CNET Asia
Consumer Electronics Show, 7 - 10 Jan, Las Vegas
Technology
of tomorrow, today

Manufacturing a challenge for OLED TVs

By Michael Kanellos, CNET.com
08/01/2008



LAS VEGAS--Why do the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) TVs from Sony measure only 11 inches across? Because large OLEDs are really tough to make.

While praising the OLED format during a press conference here with a few reporters at the Consumer Electronics Show, Sony executives acknowledged that producing large OLED screens in large quantities remains a work in progress. OLEDs now are mostly used in cell phones, which have small screens.

"The difficult challenge with the larger screen sizes is improving the yields. There are a lot of complications, many more than with LCD," said Katsumi Ihara, executive deputy president and head of Sony's Consumer Products Group. "The yields tend to be low. That is the biggest challenge."

The company declined to provide dates for when it might provide larger versions of the TV for sale. Sony is showing off a 25-inch diameter OLED prototype at the show this year, but it's the same size as a prototype the company showed last year. (We questioned whether yields were an issue in a post on Sunday, and here's your answer.)

Ihara added that Sony may seek collaborators in expanding OLED. Sony and Samsung have a joint venture in LCD TVs, and Sony worked with Toshiba and IBM to develop the Cell processor.

"It is too early to tell, but it is probably one of the options that we will have to consider," he said.

Despite the difficulties, Sony wanted to be first in OLED TVs, added Sir Howard Stringer, Sony's CEO. Sony was late to LCD, he said, and was subsequently forced to catch up.

"I was amused to see analysts say it is not good to be first and that it is better to be last," Stringer said.
 
« Back to CES
 Print    Email     Bookmark     Share
advertisement

Photo Galleries

Trolling the CES booths Reporter Michael Kanellos takes a walk around the exhibit halls at CES 2008 in Las Vegas.
 
More CES 2008 product watch Some really cool flat panels plus a few oddball tech gizmos caught our eye on the second day of CES 2008, although we had to wear out plenty of carpet trudging through the various convention halls.
 
Gadgets galore at CES 2008 From a sub-1-inch-thick LCD TV to a massive 150-inch plasma panel, visitors to this year's Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas were treated to some of the best and latest tech offerings in the industry. Check them out here.
 
A Pleo sighting at CES Ugobe's animatronic robot makes an appearance--and a party foul--at CES.
 
CES 2008 hits a high note With crowds reaching epic proportions, CES rocked a decidedly lively vibe on Tuesday morning.
 
Day one at CES 2008 A slew of celebrity sightings, plus some over-the-top tech, caught our eye on day one of CES 2008.
 
CES Unveiled: Vegas' opening night The CES has officially kicked off with CES Unveiled and Crave was there, braving the enormous queue and assembled throng, and elbowing our way to the front of each stand.
 
Gates' last call at CES? Microsoft's chairman gives what is likely his last keynote address at CES. He measures humor with a serious look at the future.
 
Setting up CES 2008 It takes an army to set up the biggest trade show in the US. See what the show looks like as the CES elves ready the show floor for the big opening.
 
 

Keeping warm and informed the USB way

During a recent trip to India, I learnt that the USB port has become indispensable to this traveling techie. As long as your device allows charging via USB, keeping warmed and informed is easily accom...