LED maker possibly tapped for Apple TV set's Sharp panel
updated 12:10 pm EST, Fri February 17, 2012
Genesis Photonics might supply Apple TV components
Apple's much-rumored TV set might have had one of its first non-obvious part suppliers named through new tips. Contacts claimed to Digitimes that Genesis Photonics was expected to supply the LED backlighting circuitry for a Sharp-made panel. The Japanese company is believed to have switched some of its ordering from local firm Nichia to Taiwan's Genesis as far back as the first half of 2011, making Genesis' contribution to Apple more likely.
Genesis turned down a request for comment when asked, while Sharp hadn't been contacted at the time of the story.
If authentic at all, the lack of production schedules hints at any plans still being in the early stages at most. The highest-profile claims wouldn't have the TV shipping until 2013, putting any manufacturing months away.
LEDs would support talk of the screen being an LCD using Sharp's new IGZO panel technique. The material choice either allows for very high density displays, such as that rumored for the iPad 3, or for exceptionally fast response times. Either would help Apple by opening the door to 4K TV or to minimizing the perceived panel speed gap with OLED TVs.
