This paper aims to highlight some recent innovations in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) specifically where significant technological steps are being made in what is often considered as a mature display technology. Whilst this paper is set in the context of a series of organic electroluminescence (OEL) papers, the main intention is describing relevant technological detail pertinent to OEL display development rather than making LC–OEL display performance comparisons. Both mobile and large-area displays are considered.