TCL-CSOT at CES 2025 was showcasing several automotive display technologies. Here’s an overview of the demos:
1. Two-in-One Center Information Display
- Concept: Two LCD panels packaged together under a single cover glass to create a 32:9 aspect ratio.
- Purpose: Combines two displays into one seamless unit for the center console.
2. MicroLED HUD Demo
- Design: A 10.5-inch microLED panel with an LTPS backplane and active matrix driving.
- MicroLED Specs: ~20 microns in size.
- Operation: The panel reflects off a black matrix screen placed at the bottom of the windshield to create a virtual display.
- Limitations:
- Not a true AR HUD—images remain on a single plane without depth adjustment.
- Still a concept due to cost and volume constraints.
3. Under-Display Camera
- Panel: 12.3-inch LCD used for driver monitoring.
- Camera Placement: Behind the LCD panel and backlight.
- Challenges:
- Very low resolution and transmissivity because the sensor must capture through the LCD and backlight.
- Function: Alerts if the driver is drowsy or inattentive.
4. Wide Pillar-to-Pillar Display
- Size: 23.6 inches.
- Design: LCD panel with a wood-grain film under the glass for a premium look.
- Trade-offs:
- Film has low transmissivity, requiring high backlight power for daytime brightness.
- Update: Improved version from SID Display Week.
5. AR HUD Demo
- Panel: ~12-inch LCD divided into two sections:
- Lower half: Static image using standard HUD architecture.
- Upper half: AR functionality.
- Features:
- Eye-tracking adjusts inter-pupillary distance to create a 3D image that moves from near to far.
- Controlled via software.
- Issues: Some ghosting and cross-talk; requires fast computation for proper parallax and pixel generation.
- Potential: Strong candidate for future automotive integration.
6. Panoramic HUD
- Specs:
- Resolution: 1500 × 256 pixels
- PPI: 127
- Brightness: 11,000 nits
- Backlight: MiniLED with 384 dimming zones
- Features: First implementation with ambient light sensing.
- Note: Wide-aspect LCD HUD, not a true head-up display.
Summary: TCL-CSOT is pushing boundaries in automotive display technology, from microLED HUD concepts to advanced AR HUDs and stylish pillar-to-pillar designs. While some demos remain conceptual, they show strong potential for future vehicles.