Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screens are considered the best. But, with such high prices, is it really worth buying an OLED TV?OLED televisions can offer dazzling and bright images with fluid movements, deep blacks and vivid colors while being thinner than LED-backlit LCD televisions.
OLED TV | Differences between OLED and LCD
Many of the major TV brands are developing OLED devices, including LG, Panasonic and Sony, and prices are becoming much cheaper. LG is the most prolific in this sector, the South Korean brand releases around five ranges every year. Sony and Panasonic do not release as many, but as the displays become cheaper we expect to see more and more of them.
Even the smallest brands are coming into action: Philips and Hisense both make OLED TVs. Samsung seems firmly convinced that its Quantum Dot technology will offer the best possible image quality, as it is now the only major TV manufacturer without an OLED TV.
What is OLED TV?
OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode (organic light-emitting diodes – OLED). OLED is growth in LCD technology that uses organic compounds formed by pixels to create images, without the need for additional backlighting.
As a result, OLED technology allows you to use very thin screens which are also much thinner than traditional LCD and plasma screens. OLED is also referred to as organic electro-luminescence.
OLED versus LCD
OLED is similar to the LCD display in that the OLED panels can be arranged in very thin layers, allowing for a slim TV frame design and efficient energy consumption. Furthermore, just like LCD, OLED is subject to the defect of dead pixels.
On the other hand, although OLED televisions can display very colorful images and weakness of OLED compared to LCD is the emission of light. By manipulating the backlight system, LCD televisions can be designed to emit more than 30% more light than brighter OLED televisions.
This means that LCD televisions offer better performance in bright environments, while OLED televisions are more suitable for poorly lit or light controllable environments.
OLED against plasma
OLED is similar to plasma in that the pixels self-illuminate. In addition, just like plasma, deep black levels can be produced. However, like plasma, OLED is subject to burn-in.
OLED Vs. LCD and Plasma
In addition, at present, OLED displays have a shorter lifespan than LCD or plasma displays, with the blue part of the color spectrum most at risk. Also, switching to crisp, large OLED TVs has a higher cost than LCD or plasma TVs.
On the other hand, OLED televisions show the best screen images seen so far. The color is exceptional and, since the pixels can be activated and deactivated individually, OLED is the only TV technology capable of displaying absolute black.
Furthermore, since OLED TV panels can be made so thin, they can also be folded, this explains the new technology of curved screen televisions (Note: some LCD televisions have also been made with curved screens).
What’s so special about OLED TV?
OLED televisions have single organic cells behind the screen, which produce their own light source, unlike standard LED-backlit televisions.
This has numerous advantages in terms of image quality and design.
Deep blacks:OLED TVs are able to turn off individual LEDs when they display black, rather than simply directing light far away on that part of the screen, as LCD displays do, which means they can offer very deep blacks.
Smooth movement: the movement looks good on OLED TVs, almost without blurring, even with fast-moving actions.
Ultra-thin screen:without the need for backlighting, OLED screens can be even thinner than most smartphones. Some high-end OLEDs from LG, such as the OLED W, are half the thickness of an iPhone 7.
Viewing angle: the viewing angle on OLED TVs is exceptional. Even when you look at a wide-angle, the image tends to remain solid, with precise colors and good contrast.
Power Consumption:Although OLED TVs were initially thought to consume less energy than similar-sized LED-backlit LCD devices, our data suggest they use about the same.
Should I buy an OLED TV?
Unlike 4K and HDR, which should now be seen as a key requirement for your next major TV purchase, OLED is more of a luxury option.
You will pay more for this screen technology and you won’t be guaranteed a big purchase. But there is healthy competition in this market, with Panasonic, Sony, and Philips launching OLED TVs at prices similar to LG.
This OLED arms race is sure to see an increase in quality and a drop in prices over the next year, but if you’re willing to be careful when shopping, there are affordable, good-quality screens around.