December marks the commercial launch of the world's first ultra-thin television using organic light emitting diode (OLED) technology, according to its manufacturer, the Sony Corp.
The next generation television has a screen with a thickness of just three millimeters (0.12 inches), which was made possible because the organic display is self-luminescent and does not require a backlight. The screens, which sandwich a very thin layer of organic material between two plates, use less power and offer brighter images and wider viewing angles than liquid crystal display panels.
The television, which is 25.1 centimeters (9.9 inches) wide and 14.1 centimeters (5.6 inches) tall, will have a price tag of 200,000 yen (US$1,740).
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"Going forward, Sony will progressively develop its OLED TV business" alongside its existing line of 'BRAVIA' televisions, the company said.
Competition in flat-panel displays is heating up, with electronics manufacturers vying over several different types. Sony was initially left trailing by its rivals in the fast-growing flat-television market, but has since made a strong comeback. In August, Sony announced plans to introduce a new lineup of "BRAVIA" flat-screen televisions, including the largest on the market, in a bid to boost sales at its mainstay electronics business.
Sony, which changed the way the world listens to music with the Walkman, has struggled in recent years against innovative new products like Apple's iPod and Nintendo's Wii.
Its earnings were hit hard last year by recalls of faulty computer batteries and the huge cost of developing its PlayStation 3 game console. But it expects a strong recovery in earnings this year after a major overhaul including thousands of job cuts.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2007
