New Sharp LCD controller allows dual displays on mobile devices with half-XGA resolution

Mobile devices that feature dual displays with half-XGA (480 x 1,024) resolution each? According to Sharp, we can get cell phones, portable gaming consoles, and eBook readers with that feature soon, thanks to their new LR388G9 controller [press release in English]. The company says it boosted image processing speeds and built-in video memory from 16Mbits to 32Mbits with the new controller.

Apart from displaying two different pieces of content on two different screens at the same time (the resolution is the highest “in the industry”, according to Sharp), the controller makes it possible to view pictures in full HD (1,920 x 1,080i at 60 Hz or 1,920 x 1,080p at 24 Hz) on externally connected TVs, projectors etc.

Sharp says samples are already available and cost $27 each. The company is expecting mass production (100,000 units per month) to begin in September this year.