Wide-screen TFTs aim for vehicular use

In-vehicle ultrawide TFT LCD module uses in-plane switching technology to deliver high picture quality and a wide viewing angle.

Hitachi Europe has announced the availability of a new in-vehicle ultrawide TFT LCD module that uses in-plane switching (IPS) technology to deliver high picture quality and a wide viewing angle.

Sample products will be shipped in October 2006, and will be suitable for applications such as satellite navigation and rear seat entertainment systems.

The in-vehicle LCD panels are highly reliable and provide good visibility from the driver's and front passenger seats, even in bright weather conditions.

They operate well even on cold winter mornings, and have black displays for an upmarket look.

Hitachi originally developed IPS technology for LCD TV displays, digital cameras and mobile phones.

It has now adapted the technology for the display of high quality images within in-vehicle LCD applications.

The technology includes a high-luminance LED backlight to improve cold starting performance and colour reproduction.

This is the first time that an LED backlight has been used in in-vehicle LCD panels.

The result is brightness of about 660cd/m2 and contrast of 950:1 for the 9.2in LCD module.

This will reduce driver stress and create a more comfortable driving environment.

Major applications of the new technology will include multi-function car navigation systems, which can be used for a digital TV and Internet display as well as navigation; rear seat LCDs for DVD or TV entertainment; and instrument panels that require high black display quality.

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