Chances are you've heard about LG introducing Australia's first LCD display with an integrated high definition (HD) digital tuner (no external set-top box required). It's done it again, this time with the first LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) technology display with an integrated HD digital tuner, the rear-projection widescreen 71SA1D. (LCoS) is a hybrid technology combining the capabilities of LCD and digital light projection (DLP) formats.
LG Engineer, George Karatzis, says the advantage of LCoS' hybrid technology over pure LCD or DLP is that "It doesn't have as much of the ‘screen door' effect you get with outright DLP and LCD. It's the best of both worlds.
It provides a very high pixel density rate and very high contrast ratio levels -- similar to most of LG plasmas.
It's basically a reflective technology, not passive like a normal LCD. It allows twisting of the crystal material to allow more or less light through. It virtually has silicone layer that acts like a mirror.
You don't get hard edging. You get a very smooth picture, like film."
SmartHouse experienced the display first-hand and it is striking. At 71 inches (or 180 centimetres) diagonal, the thing is huge. It's roughly man-sized. Still, its massive horizontal size isn't matched in the rear. Unlike traditional rear projection displays, LCos technology allows for a surprisingly slim 56 centimetre profile. Facing this rear-pro from the front, it's easy to mistake it for (a very large version of) one of its plasma brethren. It had slightly higher brightness and deeper colour tones than the HD plasmas it was positioned alongside.
But it's that it's able to so realistically present High Definition content across all that display space that is most impressive. It is a true 1080p-capable progressive scan display.
Admittedly, we watched the display in a (very) darkened room only. Also noticeable was a slight film of shininess at closer viewing distances.
The 71SA1D has plenty of bells and whistles included in its $9999 price-tag, such as memory card slots, seven speakers including subwoofer, dual HDMI inputs and PC compatibility. It is due in store mid December 2005 so Santa's reindeer should have their work well cut out.
For more see www.lge.com.au
How LCoS technology works
Three miniature reflective panels covered in millions of liquid crystals each modulate red, green or blue light and transmit it through a prism to the screen.
