Just when you thought TVs couldn’t get any better, a new type of technology shows up to make them even more vivid and detailed.
The technology that sounds like it could be a miracle for conventional LCD TVs is called “quantum dot” and isn’t a new concept, but hasn’t been seen in many TVs. The idea is to use use nanoscopic crystals of different sizes to create more detailed colour when placed in front of an LED backlight, which is used as the light source for the crystals.
When put together on a large panel, this creates a plane of quantum dots, which we’re told will increase colour saturation and choice, enhancing the palette size and meaning TVs relying on the technology could see colour range similar to that of an OLED display, which currently sits at the top of the pile for delivering best in class colour quality.
We don’t expect to see the quantum dots used in OLED TVs, though — there wouldn’t be any reason to, as far as we understand — but you should expect them in the Ultra HD 4K TVs relying on regular LCD and LED technologies.
As far as we understand it, the quantum dot technology employed here could be similar to what Sony has been using recently in some of its displays, which was seen in products as Triluminos. That said, we’re checking to see if LG’s technology is different, and will try to get more information on it ahead of the official unveiling next year.
“Quantum dot’s vibrant and vivid colour reproduction capabilities bring LG’s LED/LCD TVs to the next level when it comes to picture quality,” said In-kyu Lee, LG’s Senior Vice President and Head of the TV and Monitor division.
“The addition of 4K Ultra HD TV with quantum dot technology to our TV lineup positioned under our award-winning OLED TVs further establishes LG as a leading provider of the most diverse and innovative TV display technologies in the industry.”
Pricing for the new displays hasn’t yet been announced, and we can’t imagine we’ll know more until some time in the new year, likely March, but you can expect to hear more about the range early into January when CES 2015 starts.
