The OLED prototypes that Osram Opto Semiconductors has developed as part of a research project are large transparent light sources only a few hundred micrometers thick. Thanks to new technology these organic light emitting diodes (OLED) do not need separate encapsulation and can be made incredibly thin in any layout. The transparent test samples have a luminous area of 210 square cm and are already showing the enormous potential of OLED light sources. They offer a tantalizing glimpse of the extraordinary lighting applications that may one day become reality.Even the 17x17 cm OLED panels provide a clear indication of the direction that the OLED lighting market is taking. The demand is for large low-profile transparent light sources. With these samples Osram Opto Semiconductors has set an important milestone. The test samples were developed as part of the TOPAS research project funded by the Germany Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF). The aim of the project is to produce 1 square meter large transparent OLED modules and will run until 2011.Even though the modules will have to be made larger they already have many of the properties that distinguish OLEDs from other light sources. They are extremely slim and no longer need expensive encapsulation. Their thickness is now defined only by the substrate as the carrier material - at present this is between 300 and 700 micrometers. Further development work will lead to an even thinner carrier material and therefore even thinner OLEDs. These low-profile OLED modules will be even easier to use in all kinds of applications. They can be made in any shape, take up very little space and can be integrated so discreetly that they are only noticed when they are switched on. "Transparent OLEDs and flexible OLEDs at a later date will add an entirely new aesthetic dimension to lighting solutions", said Dr. Karsten Heuser, head of the OLED division at Osram Opto Semiconductors. "The possibilities range from light sources that can be integrated in room dividers and furniture, for example, to entire windows that would allow natural light in during the day and flood the room with light at night." Current OLEDs are being showcased at PLDC (Professional Lighting Design Convention) from October 29 to 31, 2009 in Berlin to demonstrate the latest state of development. The panels provide an impressive foretaste of future applications in which designers can let their imaginations run wild.The OLED panels can be made transparent without any detracting structures. This is thanks to new developments in electrode design, a special component architecture and a new approach to thin-film technology. Without any additional conductor path structures on the light-emitting surface, the current is distributed evenly over the active surface, which in turn leads to uniform luminance. The new technology also simplifies the manufacturing process, whether OLEDs are produced on a small molecule or polymer basis. Irrespective of the material of the active layers, the technology can be used for colored, warm white and cold while OLEDs. The next stage is to integrate the processes into a stable manufacturing operation.Osram Opto Semiconductors 300dpi transparent PMOLEDPhoto: Company
Following the launch of DirectX 11-supporting Radeon HD 5870/5850 GPUs at the end of September 2009 in the Taiwan market, AMD has now launched the Radeon HD 5770/5750.The Radeon HD 5770-based graphics cards are already available at retail prices of NT$6,000-7,000 (US$186-216). One from Micro-Star International (MSI) is priced at NT$6,499 and Asustek Computer has a model priced at NT$6,890.The Radeon HD 5770 features 800 stream processors, 40 texture units, has a core clock speed of 850MHz and 1GB GDDR5 memory running at 1.2GHz, while the 5750 had 720 stream processors and 36 texture units with the GPU's core clock speed running at 700MHz and memory clock speed running at 1.15GHz. Both GPUs support ATI's Eyefinity, Stream and UVD2 technologies.A Radeon HD 5870-based graphics card from first-tier vendor Asustek Computer is priced at about NT$15,000 and one from Gigabyte Technology is priced at NT$14,500.MSI R5770-PM2D1G graphics cardPhoto: Company
