3LCD projectors are just LCD projectors that use 3 LCD panels. This is how these projectors avoid the use of a colour wheel, one of the biggest problems with DLP projectors, which aren’t so easily adaptable to a 3 panel system. But one of the main complaints against LCD technology has always been the bad black levels. (This has been a criticism of DLP too, but not to the same degree.) Black levels are very important, because if you can’t reproduce true black, then how will you show a range of levels from white down to black if you never get there? Shadow detail is lost and the picture won’t look like the original source material. Night-time and dark scenes are especially compromised by poor black levels. Recently dynamic irises have helped the problem, but Epson may have an even better solution.

Using an inorganic alignment layer in their new high temperature poly-silicon (HTPS) panel technology, Epson has significantly increased aperture ratios, definition, and image quality. Epson has called this new technology “Crystal Clear Fine (C2 Fine).” This technology will improve contrast by several times existing levels, offer superb alignment, and enhanced reproduction of dark colours, “capable of reproducing jet black”. This technology will be used in products starting in 2006.

Now, I don’t know about you, but when I hear the words “jet black” I think of absolute black. Black as black can get. And if Epson can indeed deliver this technology without compromising other areas, then this is a big thing in the projector industry. One of the last remaining reasons to buy a CRT is its good black level. With this new technology, Epson could make the 100 year old CRT technology truly obsolete. I did a Google search on “Crystal Clear Fine” and Epson and came up with nothing. But it’s on Epson’s official website, so it’s real.

I can’t wait to see an HDTV using this technology. Now we just have to wait to see if Epson can deliver.

Link: Epson - New Epson HTPS Panels for 3LCD Projectors to Include Inorganic Alignment Layer