LGE Unveils a 55” 3D OLED TV During F1 Grand Prix in Monaco
Figure 1. 55” LG OLED TV
Source: LGE
LGE (LG Electronics) unveiled the first 3D OLED TV during the 2012 F1 Monaco Gran Prix on May 23rd. LGE PR calls the company’s OLED TV product “The Ultimate Display.” The 55EM9600, a 55” (139.7 cm) OLED TV is expected to be released in July of this year. The OLED TV with the WRGB OLED method (Figure 1) uses a color filter with four colors-Red, Blue, Green and White, instead of patterning Red, Blue and Green as implemented by Samsung. LGE also added that its Color Refinder process, which involves refining lights from pixels to realize wide viewing angle. Since the light emitting layers are not patterned there is no requirement for micro cavities, which might affect the viewing angle. The TV also uses IGZO as the active matrix material, which is the first time a TV or an OLED has adopted the new backplane technology. Previously, Sharp announced that they would be using IGZO in 9.7” panels for tablets.
Figure 2. RGB vs. WRGB Structure
Source: LGE
The TV demonstrates a precise color realization with superior image quality without any picture noise in an ultra slim & light physical design. The TV’s superior image quality and the physical features-4mm thick, 1mm thin bezel and only 10kg weight- provide advances over any conventional LED backlight driven LCD TV in the market. LGE uses a Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP)-high strength and elastic material on the exterior of the TV in order to lower the weight to 10Kg.
Figure 3 shows that there are four HDMI inputs, three USB ports, an Ethernet jack and on-board Wi-Fi. In addition, Intel's Wireless Display (WiDi) allows wireless streaming of A/V signals from laptops, running Intel graphics chips to the panel. According to LGE, the 3D passive type shutter glasses will be provided with the 3D OLED TV.
Figure 3. External Media Ports.
Source: CNET Asia, OLED Association
Reports from the media were universally positive about the TV in terms of the form factor and the image. The only criticism was the high cost, but LG explains that the price will come with increased volume and manufacturing maturity. Despite the high cost, the reporters at the event praised LGE’s 3D OLED TV 55EM9600 as “It's a real treat for the eyes, with the display delivering vibrant, bold colors (by Tech Digest),” “displaying a scene without compromising the shadow detail around the church and bright lights (CNET Asia),” and “OLED will set new standards for contrast ratio, form factor, image brightness and light weight (HD GURU).” Just remember, if you think that 55EM9600 USD10,000 is a high initial price, a decade ago, a 42” PDP TV was introduced at USD25,000 and LCD TVs entered the consumer market at a high price range. High-end consumers will be able to have one of these attractive high-tech OLED TVs in their living rooms soon. LGE plans to accept pre-orders starting in July 2012. MSRPs are €9,000 and £7,300. And here is the YouTube video that shows LGE OLED TV PR event http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNflRGRlBsM
