LG Invests in OLED, Production to Triple by 2011

Liquid crystal displays are, currently, the most convenient mainstream solution because they allow monitors and TVs to be not only capable of high quality images, but also become thinner than previous-generation solutions. There is, however, one drawback that this technology hasn't surpassed, namely its reliance on LED backlighting. Granted, at present, LED is the most efficient form of backlighting applicable to the mainstream, but an even more efficient way would be to eliminate the need for it altogether, especially when image quality is enhanced in the process.

Lack of need for backlights and higher picture quality is exactly what OLED screens boast. Short for organic light emitting diodes, displays based on this technology are known for being, while somewhat more expensive, significantly slimmer and better at producing images. This is possible because OLED uses compounds containing carbon, which produce light when electricity is applied. Obviously, the lack of backlighting also means a lower power draw. Light emitting diodes, on the other hand, use up additional power than what is used by the screen itself (albeit low compared to previous solutions).

OLED's ability to produce its own light has allowed IT companies to make capable and thin smartphones and high-end mobile phones over the past few years. These products have sold because, since they have a small screen, the added cost (compared to what it would have been if LCD had been used) is more or less negligible. This does not apply to larger format displays, however, which is exactly why OLED TVs are so expensive, even more so than larger LCDs.

LG seems intent on accelerating the widespread adoption of OLED. To illustrate this, the South Korea-based company will invest 250 billion won ($225.7 million) in the technology, with the final goal being to triple its production capacity by the second half of 2011. This will let OLED spread to other markets, including that of large-sized displays (such as flat-screen TVs), especially if the display maker refines its manufacturing process and makes it less costly.