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Alright, I finally gave up on finding a quieter time to visit Sony’s new 27-inch OLED display, and instead clawed my way to the front of the crowd perpetually clustering around it to get a glimpse. It’s big, it’s bright, and it’s thin, but I just don’t know if it’s really worthy of the commotion.
Compared to all the other refined plasmas and LCDs we’ve seen at this show, OLED pictures just don’t leap off the screen as much as you might expect. They're dazzling, yes, but I’m tempted to say that the margin of superiority they once maintained is closing. Pioneer has already made a plasma that’s thinner and far bigger, another model with an immeasurable contrast ratio, and Panasonic is tackling power consumption in its own ultra-thin models. Plus, lifespan on OLED displays remains a question mark, regardless of manufacturer reassurances. I came into this show expecting an OLED revolution, but I’ll leave with a fair dose of skepticism.
As for specs, it’s 10mm thick (hence Pioneer’s 9mm plasma being thinner), has a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, and uses Sony’s Super Top Emission technology, which supposedly imbues it with that impressive contrast ratio and a wide color gamut.
Personally, I can’t wait until we can see all these prototype technologies out for sale so we can compare them side by side. I have a feeling that the difference between OLED sets and other top-of-the-line models will be a lot closer than current hysteria might lead you to believe. The fun part will be seeing who makes it to market first!
Oh yea, make sure to check out the expression of the guy next to the display in the last photo...
Message Edited by ntmokey on 01-09-2008 08:25 PM
