Brighter 3D pictures and faster image refresh rate thanks to Epson's 'Bright 3D Drive' TOKYO, Japan, September 1, 2011 -Seiko Epson Corporation ("Epson," TSE: 6724) today announced that it has launched the world's first*1 high-temperature polysilicon ("HTPS") TFT liquid crystal panels for 3D 3LCD projectors.Developed and manufactured by Epson using the latest processing technologies, the HTPS panels employ 'Bright 3D Drive' - a new technology that brightens 3D images by doubling the image refresh rate from 240 Hz to 480 Hz. The faster refresh rate results in 3D images that are at least 1.5 times brighter*2 than those created on panels refreshed at 240 Hz. Epson applies this technology in a new range of 3D HTPS panels currently in volume production.Nobuyuki Shimotome, Chief Operating Officer, TFT Operations Division, Epson, said, "Thanks to our new HTPS panels users will enjoy bright 3D images. In addition, projector manufacturers looking for the quality and technical advantages that Epson provides, will also benefit from our new panels."For more than two decades Epson has maintained its position as the world's No. 1 supplier*3 of HTPS panels, the core devices at the heart of 3LCD projectors. While the expansion of the 3LCD projector market has been driven primarily by business demand, today we see an increasing appetite for home cinema projectors capable of delivering stunning, bright 2D and 3D images. With our new technology, we are confident that we will be able to meet that demand."As the leader in the development and manufacture of HTPS panels, Epson will continue to meet customer demand with a range of HTPS panels and end products that employ cutting-edge liquid crystal technology, high-aperture designs and other original features.*1 According to Epson research (as of the end of August 2011) *2 Principles of 3D image projection at a 480 Hz refresh rate *3 According to Epson research (as of the end of August 2011)