Laser TVs may use up to 75 percent less energy

A new Laser Phosphor-based Display (LPD) technology from Prysm that promises 75 percent less power consumption than conventional displays, while offering superior image quality as well. The technology will initially be geared toward commercial use (stadium scoreboards, signage, etc.), but it may eventually arrive for HDTVs as well.

The LPD technology is powered by a combination of laser diodes (similar to the ones in your DVD and CD drives), mirrors, and a phosphor screen. The diodes send a laser signal to the mirrors where it is then projected onto the phosphor screen, exciting the necessary RGB imaging sequence. It works essentially like a laser printer, except--needless to say--the image is being refreshed at a much higher rate.

Prysm claims that LPD screens will use up to 75% less energy than conventional displays. This impressive ratio is possible because of the lasers that light up only what is necessary. The technology is very similar to the local dimming capabilities of current LED-backlit LCDs. This capability allows the LPD screen to produce deep contrast ratios (dark, inky blacks) while maintaing low power consumption - pcworld