NEC LCD Technologies has introduced two new 21.3-inch [54 centimeters (cm)-diagonal] amorphous-silicon colour thin-film-transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD) modules for medical applications such as the display of radiograms for the interpretation and diagnosis of illness. The NL160120AC27-20 is an ultra extended graphics array (UXGA) resolution TFT LCD module with brightness of 950 cd/m2, and the NL204153AC21-09 is a quad extended graphics array (QXGA) resolution TFT LCD module with brightness of 800 cd/m2. Both of the new colour products achieve high luminance in each resolution category by NEC LCD Technologies' proprietary TFT (UA-SFT) technology and a new high-intensity, direct back-light system. Suitable for medical image diagnosis, the new modules also realise high picture performance with ultra-wide viewing angles, a high contrast ratio and high brightness uniformity.The main characteristics of the new models include high luminance. Through the application of proprietary UA-SFT technology to the 21.3-inch class of LCDs, which achieves a 20% improvement in optical transmittance as compared with SA-SFT technology, combined with the new high-intensity direct back-light system and further enhanced LCD panel design, the NL160120AC27-20 achieves high luminance of 950 cd/m2, twice that of the conventional product. The NL204153AC21-09 has QXGA resolution that is equivalent to approximately 1.6 times the density (area ratio) of the NL160120AC27-20 and attains high luminance of 800 cd/m2. Although both of the new products are colour models, they achieve a dynamic range of luminance, which has been conventionally difficult to attain along with high density and colour, thereby enabling the smooth and precise reproduction of grayscale required for medical image diagnosis.
The new models also feature high contrast performance. A review in panel design, including adoption of UA-SFT technology, has improved the LCD panel's ability to prevent the leakage of light leading to enhanced black display. As a result, the NL160120AC27-20 and the NL204153AC21-realise high contrasts of 800:1 and 750:1 respectively. In addition, optimisation of the optical design inhibits a "washed-out black" phenomenon that occurs when the viewing angle is enlarged - currently a common issue with in-plane switching (IPS) type LCD modules - leading to enhanced viewing angle performance of the contrast ratio.
Another characteristic of the new models is high brightness uniformity. Enhancement of the entire optical design of the LCD module, including the LCD panel and the backlight system, enabled a reduction in the screen brightness difference, realising a higher level of brightness uniformity than the conventional product, NL160120AC27-05.
Availability of samples is scheduled for the end of November 2007.
