Epson has just announced the world’s first high-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD panel for 3LCD projectors which boasts 4,096 x 2,160 (4K) pixels. Newly developed in response to future market demands, the 4K panel offers approximately four times better resolution than a full-HD equivalent, while featuring Epson’s proprietary C2 Fine technology to deliver smoother picture quality and enhanced contrast performance. A prototype projector based on this solution will be showcased at the International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition taking place at Chiba, Japan, from November 18 to 20.

This new product will compete head on with other 4K offerings. These include Sony’s SXRD-based CineAlta range and the upcoming Texas Instruments’ DLP alternatives designed for the digital cinema industry. We’re expecting more commercially-oriented applications for these ultra-high resolution projection systems initially, though it’s just a matter of time before they trickle down to the consumer space. Till then, full-HD will still be the predominant format for the home theater beamers.