Sony's XEL-1

Sony's XEL-1

The world's first OLED TV was Sony's XEL-1 back in December 2007. The XEL-1 was actually more of a technology prototype than a commercial set - it's a small TV (11"), expensive (around 2,500$) and was only produced in small quantities. The picture quality, colors and contrast were great.

Thinness: Proposes new TV form factor measuring approximately 3mm thinness (at its thinnest point)

As OLEDs are light-emitting, there is no need for a separate light source such as a backlight system. Sony's "Organic Panel" consists of an organic material layer of just several hundred nanometers thickness, with two extremely thin glass panels aligned on either side of the organic material layer. This realizes a new TV form factor measuring approximately 3mm at its thinnest point.

High contrast: Reproduces realistic images using exquisite shades of black and flexible control of color tone and gradation

With its light-emitting structure, the OLED display can prevent light emission when reproducing shades of black, enabling "XEL-1" to reproduce very deep blacks (contrast ratio 1,000,000:1). Furthermore, XEL-1 can control all the phases of light emission from zero to peak brightness, generating color expression and subtleties conventional displays cannot match.

High peak brightness: Faithfully reproduces picture glow

"Super Top Emission," a technology unique to Sony and incorporated in its "Organic Panel" has a high aperture ratio which allows for efficient light emission from the organic materials, realizing high peak brightness. This enables "XEL-1" to faithfully reproduce light flow such as reflections of sun light or camera flashlights through the image reproduced on the display.

Excellent color reproduction: Delivers pure and vivid colors in both dark and bright images

In order to use OLED to generate the full spectrum of Sony's TV color requirements, Sony developed its own proprietary organic materials, with bright coloration. In addition, the micro-cavity structure of "Super Top Emission" and the color extracting technology within its embedded color filter enable "XEL-1" to reproduce natural colors beautifully. As a result, the fresh colors of ripe fruit and shades of deep cobalt blue can be stunningly reproduced. The "Organic Panel" can also sustain its color reproduction capability in scenes of diminished brightness, enabling "XEL-1" to faithfully recreate even dark movie scenes using the colors that were originally intended.

Rapid response time: Smoothly reproduces fast moving images such as sports scenes

Since OLED can spontaneously turn the light emitted from the organic material layer on and off, OLED is capable of very rapid response times. Newly developed OLED drive circuits enable "XEL-1" to reproduce fast moving images such as sports scenes smoothly and naturally.

Low power consumption

OLED does not require a separate light source due to its light-emitting structure, therefore it can be powered using very low voltages. This means that OLED TVs consume extremely low levels of power compared with other display devices. The power consumption of "XEL-1" is as low as 45W.'