TOKYO, Japan, November 12, 2009 – Seiko Epson Corporation ("Epson", TSE:6724) today announced that it has developed a new high-temperature polysilicon (HTPS) TFT color panel for electronic viewfinders. Measuring just 0.52 of an inch diagonally, the new panel offers QHD (960 x 540) resolution in red, green and blue for a total of 1.56 megapixels.

The new panel is targeted for use as a widescreen electronic viewfinder in broadcast and industrial camcorders for professionals. Samples are shipping now.

The spread of widescreen, high-definition content via digital broadcasts and high-definition video players has also driven improvements in the image quality and features of the camcorders that record the content. At the same time, camcorders are becoming smaller and lighter to improve mobility.

These demands have created an increasing need for high-performance electronic viewfinders, and in response Epson has developed a panel that can be used in LCD electronic viewfinders suitable for professional use.

Epson's new panel offers the resolution and fidelity needed to focus the image while providing a number of other benefits such as the ability to recreate smooth gradations and a natural softness. In addition, the use of a color filter prevents the color breakup that tends to occur with other color systems when shooting fast-moving subjects and while panning.

Epson has developed for many years HTPS panels to meet the high-definition, high-resolution needs of its market-leading projector business. This new panel adds another option to the ULTIMICRON series, which includes the previously-announced 0.47-inch SVGA panel. Epson will continue to offer new solutions for electronic viewfinders in digital interchangeable lens system cameras and camcorders, as well as for a variety of other applications such as head-mounted displays.

Epson's ULTIMICRON L3F05Q-80200 color LCD for electronic viewfinders. Photo provided by Seiko Epson Corp.

Features of the new panel

• Compact

  • Small 0.52-inch diagonal screen ideal for electronic viewfinders in compact camcorders

• High resolution

  • Enables accurate focusing

  • QHD resolution (960 x RGB x 540, 1.56 megapixels)

  • Excellent compatibility with full HD—exactly one-quarter the resolution

• Color filter

  • Not affected by color breakup that occurs with fast-moving subjects and panning shots when using a field-sequential color system

New panel specifications

* When using standard Epson white LED

Related information

To learn more about the advantages of HTPS panels, visit:
http://www.epson.jp/e/products/device/htps/.

Product exhibition

The new panel will be on display at the International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition (Inter BEE 2009) to be held at Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan, from November 18 to 20. Epson will be at booth number 8205 in hall 8.

For sales enquiries, please locate your regional Epson electronic device sales office at:
http://www.epson.jp/device/e/device_worldwide.htm.

About Epson
Epson is a global imaging and innovation leader that is dedicated to exceeding the vision of customers worldwide through its compact, energy-saving, high-precision technologies, with a product lineup ranging from printers and 3LCD projectors for business and the home, to electronic and crystal devices.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises over 70,000 employees in 106 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and the communities in which it operates.http://www.epson.co.jp/e/