Should you wait for an OLED TV?

The Next generation Flat screen TV's are soon to be released in Europe next year by Sony rumor has it. So is it worth the wait for a new OLED tv or should you pickup a cheap lcd tv instead to replace your old tv set?





OLED or Organic Light-Emitting Diode is the next big thing in the new generation of flat screen screens and television sets. OLED's are solid-state devices composed of thin films of organic molecules that create light with the application of electricity. OLEDs can provide brighter, crisper displays on electronic devices and use less power than conventional light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or liquid crystal displays (LCDs).

Currently there is a 3mm thick model that has been released in Japan late last year and America early this year as the OLED starts to make its entrance into the market.
Research firm DisplaySearch expects global OLED TV demand to grow 14-fold to 2.8 million units by 2012 from an estimated 200,000 units in 2009.

So why should you wait to get a OLED? and what is the benefit over existing LCD?

* The plastic, organic layers of an OLED are thinner, lighter and more flexible than the crystalline layers in an LED or LCD.

*Refresh rates of up to an incredible 1,000,000 - 1

* The substrate of an OLED can be flexible instead of rigid. OLED substrates can be plastic rather than the glass.

* OLEDs are brighter. Because the organic layers of an OLED are much thinner than the corresponding inorganic crystal layers of an LED, the conductive and emissive layers of an OLED can be multi-layered. OLEDs do not require glass, that can absorb some of the light.

* OLEDs do not require back lighting they generate light themselves. Because of this they consume much less power.

* OLEDs are easier to produce and can be made to larger sizes. Because OLEDs are essentially plastics, they can be made into large, thin sheets. It is much more difficult to grow and lay down so many liquid crystals.

* OLEDs have large fields of view, about 170 degrees, they produce their own light, so they have a much wider viewing range.



But there is always a downside, currently the problems OLED run into are:

*Cost, currently OLED are far more expensive that LCD (like any new technology though so this is expected)

*OLED are difficult to make to larger sizes on the same level as current LCD technology.

* It may be a while before we see 32' + size OLED as common place on the market due to its restraints in size manufacturing and costing.


So the question remains, should you wait? well its a personal preference. if your looking to replace a current decent LCD and want 26' and above, you may as well just purchase a decent LCD screen replacement. OLED will probably not be selling model of this size for a couple of years yet so it may be a good idea to stretch the life of your LCD out a little longer.

By holding on though and waiting for the OLED to release in larger sizes and fitting in to the market at 26' and above, it will be well worth the wait. The sheer contrast, weight, refresh rate alone on these screen are incredibly impressive and worth holding onto those dollars for a future purchase.