ITI Techmedia set to create cheaper, more efficient backlight solutions for LCD flat panel displays

R&D Programme taps into $100 billion flat panel display industry

ITI Techmedia today announced its latest research and development (R&D) programme. It is set to develop a new backlight technology platform using polymer optics for liquid crystal display (LCD) flat panel televisions and other display screens. The technology is set to improve viewing quality, reduce weight and improve power efficiency at lower cost. ITI Techmedia, the organisation which develops market driven intellectual property for the benefit of the Scottish economy, will invest a total of £3.8 million in the two and a half year programme.

Current backlight technology is considered inefficient and costly, amounting to 25-30% of the cost of an LCD screen. As a result, LCD manufacturers are demanding improved backlight units. ITI Techmedia aims to meet this demand by delivering against the major market requirements of cost efficiency from thinner, more lightweight backlights with improved light efficiency. It is anticipated that the backlight prototype produced by the R&D Programme will be able to extend the product lifetime, increase colour gamut, improve contrast and reduce image smearing.The flat panel display market is expected to be worth $100 billion within the decade and market research projects annual sales of LCD televisions to top 100 million units annually by 2010. In the initial stages, ITI Techmedia has engaged the services of four organisations as R&D Providers to the programme. Design LED of Glasgow, the Hertfordshire-based TTP Group, Matrics Ltd (part of the multinational Matrics Group) and global flat panel research specialists DisplaySearch have been appointed to carry out the work in the initial concept design phase of the Programme.

Terry Hurley, Managing Director of ITI Techmedia, commented: “This technology R&D Programme is the seventh in our portfolio which now spans the breadth of the digital media and communications technology spectrum. We are very impressed by the calibre of the R&D Providers working on this programme and believe that we are faced with an exciting opportunity to create a disruptive technology for a market that pervades practically every aspect of our everyday lives.”Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said: "Research and development projects of this kind will play a crucial part in our drive to deliver increased sustainable growth."We have the opportunity to generate significant economic benefits through increased innovation and taking the technological lead in key global markets. I wish ITI Techmedia every success with this exciting project."

For further information, interviews or photography please contact: Jessica Sealby / Jamie Henderson, Firefly Communications 0131 553 0150, e-mail jessica.sealby@fireflycomms.com / james.henderson@fireflycomms.com

About ITI Techmedia

ITI Techmedia is a member-based organisation that identifies, develops and manages commercially driven Intellectual Property for the benefit of Scotland. It acts as a catalyst to create world-class technology in the digital media and communication sectors. Working with its members and the technology community, ITI Techmedia commissions and funds R&D to the point of commercial viability. Further information is available on the website: www.ititechmedia.com.

About Design LED Products Ltd

Founded in early 2004, Design LED products have developed and patented a manufacturing technology to embed Light Emitting Diodes within printed light guides. This enables thin, inexpensive, segmented display panels suitable for a range of applications from consumer electrical & electronic devices, automotive, point or sale advertising & industrial keypads.

Design LED aims to become the world leader in printed light products technology in a wide range of markets including consumer electronics, automotive, industrial and point of sale. More than 50 billion LEDs are sold every year into products and Design LED has the opportunity to both displace existing solutions and enable a new generation of products.

Further information is available on the website: www.designledproducts.com

About DisplaySearchDisplaySearch

An NPD Group company, has a core team of 46 employees located in Europe, North America and Asia who produce a valued suite of FPD-related market forecasts, technology assessments, surveys, studies and analyses. The company also organizes influential events worldwide. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, DisplaySearch has regional operations in Chicago, Houston, Kyoto, London, San Diego, San Jose, Seoul, Shenzhen, Taipei and Tokyo.

Further information is available on the website: www.displaysearch.com

About TTP

Since its foundation in 1987, TTP has grown to become Europe’s leading independent technology development and licensing company. Its primary objective is to create new business based on advances in technology as hands-on implementers of new business strategy with a strong focus on technology and product development. TTP has its own extensive laboratory and pre-production manufacturing facilities and employs engineers, scientists and business development specialists of the highest quality.

Further information is available on the website: www.ttp.com

About MatricsMatrics

A quality supplier of integrated circuit (IC) design services with particular experience in full IC tapeouts and general analogue design. Founded in 1987, Matrics has developed an international presence with customers located throughout the US, Europe, Australia, Pacific Rim and South America.Further information is available on the website: www.matricsgroup.com