A look at Sharps' IGZO displays

At IFA, Sharp launched gigantic TVs and exhibited their latest developments in IGZO-based LCD displays that allows Sharp to increase pixel resolution dramatically and make thinner displays.

Sharp’s IGZO displays exhibited
Sharp has developed a new method for creating the tiny thin film transistors (TFT) used in LCD and OLED displays. They call the technology IGZO and with IGZO Sharp can create display panels that are faster, thinner and with a much higher pixel resolution.

At IFA, Sharp demonstrated some of their latest IGZO-based LCD displays. Here is a selection of the most impressive ones. We start with Sharp’s 6.1-inch LCD panel that packs a 2560x1600 pixel resolution – equal to a pixel density of 498 ppi (much higher than any smartphone or tablet today).


Sharp’s 6,1-inch display with a pixel density of 498 ppi

Below you see Sharps’ 32" LCD display with 4K resolution (right) compared to a 32" TV with Full HD resolution (left). We have compressed the image before uploading it to FlatpanelsHD but when standing fairly close to the two panels the difference was definitely visible – although not as significant as on larger 4K TVs.


Sharp’s 32-inch 4K TV is seen to the right 

Sharp also demonstrated how IGZO will allow them to make displays considerably thinner. The panels in the picture below are similar in size (diagonal) but the IGZO-based LCD panel to the right is markedly thinner and has almost no frame. The technology has great potential for smartphones.


Sharp’s IGZO based display is seen to the right. It is far thinner and has a thinner bezel

Lastly, Sharp exhibited a 31.5" LCD panel, designed specifically for PC monitors. The panel has a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels (also called 4K).


Sharp’s 31,5-inch IGZO based LCD panel for PC monitors

Sharp did not exhibit their IGZO-based OLED panels, but all in all, it was an impressive show. We believe that IGZO technology holds great potential in both LCD and OLED screens, and it could slim down and improve picture quality in smartphones and tablets.