LG Defends Viability of OLED TV Technology for HDR Applications

LG Electronics, the world’s strongest OLED TV advocate, defended the viability of OLED technology for high dynamic range applications, against statements by a Dolby Labs researcher that driving higher peak brightness on an OLED display for HDR can seriously reduce the display’s life expectancy. Timo Kunkel, senior color and imaging researcher at Dolby Labs, told a Society of Motion Picture and TV Engineers webinar Thursday that driving higher peak brightness on an OLED display “has been a problem and I think still is” for the display’s lifespan, though he conceded he’s “not really an expert on OLED technologies” (see 1506180042). But an LG spokeswoman emailed us Friday to say OLED technology “is perfectly suited for HDR content.” OLED TVs are alone in their ability to deliver “perfect, absolute black,” the spokeswoman said. “By starting from perfect black, OLED is able to produce the required light ranges at a lower peak brightness, resulting in an exceptional -- and comfortable -- HDR viewing experience,” she said. Since LED-backlit LCD TVs “start at a higher brightness (not perfect black), they have to produce exceedingly bright images to achieve HDR, which could cause significant eye discomfort and strain,” she said. “LG OLED TV will be able to deliver an exceptional HDR experience at a lower peak brightness that will not affect the lifespan of the panel.”