The Agilent solution solves past problems LCD television display manufacturers have had with RGB LEDs by providing a closed-loop optical feedback system. The system enables plug and play for OEMs and maintains a set color point over the life of the TV display. Initially, the primary application for this technology is to control RGB LED backlighting for LCD flat-panel televisions. This colour management capability may also be used to dynamically adjust the colour and brightness of mood lighting in homes and businesses, interior lighting, infotainment and instrument panels in automobiles and context-sensitive colours for signs and other types of displays.
Currently, most flat-panel LCD television displays are backlit using cold-cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs). While efficient, CCFLs gradually degrade in brightness and change colour with time, and offer a lifetime in the range of 15,000 to 25,000 hours. In addition, the CCFL light source only covers 75% of the colour space defined by the National Television System Committee (NTSC), which is responsible for setting television and video standards in the United States. RGB LEDs with Agilent's illumination and colour management solution exceeds 100 percent of the NTSC colour space, providing sharper, more brilliant colours. The company points out that the use of LEDs also aids European manufacturers who are seeking to eliminate the small amount of mercury used in fluorescent backlighting.
The Agilent illumination and colour management solution enables white backlighting (using the combination of red, green and blue LEDs with feedback control) and makes it possible to maintain constant colour and brightness over the lifetime of the display. This level of control combined with the increased colour spectrum is not possible with any conventional technology, say Agilent.
The Agilent HDJD-JB01 illumination colour management system, HDJD-J822-SCR00 colour controller and HDJD-S831-QT333 colour sensor are available individually through Agilent's direct sales channel and worldwide distribution partners.
(Lee Baldock)
