Sony has unveiled the world's first OLED (organic light-emitting diode) television - pushing the limits of slim screen displays further than ever before.
The high-end Sony XEL-1 television features an 11in OLED screen that's just 3mm thick - significantly slimmer than a plasma or LCD panel as there's no need for a backlight. OLED materials are carbon based and emit light on their own when an electric current is applied.
Although the XEL-1 only has a resolution of 960x540 it will accept up to 1080p video images.
The screen's launch just before the CEATAC 2007 exhibition, gives Sony a head start on other competitors who have also been working with OLED technology. OLED screens offer advantages over typical flat screens including wider viewing angles, faster response times and better contrast and colours. The downside is that OLED is difficult to manufacturer and the materials degrade over time.
Sony's XEL-1 goes on sale in Japan on December 1st priced around £850 but with the company only making around 2,000 screens per month, there are no plans for the television to be sold outside of Japan.
Via
Macworld
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