What is OLED TV? - Amazon.com
What is OLED TV?
If you've been shopping for a television and are wondering just what OLED is, we've got you covered. OLED ("organic light-emitting diodes") is a new technology that allows TV manufacturers to create extremely thin screens that excel at displaying both vibrant colors and deep blacks. This technology is already available on many smartphones, tablets, and digital cameras under the term AMOLED (“active-matrix organic light-emitting diodes”).
Now, OLED screens are ready to work on the larger surface of big-screen TVs providing the best picture quality yet in an even slimmer profile.
What is OLED?
The small cells in OLED screen technology are made of organic compounds that generate their own light with the introduction of electricity. This structure is in direct contrast with LCDs and LEDs, which rely upon a separate lighting source to illuminate pixels on the screen. With OLED panels, each pixel may be turned on or off individually, allowing for greater control over picture contrast.
Deeper Blacks, Brighter Whites
OLED technology is what makes the blacks on these screens look deeper. Prior TV technology, which requires extra lighting to illuminate the individual pixels, can end up washing out the darker pixels. This extra lighting is commonly referred to as backlighting or side lighting. With OLED, the pixels generate their own light, no longer needing these extra lights that wash out colors. The resulting OLED color saturation is brighter, more enhanced, and has a wider range that provides greater contrast between the deepest blacks and brightest whites.
Thin Profiles
OLED screens can be as thin as a pencil. LCD backlighting requires the use of multiple layers, but these are no longer necessary with OLED technology, allowing for lighter and thinner TV panels. As the technology advances, you'll eventually see OLED TVs on flexible surfaces that can be rolled up or so thin as to be invisible when not in use.
Optimal Viewing Experience
OLED screens also have better viewing angles and none of the motion blur usually associated with other flat screen technologies. OLEDs emit their own light rather than rely on back or side lights. Each pixel is lit independently, creating wider viewing angles and virtually no color distortion from one viewing angle to another. OLED TVs provide near perfect viewing angles for a more immersive experience.
Motion Blur
The OLED response rate is 1,000 times faster than that of other flat screen technologies. Quicker response rates allow for virtually no blur during fast moving scenes, making motion blur a thing of the past. OLED is great for watching action films and sports, or gaming.
Increased Energy Efficiency
OLED sets don't rely on backlights or sidelights to illuminate the screen constantly. Instead, each small cell on the screen illuminates as needed, generally decreasing overall power consumption when you're watching television shows or movies.
Downsides of OLED TVs
OLED TVs are far from perfect. The lifetime use of OLED screens is generally less than that of LEDs, depending on your daily hourly usage and how you use the TV. As with any new-to-market technology, the manufacturing process is expensive, causing the price point for these new sets to be significantly higher than current high-end HDTVs on the market.
Is an OLED TV Right for You?
OLEDs outshine HDTVs that rely on other technologies. Gamers, sports fans, and film buffs in particular will enjoy the quality of an OLED picture and the lack of blur on high-motion footage.
If you are looking for an HDTV that is both affordable and provides a great picture, current LED or plasma sets still provide outstanding performance. But if you want to enjoy the cutting edge of television technology, you may want to consider an OLED TV.
LG and Samsung have introduced OLED TVs into the market, and other manufacturers may release their own models soon. These TVs offer different features, such as curved screens, full HD, built-in Wi-Fi, smart capabilities, and 3D technology. Make sure the OLED TV you choose has all the extras you need to accommodate your home entertainment system.
