EPSON introduces first in new line of color Ultra-MIM LCDs; smallest direct view active matrix display for digital cameras

Business Wire, May 14, 1996

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 14, 1996--Building on its metal-insulator-metal (MIM) technology, EPSON will exhibit the first in a new line of Ultra-MIM color active matrix liquid-crystal displays at the Society for Information Display show this week.

EPSON's new LB18E model is a 1.8-inch diagonal direct view active matrix color LCD with NTSC (National Television Standard Code) pixel format. Ideal for digital camera display applications and wrist-mount units, the bright, full-color display features 312x230 pixels in RGB (Red, Green, Blue) diagonal mosaic arrangement and measures 50.8mm (W) x 42.8mm (H) x 11.9mm (T).

``EPSON's Ultra-MIM technology is characterized by color LCDs that are more compact, have higher contrast ratios and doubled viewing angles than previous Super-MIM units,'' said Walter Carlos, business unit director, EPSON.

``EPSON's LB series has been significantly enhanced over the past three years from MIM technology (50:1 contrast ratio) to Super-MIM (80:1 contrast ratio) to Ultra-MIM (more than 100:1 contrast ratio). As active matrix technology matures, we continue to make important advancements in this arena and improve our displays.''

Equipped with a back light unit and featuring EPSON's Chip On Glass (COG) driver technology, the new LB18E display features low power operating temperatures and a 60-degree vertical viewing angle. Additionally, the display has an analog RGB interface with 260,000 colors and features a dot pitch of 117x119 micrometers.

The LB18E LCD is currently available in sample quantities. Production units will be available in the second quarter, with anticipated OEM quantity pricing of less than $100. For more information on EPSON OEM products, call 310/787-6300.

EPSON offers an array of technology products for the OEM market including liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), PCMCIA cards, storage products, handheld computers, point-of-sale printers and intelligent terminals. For the consumer and business markets, EPSON offers ink-jet, laser and dot-matrix printers as well as LCD video projectors and digital cameras.

Founded in 1975, Epson America Inc. is an affiliate of Seiko Epson Corp., a global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality technology products that meet customer demand for increased functionality, compactness, systems integration and energy efficiency.

Epson America has headquarters in Torrance, Calif. For more information on OEM products, call 310/787-6300 or visit the company's corporate Web site at http://www.epson.com. -0-

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CONTACT: EPSON

Janette Reynolds, 310/782-5161

310/782-5179 (fax)

or

Base One Marketing

Staci Nathanson, 310/792-1877