Sony launches OLED Television
Sony revealed the first organic light emitting diode (OLED) television this Monday, just before the start of the CEATEC show this week. The OLED TVs slim, 3mm thickness is possible because the television does not require a backlight – OLED materials emit light on their own when electric current is applied to them because they are carbon-based. This top-end television has an 11-inch OLED screen.
Though the screen is smaller than many of the high-end televisions being sold today, the OLED television, which is being called the Sony XEL-1, will accept up to a 1080p video image. The screen resolution however is just 960 x 540.
It’s being reported that other television manufacturers are working on their own OLED technologies but this early announcement does make Sony the one to beat in the next-generation television race. Manufacturers are realizing that OLEDs offer key advantages to current LCD and plasma technologies – faster response time, better color and wider viewing angles to name a few. They also have the great energy efficiency and long-lasting benefits one would expect from an LED light source. Sony estimates that the XEL-1 has a viewing life of 30,000 hours or roughly 8 hours of TV each day for 10 years.
If you are hoping to run out and get one, however, you may have a while to wait. Currently, Sony only plans to sell the TV in Japan. The OLED TV will go on sale in Japan on December 1 at a cost of roughly $1,740.50US.
You can read more about this at PC World.
