LCD with no backlight saves power

Japanese electronics manufacturer Funai has developed an LCD technology that does not require a backlight. Conventional LCDs produce images by shining a light through each liquid crystal pixel, and so the light source is mounted from behind.

Funai’s technology, however, allows outside light (sunlight, for example) to enter the LCD and reflect back out. As the light exits, the display lights up as if it were lit from behind.

Funai claims that this reduces electricity consumption to .16 megawatts per square centimeter – only 1% of the electricity consumed by a conventional LCD. The clarity of the image is reportedly good, and the reflective technology means that this new display is significantly clearer in sunlight, which is normally a challenge with most LCDs.

Commercialization of this screen is aimed for next year.

Via GoodCleanTech, Crunchgear
Image via Creative Commons