasses. This must be dealt with by reducing interference and improving LCD response times. 5. Lack of software. 2D to 3D image conversion technology can be used to broadcast existing 2D content as lifelike 3D content. Source: Super-Union Optical (SUO) Good active 3D shutter glasses require attention in the following areas: Number Area 1. Contrast levels, reaction times, transmittance and field of view for the lenses of the shutter glasses. 2 There must be absolutely no issues of ghosting, pseudo stereo, dropped frames or inability to operate. 3 Insufficiently vibrant color. This can be improved by the addition of primary colors via yellow light, as in Sharp's Quattron four color (RGBY) LCD technology. 4. Design of the glasses must be comfortable and ergonomic. Source: Jackson Hsieh, Technical Sales Department manager at Super-Union Optical (SUO) Last but not least, Hsieh gave a brief introduction to SUO. The firm is located in Tainan Science Park, where it strives to provide industry-leading products in areas including 2.8-inch to 19-inch projective capacitive touch panels, 3D LCS glasses and polarizer lens products. Jackson Hsieh, Technical Sales Department manager at Super-Union Optical (SUO)Photo: Staff reporter, Digitimes Comparison of touch panel technologies Technology Resistive Capacitive Surface acoustic wave (SAW) Infrared Electromagnetic sensor Sensor method Voltage detection Senses changes in capacitance caused by static electricity in the human body Detects acoustic waves Blocked optical signal Electromagnetic sensor Price Cheap Quite expensive Expensive Very expensive Expensive Durability Good Excellent Good Average Excellent Accuracy Good Good Good Good Good Transmittance 85-90% More than 90% More than 92% 100% More than 90% Touch media Finger/stylus Finger (gloves cannot be worn) Finger/stylus Finger/stylus Dedicated electromagnetic stylus Panel characteristics Vulnerable to scratching and flame, fairly low transmittance Resistant to scratching, stains, water, static electricity and dust, fast reaction time, multitouch recognition Resistant to scratching and flame Resistant to scratching and flame, very reliable, not very resistant to water or stains High sensitivity, large volume, difficult to assemble Sizes (inches) 1-20 3-19 9-42 Unlimited 3-29 Source: Super-Union Optical (SUO)

Seoul, Korea (December 15, 2010) – LG Display, a leading innovator of TFT-LCD technology, unveiled its FPR (film-type patterned retarder, polarized glasses) 3D panel at a launch ceremony held on December 15 in Beijing, China.Held under the theme of "opening a new 3D era that protects the eyes," the FPR 3D panel launch ceremony brought together about 250 people, along with representatives from LCD TV companies, high-ranking officials from industry association, state-run research institutes and the retail industry.LG Display CEO Young Soo Kwon noted in his welcoming speech, "It is a pleasure for LG Display to announce the opening of the 'FPR 3D era' in China which is emerging as the center of the worldwide TV market. LG Display will focus on FPR 3D products as we believe that FPR is superior in all aspects and represents genuine 3D technology better suited to consumers."The Chinese and global LCD TV makers plan to offer a full lineup of 3D LCD TV sets featuring FPR panels from the beginning of 2011. The product not only delivers full HD picture quality, but also eliminates flicker and crosstalk which are problems associated with SG (shutter glasses) 3D displays. It also resolves the issue of high costs linked to the existing PR (patterned retarder) type panel by using film instead of glass substrate.Moreover, lightweight and comfortable polarized glasses that emit no electromagnetic waves allow consumers to enjoy long hours of viewing without any discomfort in their homes.Next-generation 3D technology recognized by expertsOrganized by LG Display and sponsored by China Video Industry Association/China Electronic News and China 3D Industry Association, the FPR 3D panel launch ceremony included a presentation given by Research Institute of TV and Electro-Acoustics under Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China and Beijing Ophthalmology Research Institute that acknowledged the superiority of FPR technology. An analysis of the flicker effect that occurs during 3D viewing showed the FPR panel is less tiring on the eyes compared to the SG type.James Sheedy, director of Optometry Research Center at Pacific University in the US, delivered a lecture titled "Vision and 3D Display" at the event. Sheedy noted, "Problems with the SG type panel included the weight of the glasses, power consumption and reduced brightness. However, LG Display's FPR 3D panel has no flickering, produces minimal cross talk and delivers a bright screen. Also, the glasses can be made with curved lenses, like regular glasses, so it is superior in terms of protecting eyesight."Li Jun Tao, VP of Gome Group, China's leading retail chain, said, "As several TVs are displayed together at the stores, there have been problems with the SG type 3D TV sets such as synchronization signal error, interruption and discharged batteries of glasses." VP of Suning, Wang Zhe, said, "The launch of FPR which resolves these technical issues is expected to boost sales of 3D TV."Conquering the 3D market through global allianceAmong those present at the launch ceremony were top executives from China's six largest LCD TV makers, namely Skyworth, Konka, Hisense, Haier, Changhong and TCL, as well as global LCD TV companies LG Electronics, Vizio and Toshiba. They agreed to cooperate for FPR 3D promotion based on shared recognition of its outstanding features.Yang Dong Wen, VP of China's LCD TV market leader Skyworth, said, "The launch of FPR 3D TV products, which are clearly different from the existing 3D TVs, should expand China's 3D LCD market to over 8 million units next year."LG Display FPR 3D panelPhoto: Company

