Epson, Novalux to develop light sources for next-gen projection TVs

Seiko Epson Corp. (Epson) and Novalux Inc. announced the conclusion of a joint development agreement in pursuit of commercially viable laser light source modules based on Novalux's NECSEL (surface emitting semiconductor laser) technology.

Laser light is known to enable a wide color space and high light energy efficiency due to sharp color spectra and a narrow angle of illumination. However, devices to date have lacked the power, the small form factor and cost performance to realize laser-based projection TVs. This joint development combines Epson's projection TV and precision processing technologies with Novalux's NECSEL technology with the aim of accomplishing high-powered light sources that are several times brighter than those currently available, said the press release.

According to the two companies, projection TVs using these new technologies will feature high picture quality, striking brightness and contrast, improved color reproduction, long life, wide color gamut, excellent expression with sharp colors, high responsiveness, prompt turn-on and off capability, and low cost. The new laser light source module also promises to eliminate the need for polarizers and color filters, and to allow for a simplified optical structure to realize lower cost.