The Rise of FAST LCD and Field-Sequential Display Technology
In recent years, advances in FAST LCD technology have dramatically increased refresh rates. Mainstream gaming displays now exceed 240Hz, while high-end models push up to 750Hz. This rapid refresh capability has also accelerated the development of Field-Sequential Display (FSD)—also known as color-sequential or time-sequential LCD technology—benefiting large-screen LCDs, 1LCD/1LCOS projectors, AR, automotive displays, and more.
FSD’s Core: Time-Multiplexed Color
Traditional LCDs achieve color by spatially dividing pixels into red, green, and blue subpixels. Whether through color filters in TVs/1LCDs or three-panel light valves in 3LCD/3LCOS projectors, the principle relies on spatial multiplexing.
FSD, however, uses time multiplexing: the same pixel area displays red, green, and blue in rapid succession. When repeated fast enough (beyond human visual persistence), the brain blends these into full-color imagery.
This demands LCD refresh rates at least 3× higher than conventional panels. To minimize color breakup and rainbow artifacts (especially at off-angles), even faster rates are needed. Thus, while FSD isn’t new, it only became viable with today’s FAST LCDs.
Another FSD advantage: subpixel structures shrink to 1/3 their original size, effectively moving spatial complexity into the time domain. This simplifies panel production and driver IC design—though requiring higher-speed ICs.
DLP projectors already use FSD principles. Their color wheels + DMD chips achieve high-resolution color via time-sequential light modulation, offering cost savings over three-panel systems.
The Key: Sequential Light Sources
For LCD-based FSD, a synchronized light source is as critical as the high-refresh panel.
DLP projectors use rotating color wheels to create sequential RGB light. This works for 1LCD/1LCOS projectors too, though polarization requirements cut light efficiency by ~50% vs. DLP.
Large LCDs (e.g., TVs) can’t use color wheels. Instead, they employ RGB-LED backlights that switch colors at high speed—similar to LED direct-view displays showing pure R/G/B fields sequentially.
This complicates backlight design:
- Requires RGB LEDs (not just white)
- Demands driver ICs capable of ultra-fast switching
While FSD simplifies the LCD layer, backlight complexity increases costs—currently a major hurdle.
FSD’s Edge: Niche Advantages
AU Optronics highlights its 65" 8K FSD prototype with:
- Ultra-high refresh rates
- Active RGB-LED backlight
- AI-powered color-breakup suppression
FSD’s challenges (color breakup, flicker-induced eye strain) are mitigated by faster refresh and better algorithms.
Crucially, AU notes FSD’s energy savings:
- RGB-LEDs only emit one color at a time (vs. white LEDs blending all three)
- Theoretical power reduction: 50–60%
- Eliminates color filters, boosting brightness by 5–10% and slimming panels
For large displays, FSD trades some image quality for radical efficiency—positioning it for digital signage and eco-conscious markets.
In microdisplays (1LCD/1LCOS projectors), FSD simplifies optics:
- Tiny RGB-LED setups (even just three LEDs)
- For 1LCOS, cuts costs vs. 3-panel designs
- Energy savings reduce thermal load, enabling quieter operation or higher brightness
However, home theater applications demand higher refresh rates (e.g., 360Hz+) to minimize artifacts at 60Hz frame rates.
Examples like the ANT27VQ MAX (360Hz) and KOORUI G7 (750Hz) prove LCDs can meet FSD’s speed demands. With RGB-LED tech maturing, FSD is poised for commercialization.
Chengdu Jiutian Huaxin’s FSHD tech combines:
- Custom BOE 4K LCD (no color filter)
- 180Hz refresh, 2000:1 contrast, 100% NTSC
- Domestic 28nm TCON chip
Targeting budget projectors, FSHD could disrupt 1LCD dominance, already making strides in brightness and 4K resolution.
Disruptor or Niche Player?
FSD is a double-edged sword:
- Pros: Energy savings, thinner panels, cost potential
- Cons: Color fidelity trade-offs, consumer acceptance
It may not replace all LCDs but could carve niches in:
- Energy-efficient large screens
- Ultra-compact projectors
- Lightweight AR/VR
The FSD revolution is just beginning—one to watch closely.
