| Laser TV - What Is It? | | | | - Wider range of colors displayed (roughly doubling |
| There is much hype around this type of TV, yet the | | | | standard HDTV's) |
| technology has been around for a number of years. | | | | - The intensity of the laser is maintained for the |
| The term Laser TV refers to the principle of literally | | | | lifespan of the TV, meaning a high |
| firing a laser onto the inside of a TV screen in order | | | | quality image is maintained throughout the life of |
| to produce an excellent quality image. This process is | | | | the TV, unlike current HDTV |
| more efficient in producing an image compared to our | | | | technology |
| current plasma and LCD TVs. When you consider the | | | | - Laser TVs utilize roughly a quarter of power used |
| range of colors that are visible to the a human eye | | | | by current TV technology |
| (known as color gamut), plasma and LCD can only | | | | - Laser TVs tend to be half the weight of current |
| manage to produce 40% of these colors, whereas | | | | HDTV's |
| laser TV technology can produce an excellent 90%. | | | | - First TV commercially available in 65 and 73 inch |
| The Technology Behind Laser TV | | | | versions |
| Lets take a simple look at the principle behind the | | | | OLED TV:- Excellent image quality at 1000000:1 |
| technology, to truly understand how it works. | | | | contrast ratio |
| Current TV technology produces red, green and blue | | | | - Better image quality means wider viewing angle of |
| light (RGB). In principle it is possible to combine these | | | | 180 degrees |
| three colors to produce a complete full range of | | | | - Ultra thin screens measuring 3mm thin |
| visible colors, however in reality, visual displays are | | | | - Power consumption is less that current technology |
| only capable of displaying a limited range of these | | | | since no backlight is required |
| colors. However, in a Laser TV, three distinct | | | | - First TV commercially available in 11inchs |
| wavelengths are used, these are simply light beams | | | | |
| which project accurately and brightly onto the | | | | So What Are The Disadvantages? |
| screen, producing brilliant blacks. | | | | There always seems to be a worry around any laser |
| The whole technology is based around the principle | | | | technology, scare mongers will raise issues around |
| of projection, with this in mind Laser TVs are a | | | | potential eye damage from a laser should a Laser TV |
| perfect improvement on our current rear projection | | | | become damaged. These concerns are yet to be |
| TVs, these are TVs whose images are projected | | | | proven. However it is suggested that special filters |
| from the rear of the TV on to the back of the | | | | can be fitted within the TV to remove this potential |
| screen. A typical rear projection display tends to | | | | fret. |
| measure from 50 inchs to 100 inches and are | | | | Another concern is the speckle effect. Laser TV |
| regularly used in public spaces. It is the ultra High | | | | technology can produce an effect on the human eye |
| Performance Lamp (UHP) which is the basis for the | | | | which resembles speckling, this is caused by a |
| technology, however laser technology essentially | | | | number of waves joining together to produce a |
| replaces this and as a result very much suits the | | | | wave with varying intensity. This issue is being |
| larger screen size. | | | | addressed by manufacturers, expect this to be |
| What Laser TVs Are Available To Buy? | | | | overcome in near future. |
| Mitsubishi became the first manufacturer ever to | | | | Which Technology Wins? - Laser Or OLED |
| make a commercial Laser TV available to consumers | | | | Laser TVs are on sale now and available to all....well to |
| in stores in November 2008. Aptly named Laservue, | | | | most, if your bank balance can support it and your |
| this TV was priced at around $7,000. A little pricey | | | | home is large enough. If this suits your circumstance |
| for today's market. The Laservue is available in 65 | | | | then laser TV is a possibility for you at this time. |
| inch or 73 inch versions and is also 3D ready and as | | | | OLED TV is cheaper by comparison, but not at the |
| you would expect these days it is perfect for wall | | | | prices the average consumer would be happy with |
| mounting. | | | | and screen sizes do not reflect what we have |
| Rumors of Toshiba entering the market are | | | | become used to for our homes. |
| spreading rapidly. Whether many other manufacturers | | | | As yet, laser technology has a way to develop, as |
| wish to enter the race remains to be seen. | | | | more manufacturers take up the challenge. Prices |
| LASER TV vs. OLED - How They Stack Up? | | | | should decrease and so will screen sizes. Likewise |
| To be honest, as the two technologies stand at the | | | | OLED screen sizes are set to increase. There does |
| moment, Laser TV is suited to one end of the TV | | | | seem to be more of a buzz and excitement in the |
| market and OLED the other. Laser TV technology | | | | industry around OLED. Image wise these two |
| currently suits the large display market and at | | | | technologies are truly head and shoulders above the |
| present OLED technology suits the smaller display | | | | rest and once these TVs truly develop and become |
| market, of course this will change as both develop | | | | TVs we can afford and want in our homes then |
| over time. The two technologies are not yet going | | | | there could be more of a head to head battle. |
| head to head in the TV market. | | | | Which technology is better you ask? Considering all |
| Take a look at the features of each: | | | | other factors, at this stage, it is just too early to |
| LASER TV: | | | | tell. |