Nanosys Inc. and the Optical Systems Division of 3M Company are joining technologies to provide wide color gamut technology for consumer electronic displays, allowing Liquid Crystal Displays ("LCDs") to display 50 percent more color.

3M and Nanosys will work together to commercialize Nanosys' Quantum Dot Enhancement Film ("QDEF") technology. QDEF is a drop-in film that LCD manufacturers can integrate with existing production processes. It utilizes the light emitting properties of quantum dots to create an ideal backlight for LCDs -- one of the most critical factors in the color and efficiency performance of LCDs.

Mitsubishi made an addition to its DiamondCrysta Wide series with the RDT272WX-BK, a 27-inch widescreen LCD monitor. It utilizes an IPS LCD panel with 1920x1080 pixels resolution, 3.5 ms response time, 178°/178° H/V viewing angles, 8,000:1 contrast ratio, 250 cd/m² brightness, and panel power consumption of 39W. Display inputs include TV, 2x HDMI, 1x DVI, and 1x D-Sub. 6W stereo speakers are included. Measuring 643 x 230 x 444 mm (WxDxH), the RDT272WX-BK weighs about 6.6 kg. It is slated for mid-June.

LG Display, a leading manufacturer of thin-film transistor liquid crystal display, introduced today a 5" Full HD LCD panel for smartphones - the highest resolution mobile panel to date. Allowing smartphone users to view Full HD content in the same quality as on TVs and monitors, LG Display and its new panel significantly advances the cloud computing experience widely considered the next major internet trend.

LG Display's 5" Full HD LCD panel is a step forward past existing mobile display technology. The LCD panel based on AH-IPS (Advanced High Performance In-Plane Switching) technology features 440ppi and 1920x1080 resolution, providing for the first time Full HDTV quality on a smartphone. With 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, the panel is also 0.5 inches larger, 2.2 times denser in pixels, and 1.3 times more advanced in ppi than the preceding 4.5" panel at 329ppi and 1280x720.

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, today announced its latest LED backlit monitor solution - the VX2460h-LED - offering the thinnest profile available for its size and class category.

Ideal for consumers, gamers, enthusiasts and discerning buyers alike, the VX2460h-LED is a sleek and stylish 24" (23.6" Vis.) ultra-slim widescreen display that pairs a 1/4" ultra-slim thickness with advanced imaging technologies to reduce eye fatigue after extended viewing.

AU Optronics Corp. announced that it will participate in China Optoelectronics Display Expo & China International TV Festival 2012 (CODE & CTVF 2012) in Shenzhen from May 10-12 and showcase its varied combinations of innovative display technologies and interactive applications to offer high value-added customized solutions.

AUO's theme for the show this year is "Boundless Views, Lively Up Close", as illustrated by more advanced 3D functions, super narrow bezels, and next-generation technology integrations to deliver the ultimate viewing experience for consumers. The exhibition highlights include 50" Super Narrow Bezel 3D TV display, Pattern Retarder 3D TV displays featuring the all-new 39" and 50" in size, and 4K by 2K Ultra-High Resolution TV display. In terms of public information displays, AUO will demonstrate a 138" LED display wall assembled with AUO's 46" Super Narrow Bezel LED panels, boasting the world's narrowest bezel-to-bezel distance. The 65" Photo-Sensor In-cell Touch E-board and 50" FHD Transparent display with application on vending machine will also be on display. In addition, qHD Ultra-High Resolution AMOLED, Transparent AMOLED, and One-Glass-Solution (OGS) touch panels are being demonstrated to provide customers with the widest choices of high value-added display applications.

AOC introduced a pair of new 50-series desktop monitors, the 21.5-inch e2250Swdn, and 24-inch e2450Swd. The two are LED-backlit LCD monitors, and its makers maintain that these draw up to 50 percent less power than CCFL-lit monitors. Both models feature 1920x1080 pixels resolution, 5 ms response time, and 20,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and inputs that include DVI-D (HDCP), and D-sub (VGA). Both models feature 15 mm slim profile. The e2250Swdn is priced at US $149.99, while the e2450Swd goes for $179.99.