TOKYO, Japan, December 13, 2010 – Seiko Epson Corporation today announced that it has recently developed and begun shipping samples of the S1C17F57, a new 16-bit microcontroller with a built-in driver optimized for small- to medium-size segmented electronic paper displays (e-paper displays or EPDs) such as E Ink Surf. The company plans to begin volume shipments in March 2011, with monthly production of one million units. Epson at the same time announced it had started shipping its newly developed S1D14F50 series of energy-efficient driver ICs capable of wringing the maximum performance from segmented EPDs.The EPD market is rapidly expanding due to an explosion in demand for products such as e-books. The high contrast, flexibility, image stability, and low power consumption make EPDs the ideal replacement for LCDs in products like these, and in many segmented applications.To meet the increased demand for segmented EPDs, Epson developed the S1C17F57, a microcontroller with standard functions such as memory (ROM and RAM), timers, and serial interfaces. The product also includes embedded features such as a real-time clock, theoretical regulation, a high performance segmented EPD driver, and a temperature sensor. As a result, the device does not simply drive the display, but also corrects temperature effects that could potentially distort the image on the display thus maximizing the characteristics of an e-paper display with a single chip.Epson also leveraged its expertise with energy efficient technologies to achieve very low power draw (120nA in sleep mode). Moreover, the microcontroller can be shipped as bare die only 200-microns thick, making it perfect for applications in smart cards and other small mobile devices that demand long battery life and thin form factors.Epson has also jointly developed with Citizen Seimitsu, an integrated e-paper display module that includes the S1C17F57. Citizen Seimitsu has already begun shipping this chip-on-flex (COF) module, and has attached an e-paper display that makes it easy for manufacturers to design e-paper products."Epson has a long track record of providing energy efficient semiconductors for various battery driven products. By adding this unique microcontroller unit to the product family, we will be able to support emerging e-paper applications such as display cards," said Ryuhei Miyagawa, deputy COO of Epson's microdevices operations division."Epson developed the world's first embedded e-paper driver microcontroller," said Shuji Watanabe, division manager of Citizen Seimitsu's display division. "Citizen Seimitsu's integrated e-paper display module incorporating Epson's microcontroller provides EPDs with high image quality, flexibility, and ultra-low power consumption and we are now moving forward with applications for IC cards, watches, and small mobile devices. Citizen Seimitsu participated in the development of this controller from the planning stage and in addition to COF (chip-on-film), we can also mount the controller directly to an EPD. We believe that it this will make it possible to produce an integrated e-paper display module with a small-footprint at low cost.""Epson's new 16-bit microcontroller driving E Ink Surf displays aims at a large and growing market segment that include applications such as smartcards, shelf labels, battery indicators, wrist watches and electronic signage" said Sriram Peruvemba, chief marketing officer for E Ink Holdings. "We congratulate Epson on the launch of the S1C17F57".Epson simultaneously developed a new series of low-power driver ICs, called the S1D14F50 series. Drawing just 100nA of power in Deep Standby mode, these driver ICs can expand the segment display domain when coupled with the S1C17F57. Since display circuitry optimized for driving EPDs is built-in, outstanding performance is also demonstrated even when used as a standalone driver IC.Going forward, Epson will continue to expand its lineup of microcontrollers and driver ICs for EPDs and develop products that meet customers' needs.Epson new microcontroller for e-paper products, the S1C17F57Photo: Company

