London's Cambridge Display Technology says it will unveil the world's first plastic TV display, which could eventually replace the standard TV screen and desktop computer monitor.

CDT, a privately held company in Cambridge, England, has developed something called light-emitting polymer technology, which it calls "plastic that glows." The company hopes that this thin, flexible technology will lead to the production of flat-panel display screens for use in cellular phones, laptop computers, consumer electronics, and ultimately as an alternative to the desktop cathode ray tube.

CDT wants to eventually produce television sets as thin as picture frames that can be hung on walls.

Last November, CDT announced that Intel had taken an undisclosed stake in the company, which sources said amounted to a $2 million investment. Yesterday, CDT said it would also reveal the identity of a Japanese partner as well. Industry sources said it was a large Japanese laptop computer screen maker.

"CDT and its Japanese partner will unveil the world's first plastic TV display on (today) Monday, and will set aggressive targets for commercializing the technology," it said in a statement.

(c) C|NET