Philips Research is showcasing an ultra-thin LCD TV that's only 8mm in depth using a revolutionary backlight technology at the IFA trade fair in Berlin. Essence is a prototype that's recognized as Philips Research's thinnest LCD TV to date. According to source, the TV's aim is to tap into people's desires, if there are any, to hang their TV sets on walls "just as they would do with a painting."

In order to achieve the thickness Philips Research was aiming for, the light guide plate had to be reduced from the usual 25mm to just 1mm in thickness. And, since the light guide plate is the thickest part of an LCD TV, the significant reduction in depth meant the TV's size could also be reduced. This light guide is illuminated from top to bottom with energy-efficient and high power LED lights. The latest development in the technology was employed on the Essence TV, a 42-inch LCD that's 38mm thick.