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Laser TV is a proposed new video display technology using laser
optoelectronics. Some claim that laser TVs will be commercially available in
late 2007.
Technology
Lasers may become an ideal replacement for the UHP lamps, which are currently in
use in projection display devices such as rear projection TV and front
projectors. Current televisions are capable of displaying only half of the
visible spectrum of colors.
Advantages
One major claim of laser advocates is the ability to produce undiluted, perfect
colors allowing precise hue mixing. With the color enhancement capable with
lasers, up to 90% of the spectrum that is currently unviewable could be
regained. Other improvements that laser advocates claim are bulbs that will
never blow out, and increased efficiency by using two-thirds less power than
traditional rear projection televisions.. Historically, however, lasers have
been too bulky and expensive for widespread adoption.
The laser technology advocates claim that the technology will allow displays
with a richer, more vibrant color palette than the conventional plasma, LCD or
CRT displays.
They also claim the displays will:
* be half the weight and cost of Plasma or LCD displays
* require around 25% of the power required by Plasma or LCD displays
* be very thin like Plasma and LCD displays are today
* have a very wide colour gamut
* have a 50,000 hour life
Drawbacks
Together with the advantages of laser sources, there are reports that also
describe some of the current shortcomings of laser displays, such as the
following:
* Cost. Although a laser system can eliminate several components such as the
color wheel and filters, the laser devices themselves are currently expensive.
As manufacturing processes improve, however, this may be alleviated.
* Safety. The high power emitted by the coherent laser sources is inherently
dangerous to human vision. Proponents claim that integrating the devices with
the needed diffusion filters removes this risk.
* Speckle. Due to the narrowband coherent light source, speckle will be an issue
at the display. Proponents claim that this issue can be minimized by the use of
diffusing elements and multiple sources. These, however, may impact displayed
resolution and system cost.
Controversy
Some have questioned the credibility of Laser TV development efforts.
Apparently, some information regarding Laser TV developments can be traced to
the pre-IPO publicity campaign of Arasor , and its partner, Novalux.
A number of major consumer TV manufacturers have indicated that they have no
plans to incorporate Laser TV technology into their product ranges.
To the contrary however, companies such as Novalux have shown what appear to be
viable demonstrations at industry conferences such as SID and CES.
References
1. ^ Laser TV Technology: Plasma and LCD Killer. Gizmodo (2006-10-11). Retrieved
on 2007-01-04.
2. ^ "What means LASER-TV?", Laser tv news. Retrieved on 2007-02-24.
3. ^ a b c d Morgenstern, Steve (2007). "Laser-Sharp Color". Popular Science 270
(1).
4. ^ Forget plasma and LCD TV - the Laser TV is coming!. iTWire (2006-10-11).
Retrieved on 2007-01-04.
5. ^ Brennesholtz, et al (2005-08-19). "Laser Projection Systems" (PDF). Insight
Media. Retrieved on 2007-01-29.
6. ^ Mitsubishi PR/Marketing Ignorant of Laser TV 6 Months After Own Press
Release. Smarthouse (2007-01-04). Retrieved on 2007-01-04.
7. ^ Mitsubishi Press Release Announcing Laser HDTV Demonstration. Mitsubishi
(2006-04-07). Retrieved on 2007-01-04.
8. ^ More Problems For Laser TV Company Arasor. Smarthouse (2007-01-04).
Retrieved on 2007-01-04.
9. ^ "Laser TV unveiled in Australia'", CNET.com.au, 2006-10-11. Retrieved on
2006-11-29.
10. ^ Laser TV: The Next Gen Screen?. Red Herring (2006-10-10). Retrieved on
2007-01-04.
11. ^ "Laser TV 'no plasma killer'", Sydney Morning Herald, 2006-10-19.
Retrieved on 2006-10-23.
12. ^ "NOVALUX TO DEMONSTRATE HIGH-DEFINITION LASER TV DURING SOCIETY FOR
INFORMATION DISPLAY 2006", 2006-05-25. Retrieved on 2007-01-29.
13. ^ "Novalux to Demo Laser-Based HDTVs at CES", PC Magazine, 2007-01-04.
Retrieved on 2007-01-29.
14. ^ "Info and news about Laser TV", Laser tv news, 2007-01-31. Retrieved on
2007-01-31.
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