South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co.

said Wednesday that it has developed a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen using an ordinary glass plate, raising hopes that it could significantly reduce overall production costs of flat panel products.

The Soda-Lime thin film transistor LCD screen boasts an SXGA-level resolution, 1000:1 contrast ratio, and other high-end flat panel features for vivid motion pictures, the company said.

Samsung explained that the new LCD is based on an ordinary glass plate, unlike existing panels. Ordinary glass has not previously been used in producing LCDs since the silicon in it melts at temperatures higher than 300 Celsius degrees causing adverse chemical reactions.

Samsung adopted a new LCD production method under which panels can be made using a temperature lower than 300 Celsius degrees, clearing the technological hurdle for the use of cheaper glass in churning out flat panel products, officials said.

Exerts forecast that the new production process will help the display-making giant to reduce overall production costs and stay ahead of ever-intensifying competition in the global flat panel market. kokobj@yna.co.kr (END)

SEOUL, Oct. 31 (Yonhap)