Sharp develops in-car LCD with 1500:1 contrast ratio

We all know those analog gauges are going the way of the dodo eventually, and Sharp is hoping to accelerate their demise by unveiling an in-car LCD that boasts an unparalleled contrast ratio. While we've seen an LCD instrument panel in the svelte new Mercedes, its utility is still a bit limited; Sharp's rendition, however, touts a 1500:1 contrast ratio -- "triple that of the best alternatives" -- and can produce deep blacks that match up with dark dashboards in addition to displaying full-motion video. The unit has been road-tested to withstand the usual bumps and jerks associated with cruising on (or off) those brutal highways, and can convey a myriad of useful information not possible with those plain ole mounted needles. The 8-inch panel sports an 800 x 480 resolution that shows the typical speedometer, tachometer, and fluid levels, but also packs the ability to queue up navigational maps and backup cameras to keep you on track. While we haven't heard which (if any) automakers are placing bulk orders for these uber-contrasty LCDs, we aren't exactly sure how much good it will do you if the whip ends up driving itself.

[Via BornRich]

[Walter @ Oct 12th 2006 9:42PM]

Nice... much like the glass cockpits in planes.

[Matt Brundage @ Oct 12th 2006 9:50PM]

Hmm... I think I'll hold off on this until they put out a 1080p version.

[BigG @ Oct 12th 2006 10:18PM]

"we aren't exactly sure how much good it will do you if the whip ends up driving itself."

Movies?

[John McKee @ Oct 12th 2006 10:52PM]

My LCD TV claims a 1:5000 contrast ratio so I don't see what's so special about this one.

[v_dogg @ Oct 13th 2006 12:04AM]

dang, i want one

[Fred @ Oct 13th 2006 2:12AM]

anyone knows what is the part number for this module?

[Guy @ Oct 13th 2006 2:17AM]

Part Number: 234GETaLIFE9303

[Brian C @ Oct 13th 2006 2:57AM]

That's true innovation. A multi-purpose display for the usual stuff as well as GPS, rear viewcam, and any others that we couldn't even think of yet. Well done, Shape!!!

[Jordan @ Oct 13th 2006 4:11AM]

i thought they tried replacing analog gauges with digital ones in the 1980s. that didn't work out so hot, because the digital gauges are dead while analog is still kicking. i think analogs have a certain aesthetic appeal you just can't beat.

[James @ Oct 13th 2006 12:11PM]

Not to mention that you can always glance at a needle and sort of guess when you will run out of fuel. Not so with a digital bar graph; you never know when that last bar will disappear.

[TLD @ Oct 14th 2006 12:30PM]

Jordan/James:
But the point of this display's versatility is that it can show "analog" gauges in addition to digital readouts. The failed digital gauges of the 80s just showed a number (like "55 mph") so there was no quick visual representation of acceleration like there is with a sweeping needle. This screen looks like it can display a sweeping needle, right?