A Polygonal LCD – Sharp Makes it Possible

Sharp shows off a new display technology which seems to change the trend of rectangular televisions. Now you can have a television in any shape you want, all thanks to Sharp’s new IGZO technology and the innovative new circuit design! Sharp believes that it’s technology can pave way for a wide range of gadgets and incredible new design & display hardware.

Officials from Sharp explain how conventional displays need minimum amount space around the viewing area in order to accommodate a device known as Gate Driver. Whereas with the Free-Form technology, the gate driver’s function is dispersed throughout the viewing area, enabling the edge of the screen- known as a Bezel, to be shrunk considerably.

This ingenious technology is estimated to affect multiple fields, particularly the automotive industry. Sharp aims to plan a venture along with a few automobile manufacturers to bring out cars with cool and compact displays. Car dashboards with a single screen that serves all display related needs is one of the intended purposes for this technology.

But possibilities are endless, including wearable gadgets with elliptical shape and digital signage and other large monitors that draw the viewer into the onscreen world. Although it is not the first non-rectangular LCD screen, it is the first prototype to offer such versatile 2-D shape along with an amazing resolution.

Till now, Free Form technology had been proposed to car manufacturing companies only but future possibilities include other products such as tablets and cell phones. As the tech can help develop phones with larger viewing area to body size ratio. Adding to the advantage of the consumers.

Free Form tech also opens a window of opportunity for LCD’s with new and innovative shapes and design. Allowing these devices to be used in more unconventional situations. Imagine a cylindrical shaped wearable cell phone which you can put around your wrist as if it’s a piece of jewellery.

So far only a prototype of this tech has been released, and Sharp announces that the project will enter the commercial phase as early as possible.