Let the (OLED TV) battle commence

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.

Satellite news, am I going to lose out?

We have recently found out that the new satellite commissioned to carry the BBC, ITV, Ch4 and Ch5 signals has been fitted with a UK Spotbeam. 

So what does this mean exactly? Well let’s not get too technical here and keep it to the points you need and want to know.

So why are they changing satellites? Like any technology satellites have a shelf life and the current satellite was due to be decommissioned early next year.

What is a spot beam? Much like a spot light in a theatre, a satellites spot beam will highlight only one area of the “stage” and not flood the whole area.

Predicted UK Spotbeam footprint

 What will happen to my TV channels? That´s the million € question really. Until the satellite is in place and transmitting no one can be a 100% sure. For UK residents the transition should be seamless and will not notice the changeover. However for people living outside the UK the signal may be weakened or lost altogether. Viewing some channels (BBC ect) may no longer be possible. 

Why are they moving to a spot beam? Well to be honest its pure speculation on our part, as you can image there is no official word as officially UK TV is not available outside the British Isles.

Firstly there are broadcasting rights, copyrights and territories. Program are produced and are paid to be shown in certain territories. They are unhappy that people are getting to view their hard work for free.

Also, as we all know in the UK we pay the licence fee for BBC TV and radio programmes to be made and broadcast. People outside the UK are not liable to pay the licence fee, which when you times the £145.50 fee by these people works out to be a pretty penny.

When is this going to happen? No fixed date has been given, but the satellite is already in the air and over the next week will be slowly moving into position. Then it will be broadcasting test transmissions for a short while before the switch over.

What next? Future Lifestyle with our team of satellite engineers will be carrying out signal tests once the satellite is in position to see the effect of the signal. We will report back our findings and post them on our Facebook page and blog. 

What are the alternatives?  With the growth of online content and internet enabled devices such as TV´s, games consoles and media centres, IPTV is going to become best way to receive English speaking entertainment.

At Future Lifestyle we have been great champions of IPTV and online content in general. You become the chief executive of your own TV station, watching the programs or movies when and where you want. One thing that has plagued the residents of Marbella is low internet speeds, however that could be about to change (read our fibre optic rumour blog).

We are always looking forwards so that we can bring our clients the latest home technology solutions. From the latest flat screen TV´s to complete home automation systems we can help you every step of the way.

Have a look at the services we offer on our website and “like” our Facebook page to keep up to date with all our latest news and offers.

LCD clearout!!

To continue the Future Lifestyle great autumn clear out, we are now offering some great prices on LCD TV´s that we have in stock.


We are pretty much giving these away and only have a few of these left, so don´t delay! Call a member of the sales team on +34 902 107 227 or email them on sales@futurelifestyle.es to check availability today







 



LG 32CS460 32-inch Widescreen HD Ready LCD TV

•    LG 32" HD Ready LCD TV
•    Built-in TDT
•    2x HDMI ports for a high definition experience with BluRay or your games console
•    USB port for further connectivity options and DIVX HD Playback
•    Perfect for general viewing

Just €299!!!

LG 42CS460 42-inch Widescreen Full HD 1080p LCD TV

•    Full HD (1080p)
•    Resolution 1920 x 1080
•    Motion Clarity Index
•    50Hz

Only €429!!!


 



We will even deliver your new screen to your door Free of Charge (within the Marbella area only)...






For other great offers or if you are thinking of a new home entertainment system and would like some advice, contact Future Lifestyle to see what we can do for you.