OLED Display Technology

It's hard to believe that with the recent advent of LCD and Plasma displays that they could potentially become obsolete in the near future. These technologies are barely over a decade old, and are considered to be in their incubation stage so to speak. So what is pushing back this wonderful technology that we originally considered to be the wave of the future? LG's OLED technology is threatening to make the other two obsolete, for a variety of reasons.

Less than a centimeter thick, 50+ inch OLED models can be carried in one hand

First, let's consider one of the main benefits of the existing technology. LCD or liquid crystal display is the king of power saving. Especially when you consider the stingy amount of power the LED's consume you are looking at a great cost savings over the life of your television. Also, due to it's typical matte surface, LCD's are well suited for viewing in a den, or kitchen, or any other area with a lot of light, because there will be very little, if any glare at all. This is completely different from your typical plasma T.V. Also, although both, Plasma T.V.'s and L.C.D.'s are rated to last approximately 60,000 hours. Plasma T.V.'s can typically be hampered by plasma "burn-in". "Burn-in" occurs when when still images appear on the screen too long and remain there when the channel is changed. This is problematic, because without intervention, burn-in can last quite a while.

Next, consider some of the things that make the plasma TV one of the more exciting display options. First, plasma has the ability to render colors in one of the richest pallets known to humans. For instance, it is known to display some of the richest blacks which highlights scenes done in darkness, or the shadows. These T.V.'s are more suited for home theaters because of their reflective surface. However, even plasma T.V.'s are not the epitome of display development.


Enter the OLED, or organic light-emitting diode display. This new technology being unveiled in the U.S. this year (made debut at the Cannes Film Festival), is the crowning glory of all display technologies for a plethora of reasons. For the carbon footprint conscious, the OLED is the obvious choice at it uses less power than the plasma, LCD, or even LED versions. The technology itself is otherworldly. Layers thinner than paper are covered with organic molecules that give off light in a very predictable, consistent way when charged with electricity. As a result of that LG found a way to harness that technology to render beautiful displays. Imagine a T.V. that is so thin and flexible that it can literally be rolled up when you are finished watching it. Currently the price for a large sized model (55 inches and over) is $9,000 U.S. but as technology becomes mainstream this number is expected to decrease significantly.

A brand new innovation in displays

The most impressive thing about OLED technology is that LG wants to translate this into computer monitors that resemble place mats and mobile phones that make i-phones look like the first cellphones (brick models) ever made. The applications promise to be endless and we are possibly looking at the demise of two of the most newly introduced but highly regarded technologies conceived in recent years. If your budget allows it, the OLED's are a surefire way to dazzle your audiences and families, as well. They would undoubtedly make an outstanding addition to your home theater.