Acer announced a pair of G Series 21.5-inch LED-backlit LCD monitors, the G225HQLAbmid and G225HQLAbd. Both monitors pack a glossy TN-film panel, with 1920x1080 pixels resolution, 5 ms response time, 250 cd/m² maximum brightness, and 1000:1 static contrast ratio. The monitors feature Acer Crystal Brite technology, and up to 100 million colors reproduction. The Eco Mode feature works to conserve power. Where the two models differ is inputs and speakers. While the G225HQLAbmid features HDMI, DVI-D (HDCP), D-Sub, and built-in 2W stereo speakers; the G225HQLAbd lacks HDMI and built-in speakers. Both will be released to market towards the end of May.

Iiyama Corp. has just launched the ProLite T2234MC, a 21.5-inch monitor which features an IPS panel and makes use of projective capacitive touch technology to allow for two-finger multi-touch. Designed for 'Interactive Digital Signage, Instore Retail, Kiosks, Gaming and Interactive Presentations', Iiyama's new widescreen LCD also has a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, an 8 ms response time, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 225 cd/m2 brightness, 178°/ 178° viewing angles, D-Sub and DVI inputs, and USB connectivity.

The ProLite T2234MC has a recommended price tag of 629 Euro.

Mitsubishi Electric Japan, launched a duo of 23-inch widescreen LED-backlit LCD monitors under its DiamondCrysta Wide series, the RDT234WX and RDT234WX-S. The two differ with the RDT234WX having an anti-glare matte coating, while the RDT234WX-S lacks it. The monitors are backed by IPS panels the provide richer color reproduction, with 1920x1080 pixels resolution, and response time as low as 3.5 ms, if its Overdrive feature is enabled. Both monitors provide 1000:1 contrast ratio (8000:1 DCR), 250 cd/m² maximum brightness, and display inputs that include two HDMI, one DVI, and a D-Sub. 545 x 170 x 394 mm (WxDxH), these monitors weigh around 4.9 kg. Other features include 2+2W stereo speakers and TV tuning (optional). The RDT234WX is slated for May 16, and the RDT234WX-S for June 15.

LG introduced the Flatron M2380D LED-backlit LCD monitor with TV-tuner. As a monitor, this 23-incher sports 1920x1080 pixels resolution, with 5,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 250 cd/m² maximum brightness, and 5 ms response time, with a trio of display inputs: DVI, HDMI, and D-Sub. The built-in TV tuner converts it into a conventional 1080p HDTV. The Flatron M2380D should be available in two color options, white (-WH) and black (-BK). Pictured below is the Flatron M2380D-WH. In the Japanese market, it goes for the equivalent of US $307.

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the latest addition to its next-generation MultiSync EA Series, the 22-inch EA223WM for high-performance enterprise users.

Improving upon its predecessor, the EA223WM is mercury-free and more energy efficient as a result of LED backlighting technology. This reduces power consumption, allows a new slim and light weight chassis and creates more desktop space. Its integrated touch-sensitive controls enable simple display adjustments through the On Screen Display (OSD). Its smart sensing technology includes ambient light and human sensors to automatically detect work conditions and determine the proper display brightness. The advanced ControlSync is a truly unique feature, which allows users to control up to six next-generation MultiSync EA Series displays and adjusts up to 26 settings of each monitor simultaneously via the master monitor. This is most beneficial for multi-monitor setups.

Samsung Display Co., Ltd, a global leader in display panel technologies and products, announced today that it has been officially launched as a new corporation, spun off from Samsung Electronics. Samsung Display held its inauguration ceremony yesterday and will begin business operations in earnest after carrying out incorporation registration on April 3.

Donggun Park, executive vice president and head of the former Samsung Electronics' LCD Business was elected CEO of Samsung Display. The company, which recorded 22.7 trillion KRW (approximately 20 billion U.S. dollars) in annual revenue in 2011 as Samsung Electronics' LCD Business, became the world's largest display manufacturer overnight, based on its 20,000 employees and five production facilities worldwide.

Japanese firm I-O Data has today unveiled a new addition to its monitor line-up, the LCD-MF242E widescreen which features a 23.6-inch LED-backlit (TN) panel, a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, a 5 ms response time, and the ECO power-saving function.

