LG to unleash 31-inch 3D OLED TV

LG is expanding its OLED TV line-up with a 31-inch, 3D capable model on show at IFA 2010. The new, super-slim 3D TV will join the company's existing 15-inch model on the market next year and LG says it plans to extend the range even further during 2011.

The 31-inch model is billed as the world's slimmest OLED TV at 2.9cm (1.14-inches) thick and uses passive glasses for 3D viewing. It boasts an "infinite contrast ratio" (the 15-inch is specced at 10,000,000:1), full HD resolution (1920 x 1080), can be viewed from any angle and comes with a folding stand.

OLED TVs have been on the radar as the next big thing in display technology for some time. They offer great contrast, incredible brightness and with no need for backlighting, they are amazingly thin. Sony launched its 11-inch XEL-1 OLED television two years ago, but delayed the release of a planned larger model.

So what's holding back OLED TV? The simple answer is cost. The 11-inch XEL-1 sells for around US$2500 and LG's 15-inch model costs around the same (2000 euro is the expected price in Germany). That's quite an outlay for a small screen, and the 31-inch 3D model is unlikely to come cheap (we've been given a ballpark price of 5000 euros but this is by no means official). It follows that the initial market for these screens will probably be commercial, but once production increases let's hope that prices fall to a realistic level for consumers. Once you've had a taste of these fantastic screens with their amazing sharpness, bright colors, unbeatably black blacks and very impressive 3D performance, you'll want one... I know I do.