Memoright has announced the launch of their 2.5-inch STM-25 MLC SSD Series. The STM Series provides a cost effective SSD solution, with a maximum capacity of 256GB, and has intended applications for storage systems, cloud computing, business-use servers, workstations and high-end PCs.Memoright SSD has been widely adopted for military and industrial storage purposes, with its emphasis on stable and reliable performance, and has become a leading global supplier of SSDs for military applications. In order to meet demand for high performance and high capacities, as well as reliability, Memoright adopts the self-developed circuit design and a close-examination manufacturing process used to produce military and industrial SSDs specifically for STM-25, with the series supporting SATA II interface and having wide range storage capacities of 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB available to choose from. Memoright also provides 1.2-inch and 1.8-inch versions of the STM Series SSD for small form factor applications.Memoright STM-25 SSDs perform well in read/write speeds and IOPS (input/output operations per second), exceeding a read speed of 240MB/s and a write speed of 170MB/s in IOMeter Benchmark tests and reaching 24,000/17,000 IOPS.The STM-25 SSD boasts 64MB built-in DRAM cache and delivers Memoright's signature durability, along with power savings and reliability. A storage system equipped with STM-25 SSD will enjoy 50%/60% faster read/write performance, compared to competitors' products.STM-25 is supported by Memoright's Health Doctor, which can monitor and detect temperature, erase counts, bad blocks, spare blocks and other data on the SSD, as well as SSD operating conditions and performance indicators, and then calculates the SSD's useful life based on these parameters, with all information in graphic display through a customized graphics interface.Memoright 2.5-inch STM-25 MLC SSD SeriesPhoto: Company

Nvidia has announced the immediate availability of the GeForce GTX 570, the latest addition to its GTX 500 series of DirectX 11 GPUs designed for PC gaming enthusiast platforms. The GeForce GTX 570 brings a new level of DirectX 11 price/performance to the enthusiast PC gaming market while maintaining quiet acoustics and is available from add-in card partners, including ASL, Asustek, Colorful, ECS, EVGA, Gainward, Galaxy, Gigabyte, Innovision 3D, Jetway, Leadtek, MSI, Palit, Point of View, PNY, Sparkle, Zotac and others, said Nvidia.Nvidia claimed that the GTX 570 delivers the fastest performance for DirectX 11 games in its class. When compared to the closest competitive product, the GTX 570 is up to 128% faster in today's newest DirectX 11 tessellated games, and even 30% faster in previous-generation DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 games as well.With full support for Nvidia 3D Vision and Surround technologies, the GeForce GTX 570 GPU also provides the graphics horsepower and video bandwidth needed to experience games and high-definition Blu-ray movies in eye-popping stereoscopic 3D on a single display or spanning across three screens for an immersive gaming environment.In additional news, Nvidia has also announced that its SLI technology has been licensed by top-tier motherboard manufacturers including Intel, Asustek, Gigabyte, MSI and EVGA, for use on their Intel P67 Express Chipset-based motherboards designed for the upcoming Intel Sandy Bridge processors.Nvidia GeForce GTX 570 graphics cardPhoto: Company

Nvidia has announced the immediate availability of the Nvidia NVS 300 business graphics solution, a graphics processor designed for the enterprise that delivers visual fidelity across up to eight displays while consuming minimal power.With nearly 25% more efficient power utilization, the NVS 300 graphics processor is designed for mission-critical applications ranging from command and control centers, to securities trading floors, to digital signage installations, Nvidia noted.The NVS 300 graphics processor simplifies IT administration, offering the most versatile display connectivity available in a low-profile, space saving graphics card design. Regardless of the display type (LCD, DLP or plasma) or system type (standard tower PC, workstation or small form factor system), the NVS 300 delivers excellent image quality, supporting VGA, DVI, DisplayPort and HDMI at resolutions as high as 2560 by 1600, Nvidia said.With built-in, new Nvidia Mosaic technology, and Nvidia nView Desktop Management Software that support single or multi-display environments, the NVS 300 graphics processor improves user productivity by enabling efficient management of the Windows desktop across multiple displays. Nvidia Mosaic technology provides seamless taskbar spanning, as well as transparent scaling of any application across up to eight displays. Nvidia Mosaic technology can be used to enable one or more NVS 300 cards to drive either many independent displays simultaneously, or one ultra-high resolution display.The Nvidia NVS 300, priced at US$149, is available in PCI Express x16 and x1 configurations from major business PC and workstation vendors, and from authorized distribution partners including: PNY Technologies in the Americas and Europe, ELSA in Japan, and Leadtek in Asia Pacific.Nvidia NVS 300 business graphics cardPhoto: Company