I-O Data's monitor also has a maximum brightness of 300 cd/m2, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio (5,000,000:1 DCR), D-Sub, DVI and HDMI inputs, and two 2 W speakers. The LCD-MF242E is backed by a three-year warranty and will go on sale in mid-April at about $237.

One of the biggest suppliers of LCD panels to notebook and PC monitor manufacturers, AUOptronics, has been convicted by a US court on Tuesday, of price-fixing, a serious anti-competitive practice that cripples innovation and is bad for consumers and progress of the industry. The company faces fines as high as US $1 billion, which could amount to a big blow to the company that already finds itself facing losses.

AUOptronics' conviction follows the December 2011 mega-settlement of LCD makers including Samsung, Sharp, Hitachi, HannStar, and Chimei Innolux. At the time, AUOptronics and LG Electronics were the only fence-sitters. LG Electronics agreed to pay a US $400 million fine, in 2008. AUOptronics' current position is that it finds the evidence presented against it, which led to the conviction as being "distorted and incomplete," and that it will appeal against the verdict. The quantum of fine levied against AUOptronics will surface in the months ahead.

South Korean titan Samsung Electronics has today confirmed the rumors regarding the spin-off of its LCD (liquid crystal display) business. The LCD unit, which posted an operating loss of $668 million for last year, will be 'set free' as of April 1st, and will be renamed Samsung Display Co.

"The spin-off will allow us to make quicker business decisions and respond to our clients' needs more swiftly," said Donggun Park, executive vice president and head of Samsung's LCD unit.

While it's pushing out LCDs, Samsung is still going to make big investments ($5.8 billion this year) in panel technology, focusing on the high-growth OLED segment.

I-O Data unveiled the 20-inch LCD-AD202X, and 21.5-inch LCD-MF222E series of desktop monitors (pictured in that order, below). Both screens have 16:9 aspect ration, and feature native resolutions of 1600 x 900 and 1920 x 1080, respectively. Both monitors target mainstream market-segments, and use conventional TN-film panel with LED backlighting. The LCD-MF222E, apart from its full-HD resolution, features 250 cd/m² maximum brightness, 1,000:1 contrast ratio (5,000,000:1 DCR), and 5 ms response time. This screen takes input from HDMI, DVI, and D-Sub. The screen also packs 2W stereo speakers.

The LCD-AD202X, apart from its 1600 x 900 resolution, packs similar panel specifications, including 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 250 cd/m² maximum brightness, and 5 ms response time. Both monitors are available in two color options, white and black. The LCD-AD202X is priced at 15,800 JPY (US $201), and the LCD-MF222E at 18,800 JPY (US $239).

For the end of this month I-O Data has planned the release of a new widescreen monitor, a 23-inch model called LCD-MF234XPGBR which features LED backlighting, an IPS panel with 178/178 degree viewing angles, and a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.

I-O Data's upcoming display also has a 14 ms response time (8 ms when overdrive is activated), a maximum brightness of 250 cd/m2, a contrast ratio of 1,000:1 (80,000:1 DCR), two 1.5W speakers, an ECO mode that saves power, and D-Sub, DVI, and HDMI (x 2) connectors. The LCD-MF234XPGBR is set to cost about $347.

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the 24-inch AS241W to its AccuSync Series of value-driven desktop monitors. This series is ideal for small-to-medium-sized businesses, schools and government offices.

The LED-backlit AS241W, which joins the AS171, AS192, AS191WM and AS221WM displays, offers a full range of environmental compliance, including EPEAT Silver, ENERGY STAR 5.1 and TCO 5.2 ratings. This full HD display boasts a quick 5ms Rapid Response time that delivers virtually uninterrupted, undistorted viewing of high-speed, full-motion video. Energy-saving ECO Mode enables users to toggle between pre-configured brightness settings that reduce power consumption, heat generation and extend the life of the AS241W.

Japanese company Green House has this week added a new widescreen display to its product offer, the 21.5-inch GH-JAJ223SHL featuring a WLED backlight (draws up to 33% less power than CCFL LCDs), a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, and a contrast ratio of 1,000:1 (dynamic contrast ratio tops 5,000,000:1).

Available in black and white, this monitor also has a 5 ms response time, 250 cd/m2 maximum brightness, two 1W speakers, and D-Sub, DVI and HDMI connectors. The GH-JAJ223SHL is backed by a three-year warranty and cost about $224.

