LG has launched a 55in (140cm) OLED TV – so the
battle begins for the next-generation of high-quality screens.
OLED which means organic light-emitting diode is more energy efficient
than LCD (liquid crystal display) and plasma-based alternatives.
LG's model will go on sale in South Korea first with other markets, including
Europe, to follow later this year.
LG and Samsung announced they would be producing OLEDs last year, but its
LG that is first to the shops.
OLED screens were first showcased at last January's Consumer Electronics
Show (CES) in Las Vegas, but until now neither company had managed to get a
product to market.
The 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels) OLED television will sell for 11 million
won (€7,800). Analysts said the technology was unlikely to become more
affordable until at least 2015 - but that this latest release was more about
cementing LG's position as a market leader.
OLED screens have been touted as the successor to the popular liquid
crystal displays (LCD).
The technology allows for the display of darker and deeper blacks, and
can be made thinner than competing display methods.
Smaller OLED screens are already part of our everyday lives. Samsung
uses the technology in its smartphones, and Sony's PlayStation Vita handheld
console also utilises the thin, light technology.
The prediction of many is OLED screens will allow for the development of
a new generation of "bendy" gadgets, some of which we may even see
this year.
So what is 4K and do I need it?
Another technology, known as 4K, has also been given a lot of attention
from manufacturers.
Dubbed "Ultra HD", 4K offers 8 million pixels per frame - four
times the resolution of 1080p high-definition displays - making it particularly
well suited for extra large screens. 110in (279cm) models.
Existing 4K TV sets are LCD-based. But according to some purists, OLED
offers a richer quality display so might be the better option for 55in screens.
The CES show in Las Vegas will start shortly and this is where a lot of
the big boys set out their stool for the year. Unfortunately Future Lifestyle
are not attending this year (dam and blast!!....). But we will be bringing you the best
bits and the things that we believe will make it into our lives in the coming
years.