In recent years, advances in FAST LCD technology have dramatically increased refresh rates. Mainstream gaming displays now exceed 240Hz, while high-end models push up to 750Hz. This rapid refresh capability has also accelerated the development of Field-Sequential Display (FSD)—also known as color-sequential or time-sequential LCD technology—benefiting large-screen LCDs, 1LCD/1LCOS projectors, AR, automotive displays, and more.
FSD’s Core: Time-Multiplexed Color
Traditional LCDs achieve color by spatially dividing pixels into red, green, and blue subpixels. Whether through color filters in TVs/1LCDs or three-panel light valves in 3LCD/3LCOS projectors, the principle relies on spatial multiplexing.
FSD, however, uses time multiplexing: the same pixel area displays red, green, and blue in rapid succession. When repeated fast enough (beyond human visual persistence), the brain blends these into full-color imagery.
This demands LCD refresh rates at least 3× higher than conventional panels. To minimize color breakup and rainbow artifacts (especially at off-angles), even faster rates are needed. Thus, while FSD isn’t new, it only became viable with today’s FAST LCDs.
Another FSD advantage: subpixel structures shrink to 1/3 their original size, effectively moving spatial complexity into the time domain. This simplifies panel production and driver IC design—though requiring higher-speed ICs.
DLP projectors already use FSD principles. Their color wheels + DMD chips achieve high-resolution color via time-sequential light modulation, offering cost savings over three-panel systems.
The Key: Sequential Light Sources
For LCD-based FSD, a synchronized light source is as critical as the high-refresh panel.
DLP projectors use rotating color wheels to create sequential RGB light. This works for 1LCD/1LCOS projectors too, though polarization requirements cut light efficiency by ~50% vs. DLP.
Large LCDs (e.g., TVs) can’t use color wheels. Instead, they employ RGB-LED backlights that switch colors at high speed—similar to LED direct-view displays showing pure R/G/B fields sequentially.
This complicates backlight design:
- Requires RGB LEDs (not just white)
- Demands driver ICs capable of ultra-fast switching
While FSD simplifies the LCD layer, backlight complexity increases costs—currently a major hurdle.
FSD’s Edge: Niche Advantages
AU Optronics highlights its 65" 8K FSD prototype with:
- Ultra-high refresh rates
- Active RGB-LED backlight
- AI-powered color-breakup suppression
FSD’s challenges (color breakup, flicker-induced eye strain) are mitigated by faster refresh and better algorithms.
Crucially, AU notes FSD’s energy savings:
- RGB-LEDs only emit one color at a time (vs. white LEDs blending all three)
- Theoretical power reduction: 50–60%
- Eliminates color filters, boosting brightness by 5–10% and slimming panels
For large displays, FSD trades some image quality for radical efficiency—positioning it for digital signage and eco-conscious markets.
In microdisplays (1LCD/1LCOS projectors), FSD simplifies optics:
- Tiny RGB-LED setups (even just three LEDs)
- For 1LCOS, cuts costs vs. 3-panel designs
- Energy savings reduce thermal load, enabling quieter operation or higher brightness
However, home theater applications demand higher refresh rates (e.g., 360Hz+) to minimize artifacts at 60Hz frame rates.
Examples like the ANT27VQ MAX (360Hz) and KOORUI G7 (750Hz) prove LCDs can meet FSD’s speed demands. With RGB-LED tech maturing, FSD is poised for commercialization.
Chengdu Jiutian Huaxin’s FSHD tech combines:
- Custom BOE 4K LCD (no color filter)
- 180Hz refresh, 2000:1 contrast, 100% NTSC
- Domestic 28nm TCON chip
Targeting budget projectors, FSHD could disrupt 1LCD dominance, already making strides in brightness and 4K resolution.
Disruptor or Niche Player?
FSD is a double-edged sword:
- Pros: Energy savings, thinner panels, cost potential
- Cons: Color fidelity trade-offs, consumer acceptance
It may not replace all LCDs but could carve niches in:
- Energy-efficient large screens
- Ultra-compact projectors
- Lightweight AR/VR
The FSD revolution is just beginning—one to watch closely.