VIZIO, America's #1 LCD HDTV Company, announced today an innovative line of five premium personal computers designed to turn the PC market upside down and accommodate the entertainment needs and wants demanded by consumers. Set to launch with Windows 7 in spring 2012, the elegantly designed PCs will provide an entertainment experience only VIZIO can deliver, complete with top notch 2.1 audio and video quality. The personal computing line consists of two all-in-one computers, two thin + light notebooks and one notebook. VIZIO's line was developed to raise the bar in personal and home entertainment while also keeping powerful performance at the forefront.

Much like its entrance into the HDTV category nearly a decade ago, VIZIO believes it has identified a need in the PC world for a device that addresses a recent change in consumer behavior. Growing popularity in video streaming services has resulted in the need for personal computers that can stream content for a family movie night and put together an important business presentation the following day. The VIZIO PCs address this change by meeting both the entertainment and productivity demands.

LG Electronics (LG) will present the future of TV technology at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas with the unveiling of the world's largest OLED TV with a display size of 55 inches. By incorporating the company's 4-Color Pixels and Color Refiner features with LG Display's advanced OLED (organic light-emitting diode) panels, LG OLED TV generates the most natural colors of any TV set at a much lower price point than could have been achieved using the standard manufacturing process.

Five major LCD panel makers, including Samsung, Sharp, Hitachi, HannStar, and Chimei Innolux; agreed to pay over US $553 million in settlement to regulators for a price-fixing case. The case by regulators alleged that these companies colluded to fix prices of LCD panels 1999 and 2006, affecting billions of dollars of commerce. The scam unearthed in 2006, by regulators of Japan, Korea, United States, and the European Union. Many companies and executives have since pleaded guilty to criminal antitrust violations and paid more than US $890 million in fines so far.

The latest payout of $553 million is aimed to resolve claims by "indirect" purchasers that bought televisions and computers with thin film transistor LCDs, as well as claims by eight USA states: Arkansas, California, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, New York, West Virginia and Wisconsin. It also includes payments of $14.7 million by the companies to settle civil fine and penalty law claims by the states, the office of New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said. He stated "This price-fixing scheme manipulated the playing field for businesses that abide by the rules, and left consumers to pay artificially higher costs for televisions, computers and other electronics."

Sony Corporation ("Sony") and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. ("Samsung") today announced that the two companies have signed agreements to transition the current business relationship with respect to LCD panels.

Under the agreement, Samsung will acquire all of Sony's shares of S-LCD Corporation ("S-LCD"), the two companies' LCD panel manufacturing joint venture, making S-LCD a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung. In consideration for the share transfer, cash consideration of approximately KRW 1.08 trillion* will be paid to Sony by Samsung. Concurrently, the two companies have entered into a new strategic agreement for the supply and purchase of LCD panels with a goal of enhancing the competitiveness of both companies. The agreement also allows Sony and Samsung to continue cooperative engineering efforts focused on LCD panel technology.

RAIDON unveiled a new Internal RAID module-MR2020 is in the market. With the aim to industrial market and embedded application, MR2020 accepts two 2.5-inch hard drives to enhance the reliability of the system and supports RAID 1 for instantly data backup.

Considering the advantages of 2.5-inch hard drives such as less noise, heat-resistance, stability, less heat production and space saving etc, RAIDON transfers the hardware backup technology from 3.5-inch hard drives to 2.5-inch. MR2020, an internal storage module designed for working in IPC, product lines, servers and work stations.

Acer introduced two new ultra-slim LED-backlit LCD monitors in Japan, both sized 23-inch. These include the S235HLBii and S230HLCii (pictured below in that order). The S235HLbii sports a swanky sharp-edged design with a smart base (that which holds the connections), while the S230HLCii features a more conventional design. Another major difference between the two is that while the former is HDCP-capable and features as many as two HDMI inputs, the latter, quite shockingly, lacks digital inputs - even DVI at that - and only features a D-Sub analog input. Those aside, both monitors sport 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution, 5 ms response time, 250 cd/m² maximum brightness, 1,000:1 static contrast ratio, and viewing angles of 170/160 degrees. The pricing of the two remains unclear.