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JULY 2001
NEWS & ANALYSIS
SCR Could Mean 40% Brightness Boost for DLP Systems
Texas Instruments used SID to unveil one of their most innovative developments in DLP projection system design to date.
Dubbed Sequential Color Recapture (SCR), the technique features a new color wheel and light integrator design that
could boost brightness in 1-chip DLP projection system by an amazing 40% - all at a very modest increase in complexity
and cost. As a result, we think projection systems using this technology will be the hit at next year’s INFOCOMM trade show.
LCOS Makes Mark at INFOCOMM
This year’s INFOCOMM was a watershed event on several fronts. Networked projectors were hot, and the show saw the
debut of the first two-pound DLP projectors. But, just as important, 2001 was the year that LCOS microdisplay technology
started to appear in booths and on company roadmaps in a big way. We counted at least 10 exhibitor companies with
LCOS projection systems on display, thus reinforcing our expectation that LCOS will soon emerge as a third viable
technology to power projection systems.
SpatiaLight & Fuji in Tie-Up
LCOS display developer SpatiaLight, Inc. raised some eyebrows at SID by announcing a new engine manufacturing deal
with Japan-based Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. Apparently, Fuji agreed to scale up its manufacturing capabilities in order
to support the production of 10K LCOS-based light engines per month. These engines would use three SpatiaLight imagEngine
microdisplays.
Philips Launches Engaze as a Single-Panel LCOS Solution
Philips Components used SID to launch their single-panel LCOS solution. Branded as “Engaze”. Philips intends to
promote projection products that feature this new 1-panel LCOS solution in much the same way that DLP technology
is branded today. Potential HDTV and monitor OEMs can soon start evaluating a 1280 x 768 LCOS panel along with
supporting electronics and a spinning prism engine design.
Taiwan LCOS Consortium Formed
A group of LCOS panel makers and projection system integrators has joined ranks to form a new consortium. The LCOS
Strategic Partnership (LSP) was formed in early 2001 to help share information and foster development of LCOS-based
rear projection systems.
Hitachi Enters LCOS Arena
Hitachi, Ltd. has finally publically revealed the fruits of its secretive efforts to develop a LCOS panel. At INFOCOMM, the
company showcased a new front-projection system with 1365 x 1024 pixels of resolution and 1500 lumens, which will
ship in Q3’01 for $8,999 MSRP. Powering the system is a trio of 0.9-inch LCOS panels. Hitachi’s entry into the LCOS
segment is a key milestone that is likely to open more than a few eyes, especially in Japan.
APPLICATIONS
3-D Displays - Dynamic Digital Depth (DDD) and Pioneer joined forces at INFOCOMM to target the professional AV
communications industry. We also report on news from 4D-Vision GmbH, Screenzone Media, 4D-Vision, National Aerospace
Laboratory, TDV, nVidia’s, Dimension Technologies, Fakespace Systems, Phillips, Deep Video Imaging, LG Philips LCD,
Innova Electronics, Elo TouchSystems, NeurOK Optics, Christie Digital, 3D Perception AS, Stereographics, Disney, University
of Illinois, Actuality System, InoTech, Qubic Light, Tetratel, C-3D Digital and Another World.
Wearable Computers - Wearable computers are striving to dismiss the “geek factor,” and while designers try to
figure out what people will and won’t wear, they’re shooting for at least “geek chic.”. We will update you on the following
companies: Xybernaut, IBM, Texas Instruments, ATI, Intel, FedEx, Bell Canada, the U.S. Army and Navy, IBM, ViA, Visionics
and the MIT Media Lab.
MARKET INTELLIGENCE
Improvements in Projection Market
A $10B Display Opportunity
First Quarter Large-Area TFT-LCD Results
Better News on the TFT-LCD Front
Desktops Drive Demand
LCDs Continue to Diminish CRTs
OLED Revenue to Reach Over $3B by 2005
BOTTOM LINE
Polaroid Announces Cuts and Downgrades Expectations
ClairVoyant Completes First Round Funding
IMAX Feels the Bite
Optoma Ahead of Plan
MOVERS & SHAKERS
James DuBarry, currently Director and CFO of Tetratel, developer of stereoscopic and 3-D laser technology, now becomes
the company’s President. Ken Tetterington remains Chairman of the Board and assumes the role of VP, Technology and
Development. Samsung Electronics America formed a Professional Products Group to manage sales and marketing for
widescreen display products and named Jeff Handis, National Sales Manager of the new group and Andy Fliss, Marketing
Manager. Dr. Claude Piaget joins the SpatiaLight Board of Directors. Joe DeMeo is the new Digital Cinema Strategic
Accounts Manager at Barco. Peter Lund joins the Barco team as Channel Manager for Daylight Display Systems.
There are several additions to the Alien Technology team including Paul Drzaic, VP of Display Technology, Henry Girolamo
is the new Director of Operations Research and Applications, Andy Holman, Director of Business Development and Mark
McDonald, Director of System Electronics. DisplaySearch named Pat Dunn as Director of Display Technology, Michelle
Hamilton as Database Manager and Lee Leffler signs on as Production Manger. |