eLCOS to Launch 1080p LCOS Microdisplay at CES

[Gregg Lengling]

LCOS display design house eLCOS will show a 60-inch, 1080p TV display at CES. The set, which will be demonstrated by appointment, is based on the new, 0.71-inch diagonal, 1920 x 1080p LCOS microdisplay chip that may be used for either front or rear projection. The company claims a 4000:1 panel contrast ratio, but the fine print reveals that system contrast ratio is to be 800:1.


The new chip uses liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) technology, which combines micromirrors and liquid crystal. Each micromirror is covered with liquid crystal, and modulation of the liquid crystal layer with a video signal voltage controls the instantaneous amount of light each micromirror reflects into the projection lens assembly.


Within the past year, there have been several companies with big names that have backed out of previous announcements that they would begin offering sets with LCOS displays. These reassessments were apparently due to production and yield problems with this technology that was seen as the wave of the future in advanced displays a year ago. But some smaller companies have persevered. It is apparent that we have not heard the last of this technology yet. We will also be hearing considerably more about 1080p displays as the coming year unfolds.