OLED or 4K; which way should you go? With an onslaught of new TV technology presented this year at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES), there are a few things a consumer should know. We will attempt to break down the pros and cons of both and the options that each tech is available in.
To start with, Sony, LG and Panasonic introduced new sets this year for both categories. Sony released their 84-inch Bravia XBR-84X900 for around $25,000 and LG introduced their 84-inch 84LM9600 4K version for around $20,000 to start. There are some online retailers that you can get them for much less (LG being one of them for about $17,000).
Now the important part; 4K will probably become the resolution standard just as 1080p did for the TVs today. So just what is 4K? Well, it’s a much higher resolution, the kind you watch iMax movies in (3840x2160p) for LG’s beast and the same for Sony’s.
The catch is there is currently no 4K content (movies) available, so you will have to watch them all in the current resolution of 1080p.
For the other technology, LG has released an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) TV that is basically display technology that gives deeper color.
So what does all this mean? It basically means do you want a deeper picture viewing experience or sharpness. If you are going crazy trying to figure out which one to save up for, well, just wait. Sony and Panasonic have teamed up to provide a 4K/OLED TV, so you get the best of both worlds. You can imagine though, the price is going to be extra pricey for now.
Here is one of the key features to remember when trying to decide on which TV you would want to save for; there is NOT any 4K content out there right now. Additionally, there is no evidence yet that Broadcast Stations, such as ABC, CBS and NBC will want to start making content (due to costs) when consumers are just now starting to use to 1080p content.
Also, don’t expect any awesome movie content to be released any time soon from big time movie companies. The cost there still outweighs the rewards of profits. So, keep that in mind when you go to save, who knows, by the time either TV can really be afforded there might be at least one big movie to watch, over and over again.
At least with the OLED technology you can watch the current programs without feeling guilty that you spent money on something you really can’t even use, at least not for a few more years. The biggest potential down fall with the OLEDs is the screen burn in if left on or from a TV station that constantly leaves up their station logo. It is guaranteed to upset someone when a shadow shows up on everything they watch, from TV to movies.
With all new technology, it is sometimes best to wait for the bugs to get worked out, however, if you are the type that needs the “next big” thing, well, you have some information to help with as you research more.
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