Even though OLED and LED share similar names, they differ in some very important ways. OLED is a spanking new technology that allows for super thin and vivid TV screens with superb response times. We take an in-depth look at what the future holds for the humble TV.
So what’s the difference between OLED and LED?
OLED stands for Organic Light-Emitting Diode; ‘Organic’ referring to the carbon film situated between two conductors. Cells in an LCD display require an external light source for brightness. OLED panels emit their own light when an electric current is passed through them. In an OLED TV, this translates into superbly vivid colours with outstanding black levels.
What other benefits come with OLED?
Having seen it ourselves in the form of the LG 55EA980W and 55EA880W, we can vouch for the lightning-quick responsiveness of the panel. This is great news as OLED can give the same kind of response times only Plasma has previously offered. In addition to this, light output is controlled in each pixel so very localised dimming is possible, creating inky-blacks and vivid whites.
A particularly interesting feature of both of these models is the addition of a white sub-pixel as well as the usual red, green and blue, lending these models an exceptional degree of colour stability. As you’d expect, both TVs are bang up to date in terms of the latest smart features, such as BBC iPlayer, YouTube and a full internet browser. They also benefit from the awe-inspiring LG Cinema 3D system; giving an exciting extra dimension to some of the most recent movies and games.
How slim are OLED TVs?
Astonishingly, OLED screens also pull off the feat of being only a few millimetres in depth, so they are also much lighter than standard TVs. That slimness is down to sub-pixels that self-illuminate, removing the need for back-lighting of any kind. This in turn leads to super-wide viewing angles, as each pixel emits the light directly. This also helps give these TVs amazing contrast levels.
Where can I see one?
Just pop into one of our stores! As mentioned, we are proud stockists of the LG 55EA980W and 55EA880W; just give us a quick call to check availability. Both of these TVs offer truly stunning picture quality at the most competitive of prices. Alternatively, VIP members can book a demo with us, any time between 8am and 8pm. Along with our fantastic range of 4K Ultra HD TVs, we promise to have your eyes popping out of your head in no time!
So what’s next?
The invention of OLED is a significant advancement in home viewing. Combining OLED’s unbelievable picture quality with 4K Ultra HD technology will produce an image more life-like than previously imaginable. LG have recently announced their 4K Ultra HD OLED TV, the 77EC980V, will be available later this year. This TV was recently awarded the prestigious Best of Innovations at CES 2014 and we are certain it will be as good as initial reports suggest. Could this be the standard other TVs will be compared to for years to come? Only time will tell…
I wonder if the curved screen will take off. Will people enjoy it in the living room? If coupled with a sound bar, people can have their very own Imax.