Manage power
Higher speed, bandwidth and resolution all translate into a dramatic increase in power. This fact, coupled with the move towards thinner panels means that there is no fan on the panel. As fans are removed from the environment completely, lower power technology in circuit implementation and process geometry become even more critical. New standards such as DisplayPort enable more data per link, therefore decrease the I/O power, but they require complex PLL technologies that might re-increase the power. Advanced low power PLL design with newer process technologies will help to lower the overall power of the application.

Increased frame rate
Increasing the frame rate from 60Hz to such higher rates as 120Hz improves image processing and video quality. This must take place on a TV panel just before the image reaches the screen, and it is not an easy task. The frames must be interpolated to make up new ones and no standard means currently exists to accomplish it. The 120 Hz rate frames shown in Figure 1 below show a motion interpolation. In comparison, Figure 2 indicates the benefits of implementation at 60Hz. Notice the added sharpness and overall reduction in blur in the image on the right.

Figure 1: Motion interpolation

Figure 2: 60Hz Vs 120 Hz [2]

Wireless HD
Wireless typically provides greater convenience for the end user. When a wireless connection exists between the set-top-box and TV panel, the user is not required to purchase expensive cables or hide them inside the wall for a wall-mounted panel. When a wireless connection exists between a laptop and a large-screen TV, it is easy to share the laptop screen with others.

A trade off exists, however, between quality and convenience. When the quality is "good enough" wireless connections will become more popular. Wireless HDMI implementations are now coming to the fore. The move towards wireless interfaces is inevitable and those who develop innovation and expertise in providing it will be well positioned to enjoy a leading position.

Full digital experience
Full high definition does not just belong to video. It belongs to audio as well. This translates into greater integration of audio and video. Therefore, provision in the interface and on the panel for audio processing is necessary. New interfaces such as DisplayPort and HDMI integrate audio enabling a richer digital experience.

Conclusion
Digital display is evolving with greater demands from users. At the same time, the market is segmenting into low, medium, and high-end applications. Each segment requires a unique focus on features and associated technology that can provide viable solutions. Vendors must watch for changes in requirements very carefully and adapt quickly to avoid falling behind. Evolving features enable display panels to remain out of the "commodity" category as long as the features coincide with current user demands and anticipate the demands of the future.

About the authors
Ji Park is the vice president and general manager of the IDT Digital Display Operation. He holds his MBA degree from University of Dallas and a BSEE from University of Texas at Austin. . He can be reached at Bertan.tezcan@idt.com.

Bertan Tezcan is a product marketing manager in the IDT Digital Display Operation. Bertan holds an MBA from Santa Clara university, and is working towards his PhD in EE from University of Southern California. . He can be reached at Ji.park@idt.com.