Perfect Panels for the Projector Age

High Luminous Efficiency and Resolution

High luminous efficiency is an important advantage of the HTPS panel projection system. With Epson's Micro-Lens Array technology, which concentrates more light on each panel, and microfabrication expertise, which raises the aperture ratio, light can be used more efficiently. The amount of light required for same-sized panels can thus be reduced, compared with other systems like digital light processing (DLP) and liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS), enabling the use of smaller lamps and lowering power consumption. Conversely, brightness can be enhanced using the same amount of light. Advances in microfabrication technology, moreover, have led to increases in the pixel count, which holds the key to achieving higher resolution.

Micro-lens array technology for improved brightness

In order to enhance the brightness of an image projected on a screen, Epson has developed a Micro-Lens Array (MLA) technology that concentrates light onto the transparent areas of LCD panels. By diverting light from lightproof areas, such as wiring, as much light as possible can penetrate the panel, improving brightness by 50% to 60%.

Micro-Lens Array Technology

Raising the aperture ratio for better light efficiency

Also, the efficiency with which light is used in image formation has been improved by raising the aperture ratio, which is the percentage of the area within a pixel that transmits light. Using microfabrication technology, Epson has optimized the wiring and pixel design to raise this ratio from 53% on D3 panels to 60% on D4 panels (in the case of a 0.7-inch XGA panel). The higher luminous efficiency means lower power consumption and enhanced environmental friendliness.

Aperture Ratio

Higher resolution

One criterion of smoothness when displaying signals on a screen is the number of dots. The greater the number of dots, the clearer the image. Currently, most multimedia projectors use XGA panels and home projectors employ HDTV (720P) panels, although the panel used may differ according to price range.

Display resolution = number of horizontal pixel x number of vertical pixcels

Panel applications and resolutions
Panels for multimedia projectors VGA: 640 x 480 dots SVGA: 800 x 600 dots XGA: 1024 x 786 dots SXGA: 1280 x 1024 dots UXGA: 1600 x 1200 dots	Wide panels for home projectors SDTV: 720 x 480 dots Half-HDTV: 960 x 540 dots Wide-XGA: 1365 x 768 dots HDTV (720P): 1280 x 720 dots HDTV (1080P): 1920 x 1080 dots