Canon USA, a leader in digital imaging, today introduced the REALiS WUX4000 D Installation LCOS projector, the company's first high-resolution installation projector for the medical education market. This new projector includes a DICOM simulation mode that simulates the results of devices compliant with the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) Part 14 standardized display function for display of grayscale images. DICOM is a global information-technology standard that is used in virtually all hospitals to ensure the interoperability of systems used to produce, store, display, retrieve or print medical images."No matter the type of medical images being displayed, the combination of Canon's leading imaging technologies in the new REALiS WUX4000 D coupled with DICOM simulation mode brings medical educators a precise, practical and easy-to-use display option for lecture or classroom settings," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive VP and general manager, consumer imaging group, Canon USA.The inclusion of the DICOM Simulation mode, which offers 21 different levels of grayscale gradation, and Canon's fourth-generation proprietary AISYS-enhanced LCOS optical system helps medical educators to clearly display detailed and intricate images to larger audiences without compromising image accuracy. The REALiS WUX4000 D Installation LCOS projector also offers a choice of three optional Genuine Canon high-resolution interchangeable lenses for different throw distances and projection screen sizes and features a motorized lens shift, zoom and focus for improved end-user operability.The Canon REALiS WUX4000 D Installation LCOS projector delivers WUXGA-resolution (1920×1200) widescreen 16:10 aspect ratio images at 4000 lumens and includes a built-in Canon Color-Correction IC, which together with the AISYS-enhanced LCOS system, provides highly accurate color reproduction and precision luminosity adjustment without affecting the display of neighboring colors. In addition, the Canon REALiS WUX4000 D Installation LCOS projector's lamp and air filter can be replaced from the side of the projector, and its PS optical filter element can be replaced from the top of the unit for added convenience and economy.Multimedia device compatibilityIndustry-standard digital and analog terminals and connectors ensure the Canon REALiS WUX4000 D Installation LCOS projector's compatibility with a wide range of video and computer devices. Signal inputs include HDMI version 1.3, DVI-D and analog PC terminals, two audio inputs, and one audio output for external amplification and speakers. A built-in five-watt speaker is also included, while a convenient user memory feature stores up to ten different setting combinations based on the content being shown. Five memory settings are for computer sources, such as DVI-D, analog PC, and HDMI (PC) and the other five settings are for video sources, such as component and HDMI (video). A network-ready RJ-45 port allows for authorized users to manage and control multiple projectors from any PC on the network. An RS-232 serial connection allows for monitoring the projector locally through a third-party control system and a hand-held remote control enables users to control four WUX4000 D projectors individually or simultaneously. Lens shift and gamma control buttons are also included on the remote control.The new Canon REALiS WUX4000 D Installation LCOS projector is scheduled to be available in March 2011, for a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of US$9,999. It will be backed by Canon USA's three-year limited warranty and its exclusive projector protection program (Triple P). Triple P is a free service program that provides a loaner projector of equal or greater value in the event that a qualifying unit is in need of repair. Triple P is available on all Canon projector models during the three-year Canon USA limited warranty period.Canon REALiS WUX4000 D Installation LCOS projectorPhoto: Company

The number of 3G users in China should reach 270.9 million in 2014 despite slower-than-expected acceptance of the new telecom service at the start of operations in 2009, according to the Digitimes Research.Digitimes Research noted that 3G licenses were issued to China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom in 2008 after another round of major consolidation in the country's telecom market. China Mobile received a license for the homegrown standard of TD-SCDMA, while China Telecom and China Unicom were licensed for CDMA2000 and WCDMA, respectively.The year 2009 could be described as a period of infrastructure construction. Not only were base stations being deployed as service provision was rolled out to customers, but product supply chains for the TD-SCDMA, CDMA and WCDMA standards were also all far from robust."The upshot of this was that even if consumers were tempted to try out 3G services, they were faced with an annoyingly restrictive choice of handset terminals," said Roger Huang, a senior analyst of Digitimes Research. "Moreover, despite the fact that 3G services in China had been in planning for many years before their eventual launch, applied services capable of actually utilizing the advantages of 3G involved a considerable trade off in other respects for all three carriers during this initial period."Consequently, while the carriers made bold claims in 2009 about drawing in 30 million new 3G users during their first year of operation, this target was revised downward by the middle of the year, and the final number of 3G users by the end of 2009 was just 10.2 million, according to Digitimes Research.But as network deployment nears completion, the range of terminals increases and carriers begin to offer tariff plan support, Digitimes Research predicts that the number of 3G users in China will reach 44.8 million by the end of 2010, a threefold increase on the 2009 figure, with China Mobile best placed to take the lion's share.There are several factors that may accelerate the growth of China's 3G market, within which devices will play a pivotal role. A basic entry-level terminal now costs more than CNY3,000 (US$450) in 2010, let alone a phone with more advanced functions, with the result that 3G usage is limited to the top of the user base pyramid."For this reason, all three of China's major telecoms operators must play a more proactive role in the supply chain and appeal to more manufacturers to invest in development, so as to hasten the drop in terminal prices," said Huang, author of Digitimes Research's latest Special Report, "China 3G telecoms, suppliers and market."Source: Digitimes Research, November 2010

