October 2006

news archive

Samsung Launches LED-Backlit LCD TV and Full-HD LCD TVs

BERLIN, Germany - Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. released a new liquid-crystal display (LCD) TV using a light-emitting diode (LED) backlight in early September, as well as two new LCD TVs realizing full high-definition (HD) resolution.

The company's 40-in. LED-backlit LCD model features a 146% wide color gamut and 10,000:1 contrast ratio. Samsung cited other features, including richer color reproduction based on a color gamut that is 46% wider than that of previous models, and deeper and more refined images thanks to Samsung's proprietary High Dynamic Contrast Ratio technology, according to a company statement. In addition, Samsung's LCD 100Hz video quality enhancement technology inserts a frame between each two frames to reduce motion blur while maintaining clarity, brightness and color, according to the statement.

Samsung also introduced 40-in. and 46-in. LCD TVs that support full high-definition (HD) resolution of 1920x1080p and feature a 6,000:1 contrast ratio.

Philips to Establish LED Production Facility in Singapore

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - Royal Philips Electronics will begin production in Q1 2007 at a new light-emitting diode (LED) manufacturing facility in Singapore, the company announced in September.

The facility should reach its full production capacity by the end of 2007, according to a company statement. Philips will use the plant to produce high volumes of its LUXEON® power LEDs, which are used in applications including liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), camera flashes for mobile phones, and automotive applications, Philips said.

"This investment will not only double the production capacity of our power LEDs in the next year and strengthen our No. 1 position in this field, it will also significantly increase efficiency, supporting our aim for profitable growth," Philips Lighting CEO Theo van Deursen said in a company press release.

Philips Lighting is focusing on the power LED market, which has an expected annual growth of 25% over the coming years, according to the company statement. The long-lasting LUXEON range of power LEDs matches the brightness of conventional light sources and for the first time makes it possible to replace incandescent, halogen and fluorescent bulbs in many products with smaller, longer-lasting and more efficient LEDs, the company said.

Forth Dimension Displays Receives ISO 9001:2000 Certification

DALGETY BAY, Scotland - Forth Dimension Displays (ForthDD) has met all requirements for ISO 9001:2000 accreditation for the design and development, manufacture and supply of liquid-crystal (LC) microdisplay systems, the company announced on Sept. 21.

In order to meet the requirements, ForthDD demonstrated its ability to consistently provide a product that meets customer and applicable regulatory requirements, and enhanced customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for continual improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable regulatory requirements, the company said.

"The ISO 9001 certificate is more than just a competence quality management certificate," ForthDD Director of Microdisplay Operations Gordon Whyte said in a company statement. "It is a reflection of the care and support w provide to our customers and their applications."

Previously called CRLO Displays Ltd., ForthDD develops and manufactures advanced microdisplays using proprietary fast-switching liquid-crystal technology.

Applied Concepts Launches New Line of LED Drivers

TULLY, N.Y. - Applied Concepts Inc. (ACI) has launched a new series of complete driving solutions for High Bright Light-Emitting Diodes (HBLEDs). The I-DRIVE provides a compact and electrically efficient package for use primarily in liquid-crystal display (LCD) TVs, according to an ACI press release.

The series is capable of driving one, two, or three channels of series-connected LEDs at constant current from nominal input voltage of +12Vdc, and can also drive multiple LEDs in a series to a combined power output of 20 watts per channel, ACI said. Multiple devices can be connected in a Master/Slave configuration if more channels and/or power is required, and outputs are open and short-circuit protected. The line features LED intensity control via an analog DC control level and a color-sensor input with on-board color-management firmware to support RGB HBLED applications.

According to an ACI press release, the I-Drive has significant advantages over alternative solutions which generally provide a discrete control chip, schematic and little else in the way of unique application or integration support.

ACI designs, manufactures and markets specialty power conversion technologies and services to the avionics, vehicular, marine, public safety, defense and military, medical and health care instrumentation, and commercial and industrial markets.