On Friday, my good friend, Ted Green, posted on his Strata-Gee site that Samsung was cutting their investment into the OLED. More to the point, they are halting plans to build an OLED exclusive factory. This factory would help ramp up production of large format OLED displays. Instead, they will focus on producing high-quality LCD panels.
This all hinges on the difficulty of producing the OLED displays on a factory production line. There are great minds who can create some of the most wonderful technological magic in the lab. However, these geniuses are not concerned with how to make these wonders en mass. That takes a different sort of engineering mind. There are times when the product of a genius simply cannot be produced for the masses in a way that makes economic sense. This is where OLED currently sits.
I say currently because there are many smart people out there. There may come a day when OLED production is as common and well-known as producing pencils or paper products. When that day comes I will celebrate with all the others waiting for the OLED large display. This does not mean the end of OLED altogether, though. Think smaller.
As was mentioned on AVWeek Episode 142, the saving grace of OLED may very well be the mobile market. Producing a four inch display is markedly easier than producing a 42 or 80-inch television. This is where those of us who are bullish on OLED will get our fix for the time being. Whether it is the latest Samsung Android phone or the next generation of iPad, the OLED has a place in the small, mobile technology market. Not only are the colors richer and brighter, they displays are almost impossible to break. Take a look at this video that features a live video on an OLED display while someone pounds it with a hammer. Tell me you wouldn’t have an issue giving a display to a child when they can’t be shattered like is so often the case.
One bright spot came over the weekend. Apparently LG is still advertising the OLED displays. At least at Texas Rangers games.
So, while those who have been waiting for an OLED display are saddened to hear of the Samsung decision, and earlier this year the Sony / Panasonic split due to this same thing, we are hopeful. Josh Srago points out on AVWeek Episode 142 that once the public gets these OLED tablets and phones they will demand the same quality of picture in their large format displays. They may demand it, but until the logistical and economic hurdles are overcome the public might as well demand hover board skateboards; or is that supposed to be next year?
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. Have a great week.