News
Apple quietly switches iPod nano 5G screens to TFT
By Charles Starrett
Contributing Editor
Published: Thursday, September 10, 2009
News Categories: iPod nano
Quietly mentioned in Apple’s tech specs for the fifth-generation iPod nano is the fact that the new models use a TFT (thin film transistor) display as opposed to the standard LCD used in past models. TFT displays are a different variant on LCD technology, that can under some circumstances improve or decrease image quality; Wikipedia notes that depending on the type of TFT screen technology chosen, viewing angles and colors can be mediocre—a problem with early technology—or dramatically more impressive, with high contrast ratios, strong black depth, and faster refresh rates. By comparison, Apple lists the display in the fourth-generation iPod nano as a color LCD with LED backlight. It is unclear what, if any, affect the change in screen technologies will have on the quality of the iPod nano’s screen.
Related Stories
- Apple selling refurb seventh-gen iPod nano
- Apple releases software update 1.0.2 for 7th-gen iPod nano
- iPod nano 7G torn down, 220 mAh battery inside
- HardCandy Cases debuts new Nano Clip
- Apple releases iPod nano 7G software 1.0.1
- iPod nano 7G unboxing, comparison gallery posted
Comments
If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.
Recent News
- Apple CEO Cook testifies on taxes, faces Senate critics
- Google Play Music All Access to get iOS app support?
- Senate subcommittee accuses Apple of tax avoidance
- AT&T: All video chat apps will work over cellular in 2013
- Apple releases testimony before CEO’s Senate appearance
- New Apple offers in India can reduce iPhone price
- Report: Apple testing 1.5” OLED displays for iWatch
- Song skipping terms slowing iRadio negotiations
- iLounge Weekly arriving Monday, giveaway reminder
- Report: BBM iOS app won’t support iPad at launch
Recent Reviews
- Ultimate Ears UE Boom
- Trü Protection Trü-Fit Anti-Glare Film Set
- New Trent iCarrier IMP120D Dual USB Power Pack
- BlueFlame 2M Charge and Sync Cable with Lightning Connector
- HMDX Jam Party Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Speaker
- Logitech Harmony Ultimate Universal Remote Control
- MyCharge Freedom 2000 Battery Case for iPhone 5
- Nike Nike+ FuelBand
- OCDesk OCDock for iPhone 5
- Bluelounge MiniDock (With Lightning Connector)
Recent Articles
- Calendar info disappears after iCloud restore
- Remove old iCloud backup after restoring to a new iPhone
- Setting up a ringtone in iTunes
- Using a Wi-Fi hard drive with an iPad
- Backing up and restoring an iPod classic
- Can’t restore iPod touch without passcode
- Retaining older versions of Apps during an iOS Restore
- Can’t eject iPod nano without closing Firefox
- Can’t change iTunes Apple ID to iCloud e-mail address
- Effect of erasing an iPhone on the Find My iPhone feature
1
TFT is a type of LCD display, not a different technology- I’d be surprised if the older generations didn’t use one as well. TFT is also the best type of display, what we used to call “active matrix”. The only other display used in these portable devices is OLED and those are newer and mroe expensive.
Posted by Nick on September 10, 2009 at 10:06 AM (PST)
2
As the article said, “TFT displays are a different variant on LCD technology.” Apple’s tech specs pages are specifically calling out the new iPod nano’s displays as TFT, by comparison with the iPod classic, listed as “2.5-inch (diagonal) color LCD with LED backlight,” and the prior iPod nano, which was listed as “2-inch (diagonal) color LCD with LED backlight.”
Posted by Jeremy Horwitz in East Amherst, NY, USA on September 10, 2009 at 10:20 AM (PST)
3
As far as I can tell, all active matrix LCD displays are TFT, and the backlight technology is indpendent of the display technology. While there is a difference between the different types of TFT technology (S-IPS, PVA, etc), and LED vs CCFL backlighting, the best color LCD’s are always TFT. Passive matrix color displays fell out of favor long ago- I’m not sure it’s even possible to get a color display that isn’t TFT. So I think you guys are reading too deeply into the announcement.
Posted by Nick on September 12, 2009 at 11:24 AM (PST)
4
The screen is different. It’s brighter and now dithers more. Read the review for the details.
Posted by Jeremy Horwitz in East Amherst, NY, USA on September 12, 2009 at 1:01 PM (PST)
5
Sure. It’s clearly a different display, the resolution has changed. I’m just saying that it’s not because it’s a TFT display. The old one was TFT also.
Posted by Nick on September 13, 2009 at 12:28 PM (PST)