AU Optronics Unveils Record-Breaking LCDs

A notebook panel as thin as a nickel, another that cuts power by 60 percent, and a TV-sized panel that weighs almost a third less than competitors' were among AUO's offerings at Display Taiwan 2008.

After delivering the world’s first convex LCD last week, AU Optronics let its remaining R&D secrets slide from its sleeve at Display Taiwan 2008 on Monday. The world’s second-largest manufacturer of TFT-LCDs unveiled the world’s thinnest 13.3-inch panel for notebooks, a super-efficient 10.2-inch panel, and the lightest-ever 46-inch panel for televisions.

The 13.3-inch panel destined for notebooks shaves thickness and boosts efficiency by using white LEDs for backlighting, making it only 1.9mm deep, about the same thickness as a U.S. nickel. It also delivers 300 nits of brightness, a 500:1 to contrast ratio, and weight of only 138 grams (lighter than many cell phones.)

The smaller 10.2-inch model, possibly in a size range suitable for next-gen subnotebooks, still uses a standard CCFL tube for backlighting, but has been tweaked in other ways to dramatically improve power consumption. By using only one gate IC, as opposed to the three normally used, AU Optronics claims its new notebook screen cuts power usage by up to 60 percent, and IC costs by 50 percent.

Finally, the 46-inch panel for televisions trims steel to cut on weight without diminishing the overall strength of the panel. AUO claims it’s 30 percent lighter than competitors’ panels, and 40 percent thinner as well, make it ideal for TV designs that emphasize petite depth dimensions.

Although AUO doesn’t sell its products directly to consumers, the new panels are bound to show up in upcoming generations of notebooks and televisions from manufacturers that already use the company as a supplier, such as Apple, BenQ and ViewSonic.