The viewing angle is one of the most important problems encountered in the case of just about any LCD display out there, whether we're talking about PC monitors, high definition televisions or notebook displays. However, things are about to change, since the people over at NEC have just announced the successful development of a new color TFT LCD module that enables the viewing angle to be switched from wide to narrow in accordance with display contents, use and application of the LCD.

According to the company's statement, NEC LCD Technologies has developed the new LCD module by using its own integrated TFT-LCD (VIT) technology, along with the addition of a new viewing angle-switching control on the polarizer adjacent to the backlight system. The angle-switching control enables the light from the backlight system to be switched from a diffused pattern to a straight pattern by control signals, allowing easy switching of the viewing angle mode from that of wide to narrow.

"NEC LCD Technologies has succeeded in creating a new LCD that prevents personal information from being viewed by a third party when a device such as an ATM is in use, while simultaneously allowing the device to display public information such as advertisements for broader viewing when not in use, offering added value to both the provider and the user," said Masaaki Hiroshima, Product Planning Department Manager, NEC LCD Technologies. "The adoption of a new viewing angle-switching control will allow various industries to benefit from secure dual mode use of LCD devices and is expected to expand the range of application in the future."

The company is showcasing its new development at FPD International 2007, which is currently being held in Yokohama, Japan, but there's no word yet on when it's going to be implemented in finite products (but my guess is that we'll see such panels at some point in 2008).

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