3M Display Film eNews - March 2010

New 3M Display Features Multi-touch Technology

3M Touch Systems recently introduced the 3M Display M2256PW, a 22-inch high-definition, multi-touch LCD display based on 3M Projected Capacitive Technology. The M2256PW is designed for professional and prosumer (professional consumer) applications that need up to 10-finger touch input, multiuser interactivity or advanced gesture capability with very fast response times. Applications include computer aided design, digital signage, computer gaming, security monitoring systems, education and training, and teleconferencing. The M2256PW was named by CNNMoney.com to its "10 of the Year's Coolest Gadgets" list at the 2010 CES.

Using this new technology, software developers are able to revolutionize the way users interact with all types of information and expand traditional touch interaction to include multiple users and increase collaboration. The 3M Display M2256PW features a high-definition 1680 x 1050 LCD screen, DVI and VGA video input, audio input, USB and RS232 (serial) dual-mode communication protocol and a durable, anti-glare front surface, and is "compatible with Windows® 7" so no third party drivers are required. Click here to learn more about 3M Touch Systems.

Optical Films for the Next Generation LCD Backlights

At the 12th Annual DisplaySearch U.S. Flat Panel Display (FPD) Conference, Erik Jostes, LCD business director, 3M Optical Systems Division, talked about how key trends in the display industry are driving change. Trends include moves toward lower cost, lighter weight, fewer components, thinner displays, improved energy efficiency and enhanced picture quality.

Currently, technology and cost trade-offs are common. For example, advancing only one trend, such as thinness, is not necessarily synergistic with the other trends such as cost. The ultimate goal is to align the trends and advance them synergistically, so the industry can execute a strategy of reduced cost and best in class solutions.

There are different variations of LED architectures - edge lit and direct lit LED backlights - and different considerations for each technology. "The benefits of direct lit LEDs are good picture quality/high contrast ratio due to local dimming and lower power consumption," said Jostes. "A direct lit 47" LED panel has 640 LEDs, uses 70 watts and the panel is 3? thick." Challenges for direct lit LEDs are thickness, reducing costs, the number of components and product differentiation." In addition, direct lit LEDs require more LEDs to enable a uniform image, are thicker than edge lit, and LEDs can punch through.

Alternatively, edge lit LEDs reduce costs, are eco friendly and use fewer components. They are also thinner and have reduced LED punch through, but don't provide local dimming. 3M offers film solutions that enable thin backlights for edge lit LED TVs. The company showed such a set at USFPD. "Looking ahead, we believe the industry will transition to edge lit because of more alignment with trends," added Jostes.

LCD Optics 101

Interested in learning more about how LCDs work? LCD Optics 101 provides an extensive overview of the optical physics behind LCD technology, including performance characteristics, contrast ratio and LCD components. It explains how electronic images are created, how optical films increase brightness and more. Developed by 3M scientists to help increase understanding among new employees of LCD manufacturers and others new to the LCD industry, LCD Optics 101 is a unique resource with detailed information that exists nowhere else.

LCD Optics 101 includes an overview of backlights. Light in an LCD originates from the backlight. The light is produced by a lamp, either a miniature version of a fluorescent tube or CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) or a light emitting diode (LED). The light enters a light guide that distributes the light evenly across the back of the LCD panel.

Diffusers are placed between the light guide and the backside of the LCD panel to further distribute the light uniformly across the display. Finally, display enhancement films are typically placed between the diffuser and the LCD panel to better optimize light coming from the backlight. Try LCD Optics 101.

Your Free Screen-saver Adventure is Just a Click Away

Watch as your screen is transformed into a colorful tropical aquarium. Experience the sensation of soaring through the clouds. See nature unleash its power in the form of an alpine blizzard and a summer thunderstorm. Be amazed as bright oranges rain down from your screen and pile up deliciously. Or look up through the snow-covered pines and watch as the clouds break to reveal a beautiful starry night.

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