press releases

Back to press release archive

Back to recent press releases

June 2005

• 3LCD MANUFACTURERS ACHIEVE MILESTONES
• Antony Worrall Thompson is named winner of the EPSON Celebrity Dad of the Year Award 2005

3LCD MANUFACTURERS ACHIEVE MILESTONES

Accomplishments include production milestone, expansion in manufacturing capacity and technical advancements

- LAS VEGAS, United States, June 7, 2005 –

Cumulative shipments of the high-temperature polysilicon (HTPS) panels used in 3LCD projection systems point to a major production milestone, putting 3LCD well ahead of all competing microdisplay projection technologies combined in total number of engines and reinforcing 3LCD's leadership as the world's most popular microdisplay projection technology.

"Sales of projection products incorporating 3LCD engines now total approximately 13.6 million units, representing over 40 million HTPS panels," according to Dr. William Coggshall, president of displays industry tracking firm Pacific Media Associates. "Starting in 1995, manufacturers of front projectors quickly adopted this technology due to its compactness and image quality and were joined by rear-projection television manufacturers in 2002 as the technology reached a price point that made it competitive with CRT-based models."

The HTPS panels, which are used in an advanced three-chip design, provide continuous color and bright, natural images that are easy on the eyes. 3LCD technology is enjoying continued growth in projection systems of all types including data projectors for business and the rapidly growing segment of front projectors for home entertainment and projection TVs. As a result of this continuing growth, Epson has expanded its production capacity to meet consumer demand by opening a manufacturing plant in Chitose , Japan this past April.

Other significant developments for 3LCD projection technology this year include the introduction of HTPS panels using an inorganic alignment layer that provides users with improved contrast levels and magnificently real blacks and shadow details optimized for home theater applications. And, most recently, a 3LCD manufacturer has developed a new HTPS panel with XGA (1024 x 768) resolution using a smaller 0.6-type (1.52 cm diagonal) panel that delivers high-resolution images surpassing those achieved by preceding products.

“As a reliable, sophisticated technology with universal appeal, 3LCD is constantly growing and continues to evolve,” said Jim Hall, director, Business Projector Marketing and Product Management, Epson America . “As the foundation for the next generation of high definition products, 3LCD technology offers true 1080p resolution today and is poised to grow further as users demand the most brilliant images.”

More information about 3LCD technology and the manufacturers of 3LCD projectors is available at booth #983 at InfoComm or online at www.3lcd.com.

About the 3LCD Group

The 3LCD Group consists of industry-leading display manufacturers dedicated to educating consumers and video imaging professionals about the benefits and unique features of 3LCD technology. Participating manufacturers use the 3LCD logo, currently under license from Epson , positioning it prominently on their products and marketing materials.

Antony Worrall Thompson is named winner of the EPSON Celebrity Dad of the Year Award 2005

Top chef served up a treat as he beats off stiff competition from rival chefs Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsey

16 June 2005 - After weeks of voting and intense speculation, top celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson has been voted Epson Celebrity Dad of the Year 2005. Jane Barnard, Marketing Communications Manager for Epson, presented Antony with his trophy at the Langham Hilton Hotel in London on 16th June, just in time for Father's Day on Sunday 19 th June.

The culinary whiz, who currently owns four restaurants in the UK , scooped the top honour ahead of fellow celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsey, who couldn't quite cut the mustard.

Restaurateur and celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thomspon has long been a TV favourite, with regular guest chef appearances on Ready Steady Cook and hosting BBC2's Saturday Kitchen, plus his appearance on ITV's ‘I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here'. Antony has also written several recipe books and contributes to the BBC Good Food magazine.

After an exciting battle in the voting polls, Antony received 15% of the votes, leaving a host of top dads including Sir Bob Geldof, Chris Martin and Tony Blair boiling over. Since the voting began in April, over 26,500 people have logged on to the Epson website to cast their vote.

Antony received 15% of public votes, 2% more than his nearest rival, Coldplay star Chris Martin. Jamie Oliver came third with 12%, followed by Gordon Ramsey in fourth.

On winning the award Antony said: “I'm absolutely delighted to win the Epson Celebrity Dad of the Year award. It's not easy balancing a hectic schedule with two kids, but I love it and couldn't possibly do it without the help of my wonderful wife, Jay. I feel pleased to have won with such a strong list of contenders.”

Jane Barnard, Marketing Communications Manager for Epson said: “Antony Worrall Thompson obviously has a great fan base from his TV work and the numerous books he's written. We're delighted to present him with the Epson Celebrity Dad of the Year 2005 award.”