SUMMARY

In summary, the committee made the following general observations:

• Japan has focused on LC FPDs for the 1990s:
  • a-Si TFT LCD for 3- to 15-inch video performance in color.
  • Compensated STN LCD for 3- to 18-inch graphics performance.
  • Large, direct-view, consumer-priced "TV-on-the- wall" is not feasible before the year 2000.
  • Research and development will continue but will be heavily weighted in the direction of LCDs.
• FPDs cannot compete in price with CRTs.
  • For the first time, a-Si TFT AMLCDs have demonstrated performance comparable to CRTs in the 3- to 15-inch size.
  • The price separation between LCDs and CRTs for comparable performance will remain a factor of five to one or more.
• LCD projectors are emerging to compete with CRT projectors in the 40- to 100-inch range:
  • a-Si TFTs and p-Si TFTs are competing with each other for market share.
• EL and plasma will be relegated to custom markets.
  • Color improvements and cost reduction are needed to change the trend.
  • Because of unique performance attributes, each may increase in production volume where faster response time, wider viewing angle, and larger sizes are needed over the LCD achievements.