| Now that high definition (HD) technology has caught | | | | which allows for smoother reproduction of fast |
| on like wildfire, experts and manufacturers are | | | | moving images like those found in sports and action |
| constantly whispering about innovations that will | | | | movies. Along with superior color reproduction, the |
| make televisions even bigger, brighter and clearer. | | | | OLED technology has incredibly high contrast and |
| Oddly enough, amidst all the hype and speculation, an | | | | brightness. Sony boasts that their XEL-1 can achieve |
| innovative new HDTV - one with superior picture and | | | | a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 (meaning the brightest |
| an ultra-slim design - has hit the market to little | | | | white on the screen is a million times brighter than |
| fanfare. | | | | the darkest black on the screen). Another major |
| The Sony OLED TV is currently available at sonystyle | | | | benefit of OLED technology is its Energy Efficiency. |
| stores across the country. Sony's claims its OLED | | | | Because there is no back lighting, Sony reports OLED |
| TV, the XEL-1, is "the next big thing in television | | | | panels are up to 40 percent more efficient per panel |
| technology". It measures only 3 millimeters thick (just | | | | inch than a traditional LCD TV. |
| slightly thicker than Apple's ultrathin MacBook Air) and | | | | So, with all the benefits of this "revolutionary" |
| it boasts blazing fast response times, outstanding | | | | technology, why aren't everyday people rushing out |
| contrast and color reproduction, high brightness, wide | | | | to buy Sony's new TV? For starters, the only OLED |
| viewing angles and increased energy efficiency. Sony | | | | television Sony currently has available is an 11-inch set |
| has invested more than $78 million in OLED, and | | | | that costs $2,500. In an effort to stake claim to the |
| believes the new technology will eventually replace | | | | new technology, Sony decided to release the XEL-1 |
| plasma and liquid crystal display (LCD) as the | | | | while the technology is still being developed. Most |
| dominant TV technology. | | | | other companies (including Samsung, Sharp and |
| So, just what exactly is OLED and how is it different | | | | Toshiba) see the technology as too early in |
| than plasma or LCD? Though the technology is a little | | | | development for the market, and they don't predict |
| bit, well, technical, here are the basics: The "O" in | | | | it will be practical or affordable for at least another 3 |
| OLED refers to "organic", as in organic material | | | | to 5 years. |
| (carbon compounds produced by living things, like | | | | And history may support their reasoning. |
| plants). The "LED" stands for "Light Emitting Diode" | | | | Manufacturers began toying with LCD technology in |
| and describes the process of converting electric | | | | the 1970s but LCD TVs didn't reach consumers until |
| energy into light. By sandwiching a layer of this | | | | this decade. In fact, LCD is still developing. Several |
| organic material between two conductors (an anode | | | | companies (like Sharp) are putting OLED on the |
| and a cathode), and running an electric current | | | | backburner while they continue to find ways to |
| through it, a bright light is produced that illuminates | | | | streamline LCD TVs - raising the picture quality and |
| the screen. The major difference between OLED and | | | | reducing the size and weight. Still, Sony is confident in |
| plasma or LCD is that, because organic material emits | | | | its decision to release the innovative TV. While they |
| the light, no back lighting is required. | | | | continue to work on making screen sizes larger and |
| Since the majority of a television's bulk and weight | | | | knock down costs, they hope the XEL-1 will start to |
| come from components to produce backlight, OLED | | | | familiarize people with the new technology and |
| TVs can be made incredibly slim and lightweight. The | | | | permanently associate it with the Sony name. |
| TVs also process much faster than LCD or plasma, | | | | |