E Ink announces large format display in its electronic prototype kit

CAMBRIDGE, USA: E Ink Corp., the leader in electronic paper display (EPD) technologies, has enhanced its lineup of AM-300 EPD Prototype Kits by adding a 9.7” display to its suite of offerings, enabling development across a wider range of application sizes. This high-resolution, large-size display comes at a time when more companies are turning to EPDs for larger displays for new content delivery, including newspapers, textbooks, notepads, and business documents.

“The success in the eBook space has prompted a lot of interest in eNewspaper and eTextbook applications,” said Sriram Peruvemba, Vice President of Marketing for E Ink. “E Ink Vizplex displays provide the best digital reading experience, and are fast becoming a better alternative to printed paper in certain applications.”

E Ink's EPD technology offers the high contrast look of ink-on-paper and is perfect for mobile devices because it can be read in any lighting condition, including direct sunlight, and at any viewing angle. E Ink's technology is also ideal for other consumer and industrial applications spanning handheld devices, public information and promotional signs. Customers value E Ink's technology for its brightness, and low power - attributes that are similar to that of paper.

With a resolution of 150 pixels per inch (PPI) and the capability of displaying multiple shades of gray, the 9.7" diagonal display has the clarity of newsprint. Once updated, the display image remains visible without energy, which reduces system power consumption by up to 90% compared to traditional LCDs. This third generation, high-resolution developer kit also contains a graphical electronic paper display with pen input.

The Broadsheet AM300 prototype kit is a straightforward and easy way to start working with E Ink technology. The Broadsheet kit enables customers to quickly prototype and develop next generation ePaper products. In addition to the display module, the kit also includes a Linux x86 operating environment, E Ink API software for Broadsheet, various sample images, open source software drivers and applications including support for MMC cards, Bluetooth, and USB.

eBooks using E Ink's high-resolution display technology were first launched in April 2004. Worldwide, over 15 companies have launched eBook products using E Ink Vizplex displays. The 9.7” AM300 will be shipping by end of May and is available now online at http://www.eink.com/kits/index.html for pre-orders.