Siano Mobile Silicon has announced the launch of a new product targeting the digital TV markets of Latin America and Japan. The SMS2270 supports the ISDB-T high definition DTV standard, also known as ISDB-T "full-segment".After enjoying success in the mobile segment of the DTV market in Latin America, the new Siano product now addresses the home TV market, car TV, and high-definition portable TV applications.The integrated RF tuner and demodulator single chip from Siano allows clear reception even in tough conditions, such as when using a sub-optimized antenna, deep-indoor locations, and noisy electronic environment, the company said."Most countries in Latin America are pushing to accelerate the transition from analog to digital TV," said Alexandre Goldman, Telecom Research and Consulting Manager, Brazil for IDC. "A necessary condition for that is the availability of affordable digital TV sets and set-top boxes that can be used by the mass population in these countries. Siano's new receiver products support the increasing demand for a high quality, cost-effective front end solution."ISDB-T DTV services already cover most of the populations in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and other countries."Latin America is the first region where Siano operates not only in the mobile DTV space, but also in the home DTV market," said Alon Ironi, CEO of Siano. "The new SMS2270 positions Siano as the leading supplier of 'front end' solutions for ISDB-T devices."In addition to the ISDB-T DTV format, deployed in Latin America and Japan, the SMS2270 also supports the DVB-T format, which is deployed in Europe, Australia, and some places in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. This allows manufactures of TV sets and set-top boxes to efficiently make products for multiple target markets using the same design and same component inventory, Siano highlighted.With a built-in USB 2.0 core as well as an MPEG2 Transport Stream interface, the SMS2270 is suited for PC cards and motherboards, as well as for TV sets and set-top boxes.The SMS2270 is available in samples to select customers, and is already in the development stage with a few customers developing electronic products using the new solution.

Seoul, Korea (November 24, 2010) - LG Display, a leading innovator of TFT-LCD technology, announced today that it has launched the 23-inch 240Hz LCD for monitors (dual monitor and TV use) that refreshes at a rate of 240 frames per second to deliver clear picture quality with no ghosting effect.The industry have been engaged in a heated race to improve the motion picture response time (MPRT), unveiling products with refresh rates of 120Hz or 240Hz which are respectively twice and four times as fast as broadcast signals (60Hz). However, the technology has mostly been applied to LCD panels for high-end TV panels that are 40-inch or larger. This is the first time that 240Hz technology was applied in a 23-inch product under mass production.The full HD 23-inch 240Hz LCD panel was developed by combining 120Hz technology (refreshes 120 images per second) with scanning backlight technology which enables a backlight to be repeatedly turned on and off.Boasting a refresh rate that is four times higher than regular 60Hz monitors and twice as high as 120Hz monitors, the 240Hz LCD significantly reduces motion blur to make it less strenuous on the viewer's eyes and deliver true-to-life images.LG Display's copper bus line technology was employed for fast processing of vast amounts of image data. As a result, the product has an motion picture response time of 8ms (millisecond), akin to a large premium TV, to eliminate motion blurring for fast moving images. Moreover, the 240Hz LCD features IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology for no distortion in color or images from any viewing angle which makes products ideal for TVs.In the past, monitors in the 20-inch range were mainly used for word processing, but expansion of the multimedia environment has extended their application to games, videos, and even second TV sets. The 23-inch 240Hz LCD panel from LG Display should allow consumers to enjoy vibrant images and picture quality they expect from a large-size TV on their monitor or a smaller, second TV.Ha Hyun Hwoi, LG Display's VP and head of the IT business unit, noted, "This product was designed to meet expectations of consumers who are already used to superior picture quality and high motion picture response time. LG Display will continue with efforts to introduce products that deliver new value to our customers and consumers."According to research firm DisplaySearch, the market for 26-inch and below LCD products, which are primarily for dual monitor/TV use, is expected to grow by more than 20% from 49 million units in 2009 to 60 million units in 2010.LG Display 23-inch 240Hz LCD monitorPhoto: Company