LG Electronics launches OLED TV thinner than normal smartphone

LG Electronics launches OLED TV thinner than normal smartphone. August. 03, 2015 07:17. lovesong@donga.com.

A "thickness war" is launched in the TV market.

LG Electronics has recently released three models of the 55-inch OLED TV (pictured) with the thickness of 4.8 millimeters. The 4.8-mm thickness is about the only TV screen except for the back parts such as an air outlet and USB ports. Given that a normal smartphone’s screen thickness is around 6-7 millimeters, the LG OLED TV is thinner than smartphones.

At LG’s electronic shops across the nation, the OLED TV is displayed in the air, supported by wires connected to the ceiling. As the TV is thin and light, a 55-inch OLED TV weighs mere 14 kilograms.

In line with rapidly growing TV market in China, LG Electronics plans to focus on thin OLED TVs equipped with many functions. The Korean electronics company has set a goal to commercialize a paper-thin TV that can be attached to the wall like wallpaper, a display panel sufficiently flexible to cover a cylindrical surface, and a screen, which is transparent enough to see through.

Japanese electronics giant Sony has recently unveiled Bravia 4K LCD TV X900C and X910C with the thickness of 4.9 millimeters. As an LCD TV needs to beam light behind the panel, it has to be thicker than an OLED TV, which utilizes organic compounds to produce light. But Sony has shaved thickness of each layer that consists of a TV screen to produce an LCD TV slimmer than 5 millimeters.

However, Samsung Electronics, another Korea’s multinational electronics company, is away from the competition for thickness. Its flagship SUHD TV is in the thickness of 6-9 millimeters, which is thicker than the competitors’. Samsung Electronics is reportedly planning to focus on quality enhancement of its existing products rather than focusing on development of a new technology.

“The display division will focus on creating new customers through popularization of premium products by launching TV models at affordable prices,” said Jeong Yeong-rak, director of Samsung Electronics’ Display Division, at the announcement of the company’s earnings for the second quarter on Thursday.

Consumers welcome thin OLED TVs as an OLED TV does not lead to a big accident when it collapses thanks to its light and thin shape. However, market research firm Display Search recently pointed out that it is not clear whether many would pay extra for a thinner set since a TV is not an item to carry around.