Sharp begins work on first IGZO display panels
Intel recently stated that they expect high-resolution displays to reach laptops and desktops by 2013, and Sharp’s latest venture could be the first step.
In a press release today, the Japanese electronics manufacturer announced that they have begun mass production of the world’s first LCD panels that utilize Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide (IGZO) semiconductors. The new semiconductors should enable Sharp to “produce LCDs with smaller thin-film transistors and increased pixel transparency” which could result in up to 90% less energy consumption.
In addition, the new semiconductors should allow for increased pixel resolution and density. For example, in the press release, Sharp mentions 32-inch LCD monitors with a 3,840x2,160 resolution (140ppi), 10-inch notebook displays running at 2,560x1,600 pixels (300ppi) and 7-inch tablet screens with a 1280x800 resolution (217ppi).
The panels are currently being produced at the company’s Kameyama Plant No. 2, but unfortunately there are no details as to when the displays will hit the market.