Can a screen be as readable as a sheet of paper, while still being digital, remotely updatable, and operating with almost no power consumption? Yes – and that’s exactly what EPD technology offers, which is increasingly entering the world of modern visual communication.
For years, Unisystem has been developing a portfolio of information visualization solutions – including not only LCD and OLED displays but also EPDs. E-paper technology combines the traditional aesthetics of print with the functionality of digital screens, opening new possibilities in industries where readability, durability, and energy efficiency are key. Among the available solutions is a 28.5-inch color e-paper screen from Sharp, designed in A2 format – a format characteristic of classic posters. Thanks to this, it serves as a modern equivalent of a traditional poster, which can be updated with a single click.
What is EPD?
It can be said that EPD, or Electronic Paper Display, is the electronic equivalent of paper. E-paper is a reflective display that reflects ambient light – just like a traditional sheet of paper. They operate on the principle of electrophoresis: in microcapsules, pigment particles (white, black, or other colors) move under an electric field, creating an image. In this type of solution, energy is consumed only when the content changes – as a result, the image can remain on the screen for a long time without power.
Although the concept of e-paper was developed in the 1970s, the breakthrough came in the 1990s, when E Ink technology entered the market. Initially associated mainly with e-book readers, today it is used in many other fields – from retail (price tags), through medicine (drug labeling), to transport (timetables). With the advancement of EPD technology, it is increasingly used in digital signage solutions, serving as a modern medium for information display.
Advantages and Disadvantages of EPD Displays
Like any display technology, EPD has its strengths and weaknesses.
One of its significant advantages is minimal energy consumption – power is drawn only when the content on the screen changes. Thanks to this feature, devices equipped with e-paper displays can operate for many months, or even years, on a single set of batteries.
A feature that can be considered both an advantage and a disadvantage is the readability of the displayed content. Unlike LCDs, EPD displays have no backlight – the screen does not emit light but reflects it from the surroundings, similar to a sheet of paper. The lack of backlighting makes EPD screens human-friendly – they do not emit blue light and do not cause eye strain even during long use – but on the other hand, it means that the content becomes invisible without an external light source. This issue can be easily solved by using a front light – a gentle, directional illumination that ensures screen readability without significantly increasing power consumption. Thanks to this, the solution remains energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Typical limitations of EPD technology include a longer refresh time, which makes e-paper unsuitable for displaying dynamic content. It works best for presenting static information – texts, graphics, or numerical data. It is also worth mentioning the narrower color palette. Although color versions of EPD displays are available, in terms of saturation and contrast, they do not match LCD or OLED solutions.
Some might also consider the limited operating temperature range – usually between -15 and 65 °C – as a drawback. In some applications, it may be necessary to use temperature-regulating components such as heaters or fans, which can somewhat reduce the solution’s energy efficiency. It is worth emphasizing that temperature control applies not only to the displays themselves – this parameter is equally important for other components, as it affects the overall reliability of the system.
A2 Format from Sharp
Today, companies are seeking solutions that enable remote content updates while reducing costs and environmental impact. These needs are addressed by Sharp’s 28.5-inch LP285A6NW01 display. The device offers a resolution of 2160 × 3060 px and uses E Ink Spectra 6 technology, allowing images to be presented in six colors: black, white, red, green, blue, and yellow.
The partial refresh function enables changing selected elements – such as hours, prices, or messages – without reloading the entire screen. Full refresh takes only 15–20 seconds, which is an excellent result for a color e-paper display of this size.
The table below presents the key parameters of the LP285A6NW01 model.
| Parameter | LP285A6NW01 |
| Size | 28.5″ (A2) |
| Resolution | 2160 × 3060 px |
| Active Area | 418,0 × 592,2 mm |
| Outline dimensions | 424,0 × 652,6 × 0,85 mm |
| Contrast | 20:1 |
| Coating | Anti-Glare |
| Touch panel | None |
| Interfaces | mini-LVDS |
| Operating temperature | 0 ~ 50 °C |
It can be expected that such solutions will increasingly be used in various digital signage applications, gradually replacing traditional information media.
Tailor-Made Solutions
For years, Unisystem has specialized in customized projects developed by the Solution team. These are experts who design complete devices based on displays – integrating electronics, mechanics, and software. The process includes the entire cycle – from concept and design to prototype, testing, and production implementation.
Thanks to this, it is possible to create tailor-made solutions, including those based on EPD technology – for both indoor and outdoor applications. Combined with the expertise of the Solution Department, e-paper technology can become the foundation of modern, sustainable visual communication systems, where the only limit is the designer’s imagination.
Jacek Marcinkowski | Unisystem
Head of Solution Department
