Back to the future with hybrid LCD and CRT technology

Sony has been trying to combine the

technology of old-school tube TVs

with the advantages of current-day LCDs

for almost ten years—and its efforts have

finally paid off. Field Emission Displays

(FEDs) externally resemble slim LCD display

panels, but work much like cathode-ray tube

devices with electron beams that meet on a

fluorescent screen.

The advantages? Pictures have brilliant

color clarity, blacks are deeper than ever, and

refresh rates are no problem anymore. The

contrast and brightness are far better than

what can be achieved with today's LCD or

plasma screens. And if those aren’t enough

reasons to be encouraged, FED devices

promise to consume less power.

According to the Japanese media, a

company called Field Emission Technologies

Inc, which is affiliated to Sony, will introduce

the first 29-inch FED TV as a high-end

offering for TV studios and other media

production facilities by the end of 2009.

Large TVs for home theatres will follow

shortly thereafter, hopefully at reasonably

affordable prices.