AU Optronics (AUO) today announced a series of e-paper products, including a 20-inch e-paper module and a 6-inch flexible e-paper. AUO plans to offer flexible e-paper samples in 2010, and relevant e-paper technologies will be showcased at FPD International 2009, held in Yokohama Japan, from Oct. 28-30, according to the company.After marking the worldwide debut of its 6-inch touch function e-book reader in Display Taiwan 2009 in June, AUO launched its first 6-inch flexible e-paper technology in October. Adopting Sipix's Microcup technology, this flexible e-paper incorporates a plastic substrate, so that the display can be repeatedly bended, allowing it to match even more closely the functionality of real paper. The flexible e-paper is portable and unbreakable, significantly increasing the product's durability, the company said. While the curved radius of this e-paper reaches 100mm, it remains flexible and features 16 gray levels, a 9:1 high contrast ratio, and a reflectance of 33%. In terms of power consumption, there is no electricity required during reading and it consumes power only when the image is updated. Using the roll-to-roll manufacturing process, the technology allows for the commencement of volume production with higher yield rates, making it more cost-competitive. The size of the flexible e-paper is able to be tailor-made based on customers' needs. AUO expects to distribute samples to customers in 2010 and to start volume production then.AUO's 20-inch EPD (electrophoretic display) module is ready for mass production, it said. It will be for future applications in public information display because of its ability to eliminate backlight. It also features low power consumption of less than 2W as well as 16 gray level capabilities.Other EPD applications to be exhibited in FPD International 2009 include 2-inch electronic shelf label (ESL), and 6-inch and 9-inch touch function built-in e-book displays. Since the 2-inch ESL uses active matrix equipped bi-stable image characteristics, label images can be maintained for at least one month without electricity supply on the shelf. With the in-cell touch functions and embedded single chip solution, the debut 9-inch e-book display provides a 1024x768 high-definition screen. AUO also debuts its 2-piece 6-inch e-book with foldable design. Consumers can combine e-book reading with a traditional reading experience, it said.CT Liu, senior VP and GM of consumer product display business group of AUO, said, "AUO holds the advantage of having integrated technologies and manufacturing capabilities. With the fully supported panel capacity in the different generations of fabs, AUO applies its 4G lines to produce e-tags, 5G lines for 6-inch to 10-inch e-book panels, and 6G or 7.5G to produce e-signage display panels. In the near future, AUO will continue to provide customers with full-range services that lead the industry."AUO 20-inch electrophoretic display (EPD) modulePhoto: CompanyAUO 6-inch flexible e-paperPhoto: CompanyAUO 9-inch touchscreen e-book readerPhoto: Company
Micron Technology has announced a new line of NAND products - both multi-level cell (MLC) and single-level cell (SLC) - designed specifically for enterprise applications. By leveraging its 34nm NAND process, the new MLC NAND device achieves 30,000 write cycles - a 6x increase in endurance when compared to standard MLC NAND, according to the company. The 34nm SLC NAND device also achieves 300,000 write cycles - a 3x increase in endurance when compared to standard SLC NAND."These products ensure that enterprise organizations have a highly reliable NAND flash solution - be it MLC or SLC - for design into the broader enterprise storage platform," said Brian Shirley, vice president of Micron's memory group.Micron's new Enterprise NAND products also feature an ONFI 2.1 synchronous interface that delivers a 4- to 5x improvement in data transfer rates when compared to legacy NAND interfaces, according to the company. Its 34nm enterprise NAND portfolio includes a 32Gb MLC NAND chip and a 16Gb SLC NAND chip that can be configured into multi-die, single packages supporting densities up to 32GB MLC and 16GB SLC, respectively.Micron said it is now sampling the enterprise NAND products with customers and controller manufacturers, and expects to start volume producing the chips in early 2010.Micron Enterprise NANDPhoto: Company
