Major improvements in LCD technology coming soon

The Inq says one of the big themes at CES was the dramatic improvements in LCD display technology.

Almost each LCD display maker presented new 120Hz models, along with improvements in contrast, colour reproduction and noise reduction.

The 120Hz overscan virtually eliminates the motion blurring that occurred on 60Hz LCD models. In scenarios where the content is panning there is a dramatic benefit from having the additional frame generated.

Colour reproduction has increased from 8 bit to anywhere from 10 bit to 14 bit. One of the key criticisms of LCD panels has been the reduced colour gamut that they could display.

Finally, improvements in handling noisy source content have completed the trifecta for most manufacturers. Where does this leave the millions of people out there who have purchased a flat panel LCD? The gradual improvements that occurred in tube technology meant that CRT televisions had a reasonable shelf life. With the rapid advances in LCD panels, much like the desktop industry, the panel you bought yesterday is rendered obsolete today.

The Inq says it's not a good idea to buy a LCD display right now as over the next six months these improvements will reach the retail market.