CRT or tube television suited the needs of viewers for several decades. Plasma and LCD came along in more recent years competing for the affections of television buyers. These newer entrants on the market offer a slim design and the ability to enjoy a theater like experience with enormous screens that don't require an entire room for set up.
For the millions of consumers still holding out on purchasing a new plasma or LCD television despite their falling prices over the past couple of years, there will of course be other technologies evolve in the not so distant future to further complicate the decision when selecting a new set. Becoming acquainted with at least the names of a few of the technologies on the horizon may help prepare buyers for what is sure to follow in a crowded marketplace.
OLED
OLED is the acronym for organic light-emitting diode. The technology was originally developed years ago by Eastman Kodak and is used for both light sources and television. Sony is one of several companies hoping to bring this technology to market. Images are produced via the electro-phosphorescent properties of certain organic materials. No back light is required in an OLED television. In addition to television, OLED may be used on small screens such as on cell phones, MP3 players, and digital cameras.
An OLED television (active matrix) will use less power than the average LCD television. They offer a superior range of color and brightness as well as a wider viewing angle. These televisions are lighter weight, thinner, and yet more durable. The most significant drawback to an OLED television in this early phase is their lifetime. The longevity of some of the LEDs (the blue component) is only 3,000 to 5,000 hours at this time. Once manufacturing technology advances are made, it is anticipated that OLED televisions will have a much more competitive lifespan.
SED
SED is a surface conduction electron-emitter display, a technology reportedly being pursued primarily by Toshiba and Canon. SED uses an electron emitter for each subpixel to light up the phosphors in the display and operates similarly to a CRT display. Unlike a CRT television however, SED provides a much thinner and flatter screen.
An SED television is said to have a long working life, with only a 10% reduction in emitters after 60,000 hours. They use significantly less power than traditional LCD and plasma screens and possess excellent contrast ratio and brightness. Unlike LCD, an SED television does not experience lag (blurring during fast action scenes) and provides a 180 degree viewing angle. Like early plasma sets however, an SED television may be at risk for burn in.
Laser based Television
Mitsubishi may be unveiling its new laser based HDTV models by the end of the year.
The television is a slimmed down rear projection model that will reportedly rival the space saving design of plasma and LCD screens. Said to be only 10” deep they should not be too imposing in any room. It is also anticipated that they will be lighter in weight, due in part to their lightweight plastic screen versus traditional glass.
According to the manufacturer, other attractive features include improvements in picture quality. These sets are said to offer better color content and blacker blacks than current technologies. In addition, this new laser based television reportedly consumes significantly less power and is expected to be priced well below that of similarly sized plasma or LCD screens.
FED
Another potential leader for the future is FED (field emission display). Sony is currently behind the FED push.
FED television is said to operate more like a CRT set but offers the flatter, thinner display like LCD and plasma. They use a more efficient emitter (carbon nanotubes) and can therefore create a higher resolution picture than an LCD, use significantly less power than a plasma, and display fast motion without blurring.
The good news of course is that the evolution of television technologies should present some options that offer outstanding viewing and yet are affordable for the average consumer. Only time will tell which technologies will actually reach the market and whether or not actual performance will match current expectations.
Related Articles
Understanding Marketing Tax Deductions
By: Richard A. Chapo | 09/09/2005 | Advertising
Other media to sell your products or
services. You should be deducting all of the associated costs on
your tax returns.
Ordinary Marketing Expenses
Marketing costs must.
A Deep Look at Soap Operas
By: Randall Ulbricht | 28/01/2006 | Art and Entertainment
Here is a humorous look at soap operas 36 years ago. See how closely it mirrors today's offerings. This will also show an author how NOT to run sentences on.
Features To look For When You Buy A DVD Player
By: Jim Johnson | 06/04/2006 | Technology
It's not hard to see why DVD players have taken the video world by storm. All you have to do is watch a movie on DVD and then watch that same movie on VHS tape instead. The difference can be startling.
Is Satellite Television Really Cheaper Then Cable Television?
By: Robert Michael | 20/07/2006 | Advertising
With the growing popularity of satellite technology I had to ask myself is satellite television really cheaper then cable television. To be quite honest I was rather skeptical before I sat down and did the math.
Celebrities On Reality Tv
By: Tk Healey | 23/09/2006 | Art and Entertainment
Celebrities and their families on reality tv. Meet the Osbournes. Hogan Knows Best. Watch Christopher Knight (aka Peter Brady) and Adrian Curry get married. Anna Nicole Smith and Dog The Bounty Hunter also got involved with reality television.