Micro-Star International (MSI) has introduced the Wind12 U210 notebook, featuring a 12.1-inch LED backlit display and AMD's ultra-thin power saving platform.The 12.1-inch MSI Wind12 U210 has a similar size to a sheet of A4 paper (297 x 190 mm) and weighs only 1.3kg with battery.The Wind12 U210 also features MSI's exclusive EDS (Ergonomic De-stress) keyboard. Each key on the keyboard has 51% more surface than a traditional keyboard to offer a bigger finger contact range for comfortable typing.The Wind12 U210 adopts an AMD Athlon Neo MV40 or Athlon Neo X2 L335 processor and RS 690/SB600 chipset, 1GB of DDR2 677MHz memory and a 160GB or higher SATA hard drive. MSI Wind12 U210 notebook specifications Item Detail CPU AMD Yukon MV40 or L335 Operation System Windows XP Home for MV40 Windows Vista Home Premium for L335 Chipset AMD RS690 + SB600 LCD 12.1-inch with resolution of 1366×768 and HD ready VGA Integrated ATI Mobility Radeon X1250 Memory Support DDR2 667MHz memory up to 2GB Storage 2.5-inch 160/250/320GB SATA HDD Dimension (LxWxH, mm) 297×190×24-31 Weight 1.3kg (with a 3-cell battery) Sources: Company, compiled by Digitimes, September 2009MSI Wind12 U210 notebookPhoto: Company
RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., October 15, 2009 – Samsung Electronics America Inc., a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Corporation, the number one worldwide brand of LCD display products, today announced the release of its Lapfit monitors, LD220G and LD190N, for use as a secondary display for notebook PCs. Now available through Samsung resellers and retailers at an estimated street price of US$249.99 and US$149.99 respectively, Lapfit offers notebook users the benefits of having dual displays to view multiple web sites, documents, tool palettes and widgets."With the strong growth in the laptop and netbook categories, our Lapfit monitors offer a great synergy for users needing multiple screens," said Doug Albregts, VP, information technology division, Samsung Electronics America Inc. "Lapfit enables users to be more productive by eliminating the awkward external monitor configuration that comes with pairing standard LCD monitors with a notebook."Dual Display HarmonyWith more consumers migrating to laptops, the Lapfit is a convenient display solution that complements and enhances the laptop. Lapfit enables multiple applications to run simultaneously or display movies and games in 16:9 widescreen high definition format and 1080p (LD220G) picture quality. Settings, such as brightness, backlight and color effects, can be quickly customized with a touch of a key using the MagicColor, MagicBright, Color Effect and Image Size functions. It also maintains 100% image integrity and eliminates distortion using its intelligent image size function to accommodate normal and widescreen content.Simple and quick connectionsThe Lapfit requires minimal set up and offers the simplicity of being instantly functional. The LD190N installs quickly with a standard VGA cable. The LD220G has the added benefit of USB connectivity with Samsung's UbiSync technology, which allows users to quickly plug-in and manage multiple monitors without using additional video cards or changing system settings. The LD220G also serves as a USB hub to attach additional UbiSync monitors or peripherals.Elegant and versatile formThe Lapfit features sleek, clean contours and high-glossy black casings that can be placed almost anywhere. Weighing less than 10 pounds and possessing an integrated kickstand, the Lapfit maintains a thin profile taking up minimal space on the desk or on the go. While the uneven positioning of most external monitors can cause eye or neck strain, the Lapfit's low profile remains level with the notebook, creating a more convenient view in addition to the benefit of multiple monitors. The adjustable stand can tilt from 10 to 40 degrees to match the laptop screen's angle."For laptop users in the academic environment or mobile power users, the Lapfit is a great tool to boost productivity and the laptop's capabilities," said Young Bae, director, Information Technology Division, Samsung Electronics America Inc. "For netbook users that want to watch video in HD formats, the LD220G is an affordable solution for screens that are too small."LD190N & LD220G•1360x768 (LD190N) and 1920x1080 (LD220G) resolution •250 cd/m2 brightness •Dynamic contrast ratio of 20,000:1 •16:9 Aspect Ratio •5ms response time •UbiSync technology for connectivity via USB (LD220G) •Low power consumptionMonitors are available through Samsung resellers and distribution channels, which can be located by calling 1-800-SAMSUNG or by visiting www.samsung.com. Samsung Power Partners receive special promotions, lead referrals, training and technical support, as well as collateral and marketing materials. Samsung also recycles all monitors through the Samsung Recycling Direct SM Program. To find out more about becoming a Samsung Power Partner or the Samsung Recycling Direct Program, visit http://www.samsungpartner.com/.Samsung laptop companion the Lapfit monitorPhoto: Company
