X-bit labs

LCD Displays with 8ms Response Time Emerge in Weeks.

Category: Other

by Anton Shilov

[ 09/04/2004 | 02:46 PM ]

BenQ, a subsidiary of Acer and a maker of personal computer components, is targeted to begin manufacturing of LCD displays with 8ms response time as early as this month. Such move is likely to popularize LCDs among users looking for rapid response time, even though 8ms is still behind conventional CRT displays.

The FP71E+ display from BenQ is a 17” monitor with 1280x1024 native resolution, 600:1 contrast, 300 cd/m² luminosity, 4.7kg weight, D-Sub and DVI-I connectors as well as world-record response time of 8ms. Fastest TFTs have so far have boasted with 12ms or 16ms response time. While such response time is extraordinary for LCDs, conventional CRTs have response time of less than 1ms, which means that flat panels are still behind cathode-ray tubes in terms of response time.

BenQ did not reveal any peculiarities of the forthcoming FP71E+ monitor, e.g., what type of panel was used to make the product, but said that the company had to utilize its Intrinsic Preoperty II as well as Sensey technologies for this display. Typically TN panels sport the fastest response time, however, their main disadvantage is relatively narrow view angle, about 140° in both vertical and horizontal directions, even though some particular displays offer more advanced specifications.

Even though BenQ does not disclose any pricing information on the FP71E+ display, some sources report that the firm is likely to drive the 8ms panels into the mainstream market in early 2005, which means that the pricing in the mentioned timeframe is expected to be inline with usual LCDs that cost from $400 to $600 for 17” models.

Other makers of TFT monitors, such as Philips Electronics and ViewSonic, are also expected to rapidly take LCDs with 8ms response time into the general market as early as in Q1 2005.