Sharp has unveiled the world's first monitor that can display separate images for two viewers depending on where they are sitting.

The new LCD screen has one view for a user sitting on the right and another for a user on the left. The technology allows one person to watch television, for example, while another used the internet. A picture of the monitor in action can be seen here.

"The LCD sends the light from the backlight into right and left directions making it possible to show different information and visual content on the same screen at the same time depending on the viewing angle," said a company spokesman.

"Controlling the viewing angle in this way allows the information or visual content to be tailored to multiple users viewing the same screen."

The technology was developed in a partnership between Sharp Europe and the company's Japanese offices. It will go into volume production next month and products will be available before Christmas.

The company also announced a way to restrict viewing angles on LCD screens using similar technology. This would allow a commuter, for example, to switch the laptop to a narrow viewing angle to prevent others from seeing the on-screen information.

LCD technology was initially held back because the user had to be directly in front of the monitor to see anything. Viewing angles have increased greatly, but this is the first technology that has been developed specifically to reduce visibility.

Source: vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2139850/sharp-builds-world-first-split