CHATSWORTH, CA. – October 15, 2009 – Sanyo North America Corporation (Sanyo), the regional headquarters for the Sanyo Electric Group, which is one of the world's largest manufacturers of LCD and DLP projectors, introduces the PLC-XM150/150L and PLC-XM100/100L projectors, with 6000 and 5000 lumens respectively, along with Sanyo's proprietary active maintenance filter (AMF) system, and a new optical engine that ensures high reliability.Marking Sanyo's 20th anniversary developing leading edge projectors, "These two new projectors represent the type of out-of-the-box functions and high-brightness/high-image-quality technologies that have made Sanyo a world leader in the industry," states Mark Holt, VP and general manager for Sanyo's presentation technologies division.Labeled the highest brightness projector in its class, the PLC-XM150/150L is rated at 6000 lumens, more than enough light output to fill a large conference hall or auditorium. While still considered a high brightness product, the PLC-XM100/100L offers a version rated at 5000 lumens. An inorganic liquid crystal panel was incorporated into the newly developed optical engine and combined with a superior cooling technology, allowing both projectors to boast such high brightness levels. The light efficiency is approximately 20% higher compared to Sanyo's conventional models, enabling big screen projection in large venues and well-lit areas, which also lends itself to handle digital signage.In an effort to further provide high reliability and easy maintenance, both models are equipped with Sanyo's exclusive active maintenance filter (AMF) system. A single cartridge contains 10 filter rolls and lasts approximately 10,000 hours. When the system detects air blocks or clogs, the filter reel scrolls to the next clean filter.There are five lens options available for the PLC-XM150/150L and PLC-XM100/100L, enabling the best lens selection for the installation site. This allows these projectors to be used in a wide variety of venue settings, such as medium to large conference rooms, classrooms, school auditoriums and lecture halls.Installation and operation is quick and fast due to the advanced Power Vertical/Horizontal Lens Shifting and Power Zoom/Focus functions. Both enable projection adjustments without changing the projectors position. These power-driven systems are conveniently operated and fine-tuned via the supplied remote control. This is advantageous when the projector is placed in a less than optimal area, such as on the wall or ceiling. The Vertical 360-degree Tilt Angle feature allows projection on the ceiling, floor, or any surface desired. Easy operation is also facilitated by the Auto-Input Signal Search function, which automatically detects the signal input.Both models are compatible with Sanyo's optional PJ-NET Organizer that enables sophisticated and centralized control of the projector over a network, achieved by using the projector's wired LAN terminal (RJ-45). Other functions ideal for professional use are incorporated, such as Corner Keystone Correction, which straightens the image when projecting from an angle, and Mechanical Shutter which temporarily blocks the lamp output. The Direct Power-off function allows the projector to shut down without the need to cool down. Just remove the plug and go.These units also conform to the EU RoHS Directive and the packaging contains pulp molds, which can be recycled as used paper.Specifications• Resolution: 1024x768 (WUXGA dot resizing possible)• Aspect Ratio: 4:3• Contrast Ratio: 1,000:1 • Brightness: 6000 ANSI lumens (PLC-XM150/150L), 5000 ANSI lumens (PLC-XM100/100L)• Screen Size: 40" to 400"• Video Inputs: DVI-D (HDCP compatible), Analog RGB x 2, D-sub 15pin, BNC 5-type x 1, BNC 3 type (Y-Pb/Cb-Pr/Cr), • RCA (Pb/Cb -Pr/Cr), S-Video• Video