Future of TV: LG's 8K OLED TV doesn't need speakers
What's the story
At the ongoing CES 2019 in Las Vegas, LG Display has showcased a bunch of new OLED displays including the world's first rollable TV. However, the most interesting of the lot is a gigantic 88-inch OLED screen that offers a surreal 8K resolution and can double up as a speaker. Yes, a massive screen with a built-in sound system. Here are the finer details.
At a glance
About LG Display's 88-inch Crystal Sound OLED
The newest 88-inch model comes as an improved version of Crystal Sound OLED screens that were showcased at CES 2017. The 'Crystal Sound' screen technology allows LG Display to integrate a dedicated sound system into the display and hence remove the need for speakers. This 88-inch model is claimed to offer more immersive sound with a 3.2.2-channel Dolby Atmos audio.
Explained
Here's how 'Crystal Sound' OLED screen technology works
Given OLED displays are self-emissive and do not require backlighting, with 'Crystal Sound' screen technology, LG Display is able to embed a sound system into the screen itself. This characteristic of OLED screens allows them to be used as membranes with several exciters packed across the panel. When active, these exciters generate audio through vibrations of the OLED display.
Use case
LG Display plans to use this tech in laptops, monitors
Besides removing the need for a separate speaker or sound bar, the Crystal Sound screen technology offers a more immersive viewing experience. This is because the sound waves beam out from behind the display than side-mounted or bottom-firing speakers. Interestingly, LG Display is also bringing this technology into both laptops and PC monitors. However, there is no word on the timeline.
Information
LG Display has also announced the world's fastest display
At the ongoing CES, LG Display has also showcased a 65-inch 4K panel which is touted to offer the "world's fastest" motion picture response time of 3.5ms. The tech giant says these displays are ideal for watching action movies and sports.