Before discussing how effective OLED televisions are, it is best to understand the new tech. Essentially, it is not so much an evolution in existing technology; that was very much the case with LEDs coming out of LCDs, but more a whole new ball game. The light emitted is not as a result of lights behind the screen, but comes from an organic process in the layers that makes up the screen itself.
The advantages from this point are immense. Most notable of all, (for the industry certainly), is that it finally delivers a “true” black color. That is to say that the black produced through the screen is as close to that seen in nature than anything that has gone before it. This means that all other colors have greater clarity and realism too.
The advantages do not stop there however. Because of the use of these organic compound layers that create light, OLED televisions screen can be immensely thin. They can be so thin in fact, that the screen itself can be bent and manipulated in almost an infinite number of ways.
This also allows the screen to be extremely resistant to damage and scratching; ideal for televisions and many other applications such as advertising boards, cell phones and a new concept in interactive printed media. The screens are also extremely thin, the thinnest out there reputed to be just three millimetres in depth.
It is in the lack of screen size where OLED televisions are yet to make a huge impression though; with the biggest being limited to just fifteen inches on the diagonal. Whilst this is small in comparison to existing LED and LCD screens, the resolution is not diminished and the picture quality is the best you can get. Being so svelte too; they are beautiful things to behold.
Then of course there is the issue with pricing. The biggest screen widely available is a mere eleven inches across the diagonal, and is priced at an eye watering two thousand five hundred dollars. Considering a nineteen inch LCD screen can be bought for little over a hundred and fifty bucks, highlights the challenge still faced in this area.
Another downside to an OLED televisions is the short life span which, will also be a concern; particularly when countered against the price, (though the unit themselves use much less power than LCDs and LEDs and so this counter balances this to some extent). Also at the moment availability is not widespread either.
Being such a recent release to the market, perhaps these shortcomings are to be expected. We know from experience in the plasma vs. LCD war that prices are forced down by competition, demand, knowledge and viability. The three leading names in television technology are now running with this new stream, so it will be quite a rapid succession; it can be confidently predicted.
In summary, the advantages of OLED televisions now and for the future will outweigh any disadvantages. They are the greener option; subsequently consuming fewer resources and the picture clarity is unparalleled.