Outputs: Analog RGB, D-sub 15pin• Control Ports: D-Sub 9, USB (type B), mini jack 3.5mm (wired remote control connection), RJ-45 (wired LAN)• Dimensions: 19.27 (W) x 6.45 (H) x 17.12 (D) inches (with lens), without lens depth is reduced to 14.61 inches• Weight: 21 lbs. with lens attached, 19.5 lbs without lensThe PLC-XM150/150L will be available in mid-November, while the PLC-XM100/100L will be available in mid-December. Both models are sold with or without a lens for the following MSRPs:• PLC-XM150L (no lens) - US$4,795• PLC-XM150 - US$5,460• PLC-XM100L (no lens) - US$3,895• PLC-XM100 - US$4,349Samsung high brightness projector - PLC-XM100Photo: Company
IRVINE, Calif., October 15, 2009 -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Acer, the third largest vendor in the worldwide PC market, today announced the Acer Aspire Z5610-U9072, a truly elegant, no-compromise all-in-one desktop PC featuring intuitive multi-touch technology and Windows 7 Home Premium. A powerful entertainment hub for the home, the Z5610 packs first-class performance and feature-rich functionality in a striking design. It will be available this holiday season at online retailers for an attractive price of US$899.99.Engineered to eliminate clutter and maximize workspace, this practical all-in-one streamlines the home or office with a flash of style and offers a unique blend of features and architecture. Boasting a stunning 23-inch HD display, ATI Mobility Radeon graphics and Intel Pentium Dual Core processing, the Aspire Z5610 offers world-class digital prowess."Our Aspire Z5610 all-in-one is a beautiful blend of visual elegance, state-of-the-art technology and premium performance," said Susan Hu, desktop product manager for Acer America. "The intuitive touch-screen with Windows 7 multi-touch capability brings new excitement and hands-on efficiency to digital media applications. Packaged in a powerful platform, it will deliver fun and productivity for years to come.""We are excited about working with PC manufacturers like Acer to offer users a great new way to interact with their PC running Windows 7," said Michelle Haven, product manager for Windows Touch at Microsoft Corp. "With Windows 7, multi-touch support is built right into the operating system, so users with a touch-screen PC like the Acer Aspire Z5610 can now interact with their PC in an easy and intuitive way, simply by reaching out and touching the screen."Intuitive Multi-Touch DisplayFeaturing 1920x1080 pixel resolution, the 23-inch HD 16:9 TFT display enhances games, Internet surfing and more with ultra-sharp, colorful imagery. Intuitive multi-touch technology brings an entirely new level of control to the computer user. In the past, the touch experience has been limited to one-finger touch capability. With multi-touch, users can intuitively interact with the PC using multiple fingers as they would a mouse. They can open and close programs, browse online newspapers, flick through photo albums and shuffle files and folders, using nothing but their hands.Windows 7 is the first Windows operating system to fully embrace multi-touch technology. To zoom in on an image or map, users just need to place two fingers on the screen and spread them apart. To right click a file, users simply touch it with one finger and tap the screen with a second. The integrated multi-touch technology enables more gesture combinations and functionality than single-touch screens for a faster and more intuitive digital experience.Premium PerformanceComprised of powerful desktop components, 4GB DDR3 SDRAM upgradeable to 8GB and a 320GB SATA hard disk for storing a huge multimedia library, the Z5610 is a no-compromise desktop solution. Discrete ATI Mobility Radeon graphics display images in vivid color and sharp detail, while Intel Pentium Dual Core processors fuel the system with significant power.For dynamic audio, 5.1-channel surround sound is delivered via an integrated 5W stereo speaker system. With ports for headphones, microphones and other audio peripherals, users can immerse themselves in their favorite high-def music and movies. DVD movies and other files from a digital camera or videocam can be enjoyed with the slot load DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive for archiving media.The Acer Aspire Z5610 provides a fast network connection with 802.11b/g/Draft-N wireless