Tech users hate any gadget that guzzles excess power. The rule holds true
even for display equipment. Vendors, of late, have successfully leveraged
advancement in technology-including nanotechnology and optoelectronics-to offer
greener display systems that consume less power. These systems are termed as
Next Generation Display Systems or NextGen displays.
Among the latest displays are 3D double-sided display, transparent, and
touchscreen systems, slowly making their inroads in the tech market. According
to a market research report, 'Global Next-Generation Display Market (2009 -
2014)', published by MarketsandMarkets, the total global next-generation display
market is expected to be worth $16.9 bn by 2014, out of which the Asia market
will account for nearly 42% of the total revenues.
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| Tech Temperature: 80 (on a scale of 1 to 100) |
Techs to Watch
Typically, it is assumed that all new display technologies consume less
power than the traditional LCD. The new technologies include electrochromic
display, electrophoretic display, electrowetting, LED, OLED, and
electroluminescence. These technologies are basically being used in computer
monitors, mobile phone displays, and home entertainment systems.
In the home entertainment segment, consumer electronics vendors are
aggressively offering latest display systems to home buyers. These include 3D
televisions products with lowest reflection ratio and double-sided reflective
displays. While the excitement is building up around all these new technologies,
the spotlight is on the next generation of E Ink displays. These are expected to
gain momentum-beginning with e-reader devices-in the second half of the current
year.
Vendors' Race
Recently, Intel has decided to bring its wireless display technology to
mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Its Wi-Di technology allows
consumers to wirelessly send images and video from a PC to a high-definition TV
screen. Sony has introduced 3D televisions which come with frame sequential
display and active-shutter glass systems. LG is showing environment-friendly
products that consume less energy with improved display quality. For example,
its 42-inch LCD featuring LED backlight along with local dimming and optimal
power control aims to reduce power consumption by 40 percent.
On the mobile front, display technologies will continue to be critical, says
researcher In-Stat. It says, new display technologies like Pixal Qi and Mirasol
from Qualcomm show promise using ambient light that reduces the display power
consumption. New sensor technologies, like those in the Fuse platform from
Synaptics, aim to provide better user experience and enable design changes in
the upcoming user interfaces and applications, says In-Stat. Popular Apple iPad
will provide further impetus to display technologies.
Local Scene
In India, there will be a limited demand for NextGen displays in the
enterprise and consumer electronics segments mainly because of the affordability
factors. However, the demand will be significantly higher for mobile products
based on NextGen displays. Moreover, buyers are not expected to replace their
existing products because of innovative display technologies. The market,
however, will emerge for first-time buyers. It is being observed that the demand
for NextGen display products will be slower than the speed at which new display
technologies are appearing in the market. But all this action is definitely
buzzing up in the 'display' segment. Keep watching!
Rakesh Raman
maildqindia@cybermedia.co.in