July 25, 2008 - Microsoft researchers have developed a new liquid crystal display (LCD) technology that's three times more energy efficient than current designs.

Microsoft's new telescopic pixel design uses tiny mirrors to conduct more backlight to the display screen. Most LCD TVs are backlit, but just 10% of the light typically reaches the screen.

Microsoft's new design allows 36% of the light to get through, and researchers estimate that with some tweaks that number could go as high as 75%.

The future of the technology is unclear, however, as LCDs fall outside Microsoft's core business. The software giant says it may partner with a display manufacturer once the technology is ready for commercial application - probably in about five years, according to Microsoft.

Findings from Microsoft's LCD research have been published in the current issue of Nature Photonics.

LCD manufacturers have been jockeying for bragging rights to the title of most energy efficient. Both Sharp and UA Optronics have announced plans to boost the energy efficiency of their products in recent months.

In May, the LCD TV Association, a not-for-profit marketing trade group, launched a green logo program aimed at helping manufacturers develop and promote more energy-efficient LCDs.