and Gigabit Ethernet. It also has a built-in HD webcam and microphone for videoconferencing with family and friends.Aesthetic State-of-the-Art DesignThe combination of style, top-of-the-line desktop components and touch technology make this PC a powerful entertainment hub for the home. Inspired by high-end digital entertainment, the Aspire Z5610 is an elegant PC that bridges the gap between traditional desktops and monitors. A seamless integration of a desktop PC with the usability of a multi-touch LCD display, it's an easy fit for any living room, den or office.Designed as a timeless piece, the Z5610 boasts simple purposeful details such as an illuminated strip between the LCD and sound bar, which helps users see the keyboard in a darkened environment. The system's clean and simple lines emphasize the ease and simplicity of the user's PC experience. Elevated by two chrome legs, users can discretely stow away the keyboard under the desktop to further free up workspace and maximize the system's multi-touch capabilities.Innovative SoftwareIn addition to Windows 7 Home Premium, the Aspire Z5610 also comes with Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7, a set of six multi-touch optimized applications and games. These include three casual games, Microsoft Blackboard, Microsoft Garden Pond and Microsoft Rebound and three surface applications - Microsoft Surface Globe that lets users browse the world and zoom in on any location on a virtual 3D earth; Microsoft Surface Collage, a touch-enabled background and Microsoft Surface Lagoon, a touch interactive screensaver.In addition, the Aspire Z5610 offers Acer TouchSuite, an integrated touch interface that syncs the PC and Internet with fingertip precision. Acer TouchSuite makes it easy to browse and enjoy social networking and digital media of all types. Users simply go to the Acer TouchPortal to activate Acer Touch Gadgets, which include:- Acer TouchMediaShare - Uses touch controls to make the management and sharing of photos fun and easy. It includes a photo browser, photo album shortcut and quick import for importing photos directly from a digital camera or USB drive with just one touch. Users can edit, zoom-in/out and email images to friends as well as view and download their friend's updated photo albums from Facebook and Flickr.- Acer TouchMusic - Launches the music player and organizes the music collection.- Acer TouchPhotoShow - Allows the integration of online and local photo albums as well as slideshow creation.- Acer TouchFriends - Provides auto-integrated friends list from Flickr and Facebook as well as photo update notifications, which enable instant photo browsing.- Acer TouchMemo - Launches a note, enables a handwritten memo and provides an alarm reminder.When done using the Acer TouchSuite, users can simply peel back the desktop with a finger and return to the standard Windows 7 environment.Pricing, Availability and SpecificationsThe Acer Aspire Z5610-U9072 all-in-one desktop PC is available in the US via leading online technology retailers this holiday season for a MSRP of US$899.99.Acer Aspire Z5610-U9072 All-in-One Desktop: - Windows 7 Home Premium - Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7 - Intel Pentium Dual Core E5300 Processor (2.60GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB) - 4GB DDR3 SDRAM - 320GB SATA Hard Disk - SuperMulti Optical Drive - Multi-in-One Card Reader - ATI Mobility Radeon HD4570 Graphics With 512MB Memory - High Definition Audio With 5.1 Channel Support - 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11 b/g/Draft N - Six USB 2.0 Ports (Two Side, Four Rear) - eSATA Port - Integrated HD Webcam with Microphone - Integrated Keyboard Light and Foot-Mounted Ambient Lighting With Toggle Switch - 10-20 Degree Ergonomic Tilt Adjustment - Wireless Keyboard and Mouse - Built-In SpeakersIntegrated 23-Inch LCD Display: - 1920x1080 Resolution - 300 cd/m2 Brightness - 5 ms Response Time - 1000:1 Contrast RatioAcer Aspire Z5610 all-in-one PCPhoto: Company
