Novalux Demonstrates First Laser-Based LCD-TV BLU, Architectural Lighting During SID 2007
Sunnyvale, CA — Novalux, Inc., developer of Necsel™ laser technology, revealed its latest proof-of-concept demos during the 2007 Society for Information Display (SID) conference, May 22-23, in Long Beach, California. The demos illustrated how Necsel technology is leading a new era in lighting and display applications. They included the first laser LCD-TV Back Light Unit (BLU) and laser architectural tube lighting, along with the most recent developments in laser high-definition projection TV (HDTV).
"Over the past two years Novalux's focus has been on Necsel for projection displays. We're now moving to manufacture lasers for those applications," said Greg Niven, Novalux executive vice president of marketing. "Simultaneously, we're expanding Necsel development in a number of other markets. During SID we're planning to show some of these early concept demos. The first is a laser LCD-TV BLU — it's a great example of how Necsel technology could enable better LCD TV performance, lower cost, and, of course, provide superior laser color. We're also demonstrating laser tube lighting designed to replace neon signs in the multi-billion-dollar specialty lighting market. For sign replacement, Necsel could allow safer, lower cost, brighter tube lighting than any other technology available."
Necsel lasers are ideal for LCD-TV BLUs because they replace all Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps (CCFLs) and/or LEDs, simplify the necessary electronics, and eliminate the need for color filters — drastically reducing device cost. Necsel laser LCD TVs can also be edge-lit, dramatically reducing panel thickness. And laser color could allow future LCD TV users to experience the wide-color-gamut content slated for movies and gaming.
As a replacement for neon sign tube lighting, Necsel also provides a host of advantages. Said Niven, "Neon is falling out of favor due to the fire hazard, high voltage, and handling difficulties — some municipalities have gone so far as to ban it from the building codes. The alternative LED tube lighting is expensive, has poor reliability, and is only available in a few colors." Necsel lasers could provide a safe, cost-effective, long lifetime method for illuminating light fibers. Moreover, Necsel's unlimited colors could be tailored for each application or a particular customer to create a truly "neon" effect.
Novalux also showed its latest prototype laser projection HDTV — a fully integrated unit that exhibits the many benefits that lasers provide over competitive lighting technologies. These include better color, contrast and brightness, even on large home theater screens. Ultimately, Necsel technology could enable home theater systems that marry over 200% of NTSC color coverage, high-brightness, high-resolution images, a thin, wide-viewing-angle architecture, and unsurpassed light source lifetime — all at an affordable cost.
"We're excited to give an update on laser TV and introduce more new product categories for Necsel technology," said Niven. "At CES this year we introduced numerous projection display prototypes. Thanks to commitments from a growing number of major TV brands and other strategic partner companies, these prototypes are rapidly moving toward commercialization. Now at SID, we are broadening Necsel's potential product scope and giving demo attendees a glimpse of the future. We envision Necsel making a substantial impact on the LCD market and know that it is a very desirable source for other lighting applications as well."
Novalux scheduled SID 2007 demos to coincide with the conference, May 22nd and 23rd at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach, with open house hours from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
About Novalux
Founded in 1998, Novalux has developed proprietary Necsel laser technology. Necsel technology combines mass volume manufacturability with excellent optical performance. Necsel device attributes include bright, reliable, consistent, speckle-free light output from a compact, low-cost package, making them ideal for current- and next-generation display and lighting applications.
SOURCE: Novalux