Thin-Film Transistor Displays are the new Virtual Cockpits

Most talk of auto technology lately has revolved around the advent of autonomous vehicles, but little discussion is given to the more practical elements of user interfacing. A new report released by Research and Markets indicates that demand for heads-up displays have necessitated the inclusion of thin-film transistor diplays, and the demand for the technology is expected to reach 70 million units by 2016.

A thin-film transistor display.

“Consumer demand is driving the production of smarter and more efficient automobiles, requiring automotive displays that increase functionality and safety,” said Hiroshi Hayase, Vice President of Small/Medium Displays at NPD DisplaySearch.

In addition to helping decreased distracted driving by moving displays from the dashboard to the windshield, thin-film transistor displays have the ability to display more sophisticated features, such as rearview monitors, navigation, energy information, and audio and air-conditioning control.

However, all reports point to thin-film transistor displays only being included in higher-end car models. Because of this, once LCD quantum-dot technology's potential is realized, it may kill the thin-film transistor display. LCD quantum-dot technology delivers light on demand, like OLEDs, which makes them a more efficient alternative to thin-film transistor displays. They're also much cheaper than OLEDs while maintaining color accuracy and more vivid pictures.  If designers find a way to perfect LCD quantum-dot technology, it would deliver the same heads-up safety benefits as thin-film transistor displays while allowing consumers who can't afford high-end vehicles the same access to modern tech. 

The trick, then, is anticipating the benefits of LCD quantum-dot displays, perfecting them, and convincing auto manufacturers to make them the new automotive display standard.