Canon on October 14 unveiled its EOS 7D DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera, as well as five other digital camera models, IXUS 200 IS, IXUS 120 IS, PowerShot G11, PowerShot S90 and PowerShot SX20 IS, for immediate launch in the Taiwan market, according to Canon Marketing (Taiwan). Canon digital camera models: Key specifications and prices Item EOS 7D IXUS 200 IS IXUS 120 IS PowerShot G11 PowerShot S90 PowerShot SX20 IS Image sensor 18.0-megapixel Canon APS-C CMOS 12.1-megapixel CCD 10.0-megapixel CCD 12.1-megapixel CCD Zoom 24mm wide angle, 5x optical 28mm wide angle, 4x optical 28mm wide angle, 5x optical 28mm wide angle, 3.8x optical 28mm wide angle, 20x optical Screen 3-inch 920,000-pixel LCD 3-inch 230,000-pixel LCD touch 2.7-inch 230,000-pixel LCD 2.8-inch 461,000-pixel LCD 3-inch 461,000-pixel LCD 2.5-inch 230,000-pixel LCD Recommended retail price (NT$) 55,900 (US$1,733) for body alone; 67,900 for plus EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6IS lens kit; 79,900 for plus EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6IS USM lens kit 12,990 11,990 18,990 15,990 14,990 Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, October 2009Canon EOS 7DPhoto: Company
TOKYO, Japan, October 14, 2009 – Seiko Epson Corporation ("Epson", TSE:6724) today announced that it has begun volume production of a new high-temperature polysilicon (HTPS) TFT color panel for electronic viewfinders. Measuring just 0.47 of an inch (1.2 cm) diagonally, the new panels offer SVGA (800xRGBx600) resolution in red, green and blue for a total of 1.44 megapixels.The new panels are targeted at camera manufacturers for use as electronic viewfinders in mid- to high-end digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras.Competition in the digital camera market has reached a fever pitch. Companies are launching new products with higher resolutions and more features at even lower prices. In recent years, more and more consumers have been switching from compact cameras to SLR units in pursuit of better performance and image quality, driving the need for smaller and thinner DSLR cameras with video and other features.Epson's new panels meet this need and open a whole world of possibilities for DSLR cameras.Until now, no electronic viewfinder has been able to offer the resolution and fidelity needed to replace optical viewfinders and to focus the image. Epson's new panel, developed using HTPS technology, not only makes this possible but also uses an analog driver to recreate smooth gradations and a natural softness. This panel will allow camera manufacturers to eliminate the mirrors and pentaprisms needed for optical viewfinders, enabling much smaller and thinner camera bodies and letting users capture the image they see. In addition, the use of a color filter prevents the color breakup that tends to occur with other color systems when shooting fast-moving subjects and while panning.Epson has long developed HTPS panels to meet the high-definition, high-resolution needs of its market-leading projector business. Using technology developed for projectors, Epson created this new product to meet the needs of the digital camera market.This panel is the first in Epson's new "ULTIMICRON" series of compact, high-resolution HTPS panels that display full color on a single screen for electronic viewfinders and other compact displays. Epson will continue to offer new solutions for the growing DSLR camera market by expanding its lineup with higher resolutions, better image quality, and smaller sizes.Features of the new panel- Compact: Small 0.47-inch diagonal screen enables compact, thin cameras- High resolution: High pixel density with SVGA resolution (800xRGBx600, 1.44 megapixels)- Color filter: Not affected by color breakup that occurs with fast-moving subjects and panning shots when using a field-sequential color systemAdvantages when used in a DSLR camera- High resolution enables easy focusing- Can capture images as they are seen- Viable alternative to optical viewfinder: a. Avoids the blackout of optical viewfinders when shooting video b. Enables smaller cameras by eliminating need for mirrors and pentaprisms c. Eliminates mechanical time lag caused by mirrorNew panel specifications Name L3F04S-80300 LCD type TN mode, organic alignment layer Color display system Color filter (RGB stripe) Effective pixels 800xRGBx600 (SVGA) Panel size (diagonal) 0.47 inch (1.2 cm) Pixel pitch 12 µm (4 x RGB) x 12 µm Color space 92% of sRGB Contrast ratio 280:1 Backlight Yes Surface luminance 460 cd/m2 Displayable colors Approx. 16.77 million colors Epson's ultra-compact, high-resolution HTPS TFT color liquid crystal panel for electronic viewfindersPhoto: Company