Fresnel Optics Teams With USDC for $4.5 Million Screen Contract

The U.S. Display Consortium (San Jose, CA) has awarded a joint-funding development contract to Fresnel Optics Inc. (Rochester, NY) for the development of imaging screen systems for rear-projection monitors. The contract is valued at nearly $4.5 million, with each organization investing 50%. In Phase I, Fresnel Optics will produce screen prototypes and in Phase II, the company will develop production tooling and install capital equipment designed for low-cost manufacturing. Phase II ends with a pilot production of screens.

The screen system, which consists of a Fresnel lens and an imaging screen, is an important component of the desktop rear-projection monitor, says Fresnel president Michael Foley. "Desktop monitors are viewed from close range and high resolution is required, as well as cosmetic quality and homogeneity."

Initially, the Fresnel viewing screens will be no larger than 32 in. on a diagonal. The target sectors for the product are the desktop monitor market, small HDTV displays and future, larger desktop monitors.

The USDC contract award will be managed by a team of representatives led by Kurt Stahl of In-Focus. The team presently includes Sam Miller of View Sonic and Mike Kalmanash of Kaiser Electronics.

Edited by Kristin Lewotsky