World's largest* E-Paper Module Will Debut in FPD 2009
HSINCHU, Taiwan, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Dedicated to the development of green innovation, AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO) today announced a series of innovative e-paper technology applications, including the world's largest* 20-inch e-paper module and AUO's first 6-inch flexible e-paper. With its aggressive technology development, AUO plans to offer flexible e-paper samples in 2010 in order to provide a power-efficient and convenient green lifestyle to the consumer market. The relevant e-paper technologies will be showcased in FPD International 2009, held in Yokohama Japan, from Oct. 28-30.
After marking the worldwide debut of its 6-inch touch function e-book at Display Taiwan 2009 in June, AUO launched its first 6-inch flexible e-paper technology in October, drawing widespread attention from the e-paper industry. Adopting Sipix's exclusive Microcup(R) technology, this flexible e-paper incorporates a plastic substrate, so that the display can be repeatedly bended, allowing it to match even more closely the functionality of real paper. The flexible e-paper is portable and unbreakable, significantly increasing the product's durability. While the curved radius of this e-paper reaches 100mm, it remains flexible and features 16 gray levels, a 9:1 high contrast ratio, and a reflectance of 33%. In terms of power consumption, there is no electricity required during reading and it consumes power only when the image is updated. Using the roll-to-roll manufacturing process, the technology allows for the commencement of volume production with higher yield rates, making it more cost-competitive. The size of the flexible e-paper is able to be tailor-made based on customers' needs. AUO expects to distribute samples to customers in 2010 and to start volume production then.
In addition, AUO announces the world's first 20-inch EPD (Electrophoretic Display) module, which is also the largest EPD size currently ready for mass production. It will be the best choice for future applications in Public Information Display because of its ability to eliminate backlight. It also features extremely low power consumption of less than 2W as well as 16 gray level capabilities.
Other EPD applications to be exhibited in FPD International 2009 include 2-inch Electronic Shelf Label (ESL), and 6-inch & 9-inch touch function built-in e-book displays. Since the 2-inch ESL uses active matrix equipped bi-stable image characteristics, label images can be maintained for at least one month without electricity supply on the shelf. With the in-cell touch functions and embedded Single Chip Solution, the debut 9-inch e-book display provides a 1024x768 high-definition screen. AUO also debuts its 2-piece 6" e-book with foldable design. Consumers can combine e-book reading with a traditional reading experience.
"As a technology in great demand to replace paper applications, e-paper, with its environmentally friendly features, will bring about more innovative and portable consumer electronic products and applications to the market. In addition, the mass production of the flexible e-paper will drive the next wave of the reading revolution," said Dr. C.T. Liu, Senior VP & GM of Consumer Product Display Business Group of AUO. "AUO holds the advantage of having integrated technologies and manufacturing capabilities. With the fully supported panel capacity in the different generations of fabs, AUO applies its 4G lines to produce e-tags, 5G lines for 6-inch to 10-inch e-book panels, and 6G or 7.5G to produce e-signage display panels. In the near future, AUO will continue to provide customers with full-range services that lead the industry."
Dr. C.T. Liu will make a speech about "Opportunities and Challenges for e-Books" on Oct. 30th at the FPD International 2009 Forum.
AUO E-Paper picture can be downloaded from AUO's corporate website URL: http://auo.com/auoDEV/pressroom.php?sec=Photos&ls=en
Any use of photographs must cite the source thereof is from AU Optronics Corporation.
*Based on available market research information as of October 20, 2009.
ABOUT AU OPTRONICS
AU Optronics Corp. (AUO) is a worldwide top three manufacturer* of thin film transistor liquid crystal display panels (TFT-LCD). AUO is able to provide customers a full range of panel sizes and comprehensive applications, offering TFT-LCD panels in sizes ranging from 1.2 inches to greater than 65 inches. AUO generated NT$423.9 billion (US$12.9 billion) in sales revenue in 2008 and now houses a staff of more than 42,000 employees throughout its global operations spreading across Taiwan, Mainland China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the U.S., and Europe. Additionally, AUO is the first pure TFT-LCD manufacturer to successfully list at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). For more information, please visit AUO.com.
* DisplaySearch 2Q2009 WW Large-Area TFT-LCD Shipment Report dated August 5, 2009. This data is used as reference only and AUO does not make any endorsement or representation in connection therewith. 2008 year end revenue converted by an exchange rate of NTD32.76:USD1.
Safe Harbour Notice
AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO), the worldwide top three manufacturer of large-size TFT-LCD panels, today announced the above news. Except for statements in respect of historical matters, the statements contained in this Release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements were based on our management's expectations, projections and beliefs at the time regarding matters including, among other things, future revenues and costs, financial performance, technology changes, capacity, utilization rates, yields, process and geographical diversification, future expansion plans and business strategy. Such forward looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including risks related to the flat panel display industry, the TFT-LCD market, acceptance and demand for our products, technological and development risks, competitive factors, and other risks described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on May 27th, 2009.
