But the laser and the light-emitting diode produced wonderfully disciplined light--meaning, it would go where and how you wanted it to.

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The pieces have an Egyptian look and mirrored sides that bounce light from a low-powered diode laser at one another and consequently knock each other out of the game.

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This year's contests include the largest-ever plasma screen (150 inches), the largest Organic Light-Emitting Diode TV (a new bright and energy-efficient screen), the first functioning laser television and the first TVs that receive high-quality wireless streaming from a high-definition signal.

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The second problem--getting the light in there--was solved by the invention and refinement of the lightemitting diode and the laser in the past 20 years.

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