The world of Virtual Reality (VR) has seen remarkable advancements over the years. With the introduction of Fast LCD technology, the future of VR display screens looks promising. This technology is not just a game changer in terms of cost but also offers advantages in resolution and the use of Mini LED technology. This article aims to shed light on how Fast LCDs are shaping the future of VR displays.
A Deep Dive into Fast LCD Technology
Fast LCD technology is revolutionizing VR display with its high refresh rates and superior resolution. The technology utilizes novel liquid crystal materials (ferroelectric liquid crystal materials) and overdrive technology to significantly enhance the refresh rate, thereby reducing distortion and motion blur caused by head movements.
Advantages of Fast LCD Over AMOLED
Fast LCD technology offers several advantages over AMOLED, particularly in VR applications. Here are some key benefits:
- Cost-Effective: Fast LCDs are more cost-effective as compared to Silicon-based OLEDs. The cost ratio of Fast-LCD with Fresnel lens, Fast-LCD with Pancake lens, Fast-LCD with Mini LED backlighting and Pancake lens, and Silicon-based OLED with a Pancake lens was approximately 1:2.3:2.9:4.5 in 2022.
- High Resolution: Fast-LCD screens are employed in mainstream VR devices with a refresh rate of 90-120Hz and a single-eye PPI (pixel density) of around 1000. This is significantly higher compared to OLED’s PPI which is less than 500.
- Mini LED Technology: Fast-LCD also benefits from the addition of Mini LED backlighting, which can improve the display effect significantly. Mini LED backlighting not only increases the overall Brightness of the display screen but also effectively reduces the overall thickness of the device.
Reflective LCOE and Its Role in VR
Reflective LCOE or Liquid Crystal on elastomer is another technology making waves in the VR space. The reflection mechanism of reflective LCOE is based on the Bragg reflection of the cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC). The device’s efficiency is closely related to its thickness.
A reflective LCOE exhibits strong Polarization Selectivity and can work as a Reflector, grating, and on-/off-axis lens. The Polarization responses of each element are summarized in the image below:
Applications of Reflective LCOE in VR
The application of CLC Reflector in VR can contribute to various AR/VR applications. For instance, in a foveated VR display, two images can be encoded into Orthogonal Circular Polarizations using a CLC Reflector. This results in images undergoing different paths experiencing different magnifications, thereby enhancing the spatial resolution of the foveal image.
BOE’s Development in the VR Display Space
BOE, a global leader in Semiconductor display technology, has been making strides in the VR display space. The company has completed the development of 1411ppi Fast LCD technology, and is also under the process of developing a VR Micro OLED with Monocular 4Kx4K resolution.
To further cater to the rapidly growing “Metaverse” market, BOE plans to construct the 6th generation of new semiconductor display devices, primarily using LTPO technology. This production line will focus on producing VR display screens for core metaverse devices and is compatible with high end display products such as Mini LED.
Consumer Sentiments on LCD and OLED for VR
A discussion on Reddit’s OculusQuest subreddit explored the advantages of LCD over OLED for VR, aside from cost. The consensus was that while OLED offers excellent color depth and contrast, LCD’s strengths lie in its higher resolution and reduced screen-door effect, both crucial for an immersive VR experience.
Final Thoughts
The world of VR display is evolving at a rapid pace, driven by advancements in technologies like Fast LCD and Reflective LCOE. While OLED technology has its benefits, Fast LCD offers a more cost-effective solution with higher resolution and the added advantage of Mini LED technology.
Companies like BOE are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in VR display technology, paving the way for a more immersive and realistic VR experience. With continued research and development, the future of VR display looks brighter than ever.
Please note that this article is for informational purposes only. For specific advice on VR display technology, consult with a professional in the field.