Taipei, June 16, 2008 (CENS)--AU Optronics Corp. (AUO), the largest maker of thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panels in Taiwan, recently unveiled the world`s first 21.5-inch 1080p Full HD-resolution panel for desktop monitors among a full range of 16:9 LCD panels for information technology (IT) display applications.

AUO showcased the 16:9 range of products at the just-ended Display Taiwan 2008 show held at TWTC (Taipei World Trade Center) from June 11 to June 13. It is expected that this 16:9 widescreen trend for IT display would accelerate the growth of digital media contents, AUO said.

To meet the fast growing trend of digital contents, AUO launches 16:9 widescreen series including four MoniTV (monitor/TV) LCD panels (24-inch Full HD, 21.5-inch Full HD, 18.5-inch and 15-inch), as well as two LED-backlight unit (BLU) notebook PC panels (15.6-inch and 14-inch).

These products provide complete solutions for different market segments, the panel maker claimed. Among the desktop application lineup, the 21.5-inch Full HD model is the smallest of all AUO`s Full HD products. Its excellent specifications of 1080p Full HD high resolution, 1000:1 high contrast, and 5 mili-second (ms) fast response time can fulfill the requirements for running digital contents. This 21.5-inch TFT-LCD is perfect for students as an entry model to Full HD LCD monitors.

Both AUO`s new 15.6-inch and 14-inch TFT-LCDs are green products equipped with LED backlight, HD high resolution, 500:1 high contrast, and 60% high color saturation. Above all, its novel and self-designed bottom printed circuit board (PCB) structure can effectively minimize noise when using wireless wide area network (WWAN).

"The 16:9 widescreen panels are the trend for IT display applications," said Michael Tsai, general manager of IT display business group of AUO. "The migration from 16:10 to 16:9 in widescreen market has gone fast. After AUO launched the 24-inch 16:9 Full HD LCD panel for desktop in the first quarter this year, such products have become a big hit in the market."

AUO would complete its 16:9 lineups for desktop with a 27-inch model by the end of this year, Tsai added, and in the near future the company plans to utilize LED-backlit green LCD panels for 16:9 desktop products.

In addition, the general manger stressed, AUO would take the lead in 16:9 aspect ratio in IT display area, offering consumers better enjoyment of digital media and Full HD contents such as Blue Ray DVD playback or high definition TV broadcasting.
(by Quincy Liang)