Battle of the ‘record' Legends
By: Samuel Hary | 24/11/2006 | Music
This Christmas the sun is shining on every music lover out there in UK. The ‘greatest hits' compilations of bands such as The Beatles, U2, Westlife and Oasis are available in the market and the fans are a confused lot. Let's try and figure out that in this cold weather what is hot and what's not so...
Satellite Tv On Pc: The Basics
By: Drew Surrey | 09/02/2007 | Art and Entertainment
When it comes to watching TV on your computer, you can go down one of two roads: the hardware one or the software one. If you take the hardware road, what you're going to buy is called a TV-PC tuner card. This comes either as a card that you install...
Fearmongering In The Media
By: Mauro | 03/04/2007 | Art and Entertainment
Having recently watched "Bowling for Columbine" for the 2nd time, I still remain chilled with emotion regarding the events leading up to the making of the film. And although many years have passed since the actual incident, the proximity of such chaos remains close.
Why is that?
Why is it that in...
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
There was a summer series on cable called the 3300 ...
By: Jonah Boyd | 20-07-2008
there was a summer series on cable called the 3300 about people missing and returned years later. Is this show been cancelled?
Using a Direct TV HD receiver for non HD programming
By: Bob | 20-07-2008
Because of trees I cannot get Direct TV HD. I have A Pioneer Plasma and the reception coming thru with a regular non HD Direct TV receiver is adequate at best. I also have HD cable which gives me beautiful reception, but unfortunately I also need the satellite. Would there be any improvement in reception if I got an HD Direct TV receiver and used the component outputs instead of the SVHS outputs I am using now on my non HD Direct TV receiver. Thank for any help you can give.
Repvacement LCD for Sylvania TV
By: BigDawg | 20-07-2008
Can I purchase a replacement LCD for a Sylvania 15" TV/DVD, model #SSL15D5
Promos
By: Jeanne | 20-07-2008
Why do you think it's necessary to have a promo appear at the bottom of your t.v. screen for an entire movie? It's very distracting - especially if it's a beautiful movie like Phantom of the Opera. For the whole movie there was an advertisement for Tori and Dean. I'll be looking for my movies on a different channel from now on - preferably one with no ads.
There is a biographical documentary called "Martha ...
By: Sonja | 19-07-2008
There is a biographical documentary called "Martha Gellhorn - On The Record", a Peter Williams Television Production. Is it possible to order a copy? I am just a complete fan of Gellhorn after reading her letters andd want to learn more about her and her life. My e-mail: descritor2@aol.com
Sonja Dubinsky
How to have your own reality show without being ...
By: briamccray | 19-07-2008
how to have your own reality show without being famous
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Electronics Articles
Buying A HDTV - What To Do?
By: Koz Huseyin | 24/07/2008
We can either be uninformed consumers or we can be informed consumers when buying a HDTV set. There is nothing wrong with the first, but by being an informed consumer when buying a HDTV, you will find that you save more, you are richer, and you also get a better deal.
Kodak Easyshare Z885 Zoom Digital Camera
By: Monty Alexander | 24/07/2008
Kodak Easyshare Z885 Zoom Digital Camera has many features i.e. high ISO (up to 8000),5X optical zoom lens,8.1 mega pixels, digital image stabilization, smart scene mode, Kodak perfect touch technology, 2.5 in. (6.4 cm) indoor/outdoor color display, advanced video features and many more.
Coolness is Now on Vogue With Frost Free Refrigerators
By: Raisa Raima | 24/07/2008
With the global advancement and increasing technologies, the basic needs of common man have also come to it's heights. With changing lifestyle, now frost free refrigerators are on vogue in world refrigerator market.
Free Wii Games
By: Bry Supknowl | 23/07/2008
Looking for free wii games? Check this out now...
Electricity - Power to the People
By: Liam G | 23/07/2008
The following article should prove useful to anyone wishing to know more about electricity. It explains how electricity in generated and delivered to its destination.
How Domestic Wiring Have Progressed
By: Anna Stenning | 23/07/2008
Taking a brief look at the electrical supply in the house, what to do in a flood situation and how they are installed into new homes.
Electricity – How it Came to be
By: Liam G | 23/07/2008
The following article should prove useful to anyone wishing to know more about electricity. It highlights the progression that electricity has made over the years.
Canon Powershot a 640 Digital Camera
By: Monty Alexander | 23/07/2008
This 10-mega pixel digital camera comes with a CCD sensor, has 4x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom. ,"It has a 2.5-inch large LCD screen, optical viewfinder and a self-timer. The optical viewfinder saves battery life and helps to focus better in dark conditions and bright light. This camera has underwater shooting mode where a waterproof case allows for underwater shooting at depths to 40 mtrs. It comes with a 32 MB SD card and can be upgraded with either a Secured Digital or a Multi Media card.
Technology 
