Information Addicts

We tend to think of LCD TVs as fairly new technology, however manufactures are already working on the next big thing for TV screens, and that is OLED.

I first read about OLED technology over 2 years ago, and how it was going to be used in TV screens, now they are becoming a reality as Sony have released an 11 inch version and Samsung have developed a 31-inch ultra-thin organic screen which was shown at the CES 2008 show in Las Vegas.

What is OLED?
To be more exact manufacturer’s are working on AM-OLED (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode). This technology produces thinner, brighter screens, which have better contrast ratio - resulting in sharper pictures, and use less power. OLED screens are also much lighter than LCD screens. If you are interested in how they work click here for more info.

So why is it taking so long to bring out OLED TV screens? Its because they have a downside, and that is OLED panels don’t last as long as LCDs, just under three-and-a-half years’ continuous usage, compared to under six for LCD technology. That’s continuous use, not the much more occasional usage of the real world. They are also more complex and much more expensive to make.

What you may not know is that you have been using OLED technology for a few years in the form of mobile phones, cameras, video cameras and portable video players.
As I wrote earlier, in December Sony brought out an 11inch ultraslim screen that contains a display panel that’s just 3mm thick. That, along with a massive contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, are the big advantages to OLED technology. This screen costs around £850 ($1700).

Samsung showed off its Super Thin 31” OLED TV at the CES 2008 show (picture shown at the very top) and Toshiba pledges a 30in OLED TV will ship in 2009.

If like me, you have not long ago bought a new LCD TV then consider it old technology, but the great news is that you can now buy a bigger screen for a lot less lolly.

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This entry was posted on Monday, February 25th, 2008 at 7:09 am and is filed under Technology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.