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January 6, 2008 4:15 PM PST

Sony to introduce first OLED TV in U.S.

Posted by David Katzmaier

Sony's XEL-1 is the first OLED TV to be available in the U.S.

(Credit: Sony)

Although Sony introduced its 11-inch OLED HDTV in Japan already, the company's big splash announcement at the 2008 CES is that the model, dubbed XEL-1, is now available stateside, for the cool price of $2,500. While the relatively tiny, exorbitantly expensive HDTV itself won't attract many buyers, it represents an important milestone by shepherding in the latest flat-panel TV technology, which may eventually replace plasma and traditional LCD.

The XEL-1 measures 3mm thick.

(Credit: Sony)
OLED, short for Organic Light Emitting Diode, promises better picture quality, smaller size (the XEL-1 measures just 3mm thick) and more efficient operation. Sony claims a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, indicating deep black levels. Since OLED can turn the light emitted from the diodes on and off quickly, Sony also claims rapid response times for "smooth, natural reproduction of fast-moving content."

The XEL-1 is supposedly 40 percent more efficient than traditional LCD panels in terms of power consumption, and unlike other LCDs, its manufacturing process doesn't require the use of harmful mercury.

Topics:

ces - Televisions

Tags:

HDTV,

OLED,

Sony

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Add a Comment (Log in or register) 37 comments (Page 1 of 4)
by madferunited January 7, 2008 4:00 AM PST
great product!
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by shjarrett January 7, 2008 10:00 AM PST
Do you really need a contrast ratio of 1,000,000 to 1? Where's HDTV in 3D? I'd rather have that.
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by davix123 January 7, 2008 10:24 AM PST
To expensive, i want a "Laser TV"
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by prusikss January 7, 2008 10:50 AM PST
This is just the beginning of an incredible new technology. Watch OLED!
Reply to this comment
by GhostBirdofPrey January 8, 2008 1:23 PM PST
Whats the point of having a 3mm thick screen just to put the control electronics in a bulky box below it?

Hopefully when it comes out those will be thinner too
Reply to this comment
by soupgfx January 8, 2008 4:35 PM PST
I was hoping to see contrast levels at 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 to 1, the screen to be .5 mm thick, use no power and allow me to enter the screen and play with mickey mouse and goofy. Geezz... i don't think technology is there yet. I guess I'm just going to have to wait another year or two.
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by ppollack January 8, 2008 5:04 PM PST
Have people forgotton that Your monitor is all ready HD? I'm with the guy who wants 3D it has been sitting on the shelf for the last fifteen Years. I guess they have to milk HD for all the money they can get from that first.
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by Mike MacFarlane January 8, 2008 5:28 PM PST
like he said i want one.. but 58".. then ill pay 2,500 or 3,000.. that contrast must be amazing.. by DLP is 13,000 : 1 and i think thats good.. maybe they will make these with a high res then my currect tv.. like 1840P or something like that.
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by geckopsych January 8, 2008 5:40 PM PST
Last I read, OLED screens only lasted a few months! Have they fixed that?
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by kooza67 January 8, 2008 5:58 PM PST
When will they stop trying to milk us out of every penny!!!!!!!! OLED 1,000,000 to who cares? 1080p is all I need/want. thanks but know thanks.
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