There has been an awful lot of noise within the TV manufacturing industry about the rise of OLED televisions over the last few years. Recently, this entered the public the domain as companies start to launch the technology. But is it really worth all the attention, how does it work, and what will it cost?

Before discussing how effective OLED televisions are, it is best to understand the new tech. Essentially, it is not so much an evolution in existing technology; that was very much the case with LEDs coming out of LCDs, but more a whole new ball game. The light emitted is not as a result of lights behind the screen, but comes from an organic process in the layers that makes up the screen itself.

This allows far richer and deeper colors to be produced. Indicative of this is the reproduction of “true” black; essentially the same black seen in nature. This is fundamental to the industry, as the quality of black produced defines the quality of the complete imagery.

This is just the start of where the next generation in TV comes in however. Because the screen itself produces the light, there is no need for separate technology to be built into the unit. Resultantly, a thinner screen is produced, whilst they can be manipulated into a host of different shapes.

The screens are also virtually indestructible, so could easily be turned to other uses such as; billboards that curve round corners or clam shell cell phones that are entirely made up of a touch-screen. This is for the future though; presently the major benefit is in TV screens that are up three millimetres in thickness!

However what the screen “lacks” in depth, it also certainly LACKS in size. Presently, the biggest screen made, (and shown to the public), is a rather small fifteen inches. However, despite this, resolution and contrast are amazing.

Then of course there is the issue with pricing. The biggest screen widely available is a mere eleven inches across the diagonal, and is priced at an eye watering two thousand five hundred dollars. Considering a nineteen inch LCD screen can be bought for little over a hundred and fifty bucks, highlights the challenge still faced in this area.

Another downside to an OLED televisions is the short life span which, will also be a concern; particularly when countered against the price, (though the unit themselves use much less power than LCDs and LEDs and so this counter balances this to some extent). Also at the moment availability is not widespread either.

It is still a relatively young technology though; with a lot of advancements yet to be made. The price will of course fall as demand picks up, the technology really becomes commercially viable and life span is improved.

In summary, the advantages of OLED televisions now and for the future will outweigh any disadvantages. They are the greener option; subsequently consuming fewer resources and the picture clarity is unparalleled.