What is an OLED TV?

Christen da Costa Profile image

Written by:

Updated January 21, 2023

Currently, many retailers sell high-end OLEDs as they are among the top-rated TVs. These TV models are considered high-end because of the improved image quality and, sometimes, the screen sizes. However, despite this technology becoming reasonably popular, some consumers may not understand the appeal. So, like many others, you may wonder: what is an OLED TV, and how do these TVs compare to LCD and QLED TVs? Additionally, chances are if you are looking for an OLED or QLED TV you will see a lot of 4K Ultra TVs. If you want to learn more about what that is, check out what is 4K Ultra TV.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • OLED TVs utilize organic, electroluminescent compounds that light up when electricity passes through them.
  • OLED TVs provide sharp colors and extreme blacks for greater contrast.
  • Compared to LCD and QLED TVs, OLED TVs continue to produce better image quality and consistency.

How do OLED TVs work?

Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) TVs feature unique technology. This technology is nothing like other light-emitting diodes (LED,) quantum dot LED (QLED,) and liquid crystal display TVs. Many smartphones use OLED technology as well.

Several different organic carbon compounds, called pixels, sit between an OLED TV panel and a glass screen. These compounds light up when electricity passes through them, an effect called electroluminescence on the picture quality. The electroluminescent materials differ from one color to another. As a result, there is no backlight for an OLED TV, unlike its LED and QLED counterparts.

Some marketing efforts state that OLED TV has infinite contrast ratios. This claim is based upon the fact that pixels, where there is black on the screen, emit no light because they have no electricity passing through them. Because of this fact, OLED TVs have the best contrast ratio. Now that you know how OLEDs work you may want to check out how LED TVs work as well.

OLED vs. LCD TVs

Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are another common type of television available on the market today. These displays are created by passing light through liquid crystals to create the image shown on the screen. If you are looking to buy a new TV you will see that tv screens are made from many materials It can be confusing to try to compare the advantages and disadvantages of them, thankfully, we will explain these to you.

Advantages of OLED vs. LCD

The backlight on an LCD TV is typically light-emitting diodes (LED). Wondering what backlight means on TV? Well, the LED light passes through the crystals, but these liquid crystals cannot block all of the light, which means that the black often becomes muddied. In turn, OLED TVs bring better image quality.

People experience much faster response times while using an OLED set. This responsiveness becomes more critical for gamers and movie lovers. This display technology can make a different during competitive, fast-paced video games, so keep that in mind if you have a gaming hobby or play professionally. In addition, they will see an increased smoothness between images on the television, improving their viewing experience. The price difference is higher with OLEDs, but the excellent picture quality and motion performance can make a big difference as well.

Disadvantages of OLED Vs. LCD TV

The components of the OLED TV often do not produce as much light as the backlighting on an LCD TV, though OLED TVs are still bright. This effect results in less light, which in turn means that the screen won’t be as bright. In specific lighting, LCD TVs are easier to see.

While watching an OLED TV, image retention may occur. This phrase means that an image on the screen for a long time, such as the logo for the news channel you are watching, may show up on other images. However, within a few days, this issue typically resolves itself. Permanent burn-in is possible though with TVs, and if you’re wondering, “Do OLEDs burn-in?”, yes they can, but it’s happening less frequently as the years go on.

OLED TVs, unfortunately, sport higher prices. OLED TVs cost more because they are more expensive to make than LCD TVs. As the materials become more common, the price will drop. However, consumers have to weigh the increased cost against the increased image quality.

QLED Vs. OLED TVs

Manufacturers have introduced another type of technology for televisions in recent years: quantum dot LED (QLED) displays. These QLED displays are a form of LED LCD technology. The main difference between the two comes from the fact that QLED introduces microscopic molecules, called quantum dots, that emit different colored light. A film layer contains these particles, but the LED light travels through this film and the other parts of an LCD display.

Comparatively, QLED and OLED TVs have similar image qualities. This similarity is not a result of the quantum dots. Instead, it results from different backlighting techniques, such as mini-LED backlights and full-array local dimming. However, OLEDs have more consistency in image quality than other TVs.

Like LED TVs, QLED has less impressive black levels than OLED TVs because the light cannot be entirely blocked. Full-array local dimming has improved these levels in QLED TVs, but this is still an issue. Additionally, an OLED TV is not as bright as a QLED, though it does offer more uniform screens with fidelity from most angles. Also, you can check out what is tv class if you see this on your OLED TV.

Advantages of OLED TVs

Although QLED TVs provide a pretty good alternative to OLED TVs, many still consider OLED televisions better. This opinion relies upon the sharp contrast between colors and depth of the blacks seen on OLED TVs that produces fantastic picture quality. The difference in brightness between OLED and both LCD and QLED occurs at such a level that most don’t notice it. The exception to this belief is in well-lit rooms or direct sunlight where you can see the extra brightness more clearly.

Some consumers decide that the image quality is worth the price, especially in the larger range of sizes. These people may find that their OLED is better than LCD/LED TVs in most instances because of the consistency between different wider viewing angles, the contrast between colors, and the overall responsiveness and smoothness of the display. The wider range of viewing angles can make a positive difference if you plan on having many people watching your TV at once. However, like other types of TVs, they are still susceptible to problems like if the screen turns green. We have information on that as well other problems, you just need tv repair parts and you can fix a lot of problems yourself.

F.A.Q.

How good are the colors on an OLED TV?

Because OLED TVs use specific organic materials that produce their light to create the image seen on the screen, OLED TVs have high contrast ratios. This contrast can be seen in the sharp colors and deep blacks.


Are OLED TVs good for watching sports?

OLED televisions are suitable for watching sports because of their high responsiveness and smoothness rates.


So what’s organic about OLEDs?

The electroluminescent components that produce both the light and color in OLED TVs are organic.



STAT: According to LG’s spokesman: “We have secured a lifespan for OLED TVs of more than 50,000 hours, which is generally longer than conventional TVs.” (source)

Christen da Costa Profile image