Whatever happens in Japan is usually replicated across the world a few years later, so while LG, Mitsubishi and co are busy readying OLED TVs, Sony’s pulling out of OLED production in Japan.
They’ll still continue selling OLED TVs internationally, but won’t pursue the Japanese market anymore, due to slow sales. Their XEL-1 was the first to hit the market, just two years ago, and sells for 200,000 yen ($2486) in Japan – all 11 inches of it. No wonder they didn’t catch on.
If you were considering a super-slim, super-expensive set this year, then LG’s expected to release a 15-inch model in the States this year – though with the death knell being sounded proceed at your own caution. [Reuters]
matt
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 10:50 AMheh, I don’t think that means they are dead. just that they are too expensive at the moment. not even that! even for the super rich, they aren’t big enough!
sony’s tight for cash, they’ll be back
Steve
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 12:47 PMI agree. Sony aren’t new to the technology business – for them to pull out and never go back just because it’s not profitable now would be incredibly amateurish. They’ll no doubt return to the technology when it’s more commercially viable.
I’d also hazard a guess and say that this is at least partially so that they can focus on 3DTV, the current buzz-word. 3DTV will probably be just as ridiculously expensive as OLED, and it wouldn’t seem wise for them to support two such products at the same time. OLED is largely unknown or misunderstood by the general population – try explaining to your average buyer (or store employee, even) that LED and OLED are not the same – but thanks to Avatar, everyone wants 3D in their home. Not many of those people will actually lay down the big money for a 3DTV anytime soon, but the difference is that they WANT to.
Nato
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 6:53 PMEveryone was saying OLEDs will take over. Bring back the effort to give us SEDs!!