LG to start curved OLED TVs selling in South Korea

April 30 – LG Electronics says it will begin deliveries of curved OLED television sets next month, making it the first to offer such a product to the public.

 

The use of organic light-emitting diodes allows screens to be made thinner and more flexible than before.

 

The 55in (140cm) model will cost 15m won ($13,550; £8,725) and is initially limited to sales in South Korea. (BBC)

 

One analyst said that being first to market gave LG "bragging rights", but suggested demand would be limited.

 

LG Electronics and its rival Samsung Electronics both showed off curved OLED TV prototypes at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January, but did not announce release dates at the time.

 

The two businesses are part of larger conglomerates that have separate divisions manufacturing their own television display panels. Many of their competitors buy in the components from third parties, making it harder for them to claim such an exclusive.

'Imax experience'

 

OLED tech is based on carbon-based materials that convert electricity into light.

 

While LCD screens need a backlight to illuminate their crystals, OLED does not need a separate light source.

 

This allows the newer type of TVs to be made thinner, lighter and more energy-efficient than before, as well as offering the advantage of deeper blacks.

 

In addition, the OLEDs can be fabricated onto a flexible plastic substrate rather than a rigid glass layer, making it easier to manufacture them into a curved screen.

 

This has allowed LG to market the new EA9800 model as being only 4.3mm (0.17in) thick, weighing 17kg (37.5lb) and offering an "Imax-cinema-like" viewing experience.