Japanese TV giants Sony and Panasonic team up for OLED TV fight as LG and Samsung get head start.
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The once arch rivals announced a deal, yesterday, which will see the joint development of next-gen OLED (organic light-emitting diode) panels, TVs and large-sized displays.
Sony and Panasonic will jointly develop next-generation OLED panels by 2013, integrating their core and printing technologies, suitable for low-cost mass production of high resolution OLED panels.
The synergy will “improve the overall efficiency of development” the makers said. However, they will still be selling their own separate sets so don’t be expecting a Pansony branded set anytime soon.
OLED is said to be the next big thing in TV technology, which analysts say is the “gamechanger” the TV desperately needs.
The next gen is said to cost around $10000, at present, so it is only natural TV makers are looking to lower costs in order bring them to Main Street.
Both Korean makers LG and Samsung, the biggest panel maker in the world, are currently developing uber thin OLED televisions that measure just 4mm (0.16″), (thinner than an iPad).
LG debuted its OLED wares at CES in January and is tipped to launch a 55″ model in Oz later this year. OLED uses missive organic material when supplied with an electrical current delivering a brighter screen with higher contrast, eliminating the need for back-lighting and using 20% less power than traditional LCDs.
Japanese maker Sony was the original pioneers of OLED, releasing an 11″ set in 2007, but has failed to continue momentum.
Sony peruses hybrid OLED technologies that combine deposition and printing methods, thin film transistor (TFT) drivers and flexible organic TFTs.
Panasonic, has already said that they are currently working on a new OLED TV with some speculating they may launch a model in time for Xmas 2012.
Panasonic is also a leader in OLED development, using the “all printing method”, among others which have the advantage of being competitive for producing large-sized screens at a lower cost.
Panasonic owns unique production and equipment technologies which enable the production of OLED panels through this method.
Sony and Panasonic plan to continue to study collaboration in the mass production of OLED panels and modules.
The TV fight now looks between the Japs and the Koreans, so interesting times in TV land ahead.
