As display technologies advance, not only are manufacturers aiming for wider color gamut and better overall image quality, but slimming panels down to fit them into smaller and smaller packages. On the other hand, manufacturers sometimes look at scaling existing tech up to work in larger displays as well, and that’s exactly what LG is doing with its latest panels for notebook PCs.
Today, LG Display announced in a press release that it would begin mass producing a new type of panel in the second half of this year. Known as Advanced In-Cell Touch (AIT) panels, these displays use a sensor built into the LCD, rather than a separate touch panel laid over the top of the display.
This type of panel has been used by the company before, notably in the LG G4, but this is the first time that this tech has been used by the company in larger displays. The LCDs are Full HD resolution, and LG has already agreed to produce 15.6-inch and 14-inch varieties for a number of laptop manufacturers. LG also notes that it is “engaged in active discussions with customers to supply different panel sizes.”
By eliminating the separate touch panel, these new displays are 1mm slimmer, which LG notes is approximately 25 percent slimmer than older displays. The weight is also reduced by 200 grams, or roughly 35 percent in the 15.6-inch panel. This may not sound like a drastic change, but when you’re looking at the 12-inch MacBook or the Asus Zenbook UX305, which are 13.2mm and 12.3mm thick respectively, shaving off that extra millimeter can be a big deal.
“The AIT technology is the most optimized and best solution to lead the touch embedded notebook PC market as it delivers excellent touch response as well as offering an ultra-slim and light design.” LG Display vice president Byeong-Koo Kim said. “LG Display will continue to develop products that offer the best user experience, such as QHD high resolution panels and the pen touch function products.”
LG Display says that the new displays are also brighter, clearer, and less prone to glare since there is no “light loss or light reflection caused by the cover glass.” LG Display is also working on a variation of the panel optimized for use with a stylus.
With the upcoming launch of Windows 10, which is optimized for touch-based input, LG says demand for these new panels is “anticipated to soar.” If these displays end up looking as good as LG is promising, we can see why.
